VOTE NOW: Meet SEQ‘s power couples making a difference
Success and drive is contagious for these 30 grassroot power couples from across South East Queensland. SEE WHO MADE THE LIST AND VOTE
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From tireless philanthropists, small business owners, entrepreneurs, community advocates and big hearted volunteers, southeast Queensland is home to a multitude of power couples.
With a drive for success and a mind for business, these South-East Queensland power couples are making their mark on the region and beyond.
Here, we list more than 30 inspirational couples who are using their influence and skills to succeed and make change.
Find out who they are and then scroll to the bottom of the list to tell us which power couple you believe is having the biggest influence on the region.
NATE AND MARIA HAMON
Eagleby father Nate has played a role in Logan as a podcaster, volunteer, educator, family man, fitness trainer, and frontman for band Mayan Fox.
He was a founder and on the advisory board of Logan Live but has also been part of the Beenleigh Centre Advisory Group and a program facilitator of Loganholme Young Men.
Mr Hamon was an organiser with Helping Hands Eagleby South and a team leader during the horrendous, 2017 Logan floods.
His art work and creativity was on display when he formed Art Revolution and put up murals on the fence of the Beenleigh State High School.
He has also made many alliances with his work at Beenleigh PCYC and as a project board member of the Beenleigh Community Gardens.
His ventures with Cafe Lime, a not-for-profit cafe has also helped many causes in Logan.
He has also held positions, including vice-chairperson on the Beenleigh State High School P&C and on the Windaroo State School P&C.
The self-proclaimed foodie has also written a children’s book called Twinkle.
Equally impressive, his wife Maria manages and performs with Mayan Fox and continues to write songs and collaborate with several artists including local band Sequel Gruve, Gold Coast producer Nam Tae and more.
Together the pair ran a successful Fitness RTO (Fitness Training Academy) for over 10 years.
TANYA AND JASON TITMAN
After graduating with a CQUniversity Bachelor of Business in 1991, Jason began his corporate career with KPMG as a computer and corporate auditor.
Establishing himself as a sought-after business leader, he led the growth of several nationally awarded hotel and property redevelopments.
Jason moved on to become an investor in the professional services and technology space as a key driver in companies that have created over $300 million in value and exits for business partners, shareholders and founders.
Jason was the inaugural Chair of the Mater Hospital Future Fund and the Moreton Bay Colleges Foundation.
Wife Tanya is Chief Digital and Innovation Partner at BDO Australia.
She has over 20 years experience in the accounting industry.
Tanya is the founder of a financial education business and has her own interest in working closely with high growth and SME businesses to improve their financial literacy.
She is a Fellow of the Certified Practicing Accountants Australia and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Griffith University.
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ALEC MCEWAN AND GABI HORSBOROUGH
They have become a real estate dream team, helping countless families achieve their property dreams.
Supporting herself from a young age, Gabi came to McGrath Estate Agents after starting her career at City Beach as a 16-year-old.
She held down two jobs for two years, working in real estate since 2018 in administration before moving up to leasing manager, assistant property manager and now works as operations manager for the McGrath Cleveland office.
Alec finished his schooling at the Australian Trade College and did an apprenticeship in mechanics, working for Midas Tingalpa and also Barton’s Motors.
During his time in the workshop it was realised he had exceptional customer service skills.
He started working when he was 14 years old, at a motorbike shop, and used to race them too.
From a young age he was interested in anything mechanical and has bought and sold many cars and done many complete engine rebuilds and has a hobby monster truck he does “frightening” things with behind the wheel.
Alec then changed tact to move into real estate.
Alec sold the most expensive house in Wynnum with his mother in April 2023 for $3,750,000 which broke a record by over $900,000.
Many weekends see him in the paper with auction activity and some excellent results.
Alec sold a car when he was 16 “subject to sale of another car with a non-refundable deposit”.
He bought his first house with Gabi when he was 21.
DEBBIE AND STEVE HAIM
Deception Bay couple Debbie and Steve Haims have brought love and stability to the lives of more than 100 foster children in the past 20 years, earning them a top award.
The Haims have provided emergency and long-term placement care for up to 10 children at a time in their six-bed home where they even converted a garage into an indoor play area.
The couple was honoured at the annual Queensland Child Protection Week Awards ceremony on August 30.
The awards recognised people who have committed their lives to creating a better place for children who have been harmed or were at-risk of harm.
The Haims have changed the fortune of children with complex needs and major behavioural issues, with their good deeds — even saving a stripper from a life on the streets.
The couple also fell in love with Jacob, a high-needs non-verbal child they first met when he was five.
Jacob, now 18, was supposed to be a short-term placement but they are now his legal guardians.
LIZ AND GORDON MACGREGOR
Liz and Gordon began dating in 2006 and lived and worked in Scotland, Thailand and Australia.
They decided to settle in Scotland for a period of time before Liz’s sister in Australia was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
They moved to Melbourne in 2013 as a result, Gordon was working his dream job at a top restaurant in Scotland at the time.
The pair moved to Redlands in 2017 before Gordon was made redundant by the NKB group.
After getting married and having their first child, they started a catering business, Entire Catering in 2020, two weeks prior to Covid, which is where the success of their business began.
In 2021 they took on the restaurant and coffee shop at Wellington Point Farmhouse, located on one of the last remaining farms in the Redlands and part of a commercial development with the view of sustaining the farming future of Wellington Point Farm.
Their second child arrived in 2022 and they’re about to celebrate two years in business at Wellington Point.
Gordon is the dedicated chef behind the talent and success of the Farmhouse so far.
He began cooking at 14 and represented Scotland around the world with the Scottish Federations of Chef in amongst multiple achievements and awards throughout his career in Scotland.
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KATIE AND ADAM BOLTON
Katie and Adam have three children and commenced their power couple journey in 2020, when Adam quit his job as an air conditioning technician and started his own business, Air Elite Group.
Adam recognised that customers wanted to be given choices, options, and explanations with their trade services and within three months of starting his business by himself, he turned over double his yearly income and grew a large customer base in the Redlands.
He needed help and so Katie left her job to assist with the business.
From there they have employed steadily administration staff, air conditioning technicians and electricians.
The Bolton’s have been able to guide one of our apprentices to be runner up in Air Conditioning apprentice of the year in 2021.
They now work from Hervey Bay to Byron Bay for all Air Conditioning and Electrical services.
In 2022, Katie began volunteering for the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce and am on the committee for the Redlands Women in Business.
Katie is now the Secretary for the Redland Coast Chamber of Commerce.
In January 2023, they purchased their first commercial warehouse in Capalaba, where they now work and the business has flourished.
REBECCA AND GRAHAM MATTHEWS
The New Zealand couple have two teenage boys as well as being foster parents for many years.
The pair run The Mind and Body Co. a partnership bringing together shared passions to coach, challenge, and champion their clients on their journey to health, wealth, and happiness.
Graham is a personal trainer, based out of the Anytime Fitness in Wynnum.
Rebecca is a mindset/transformation coach.
Both have built a successful business after leaving corporate roles to follow their passions.
The pair has won a number of awards in the industry and are currently nominated for three awards in the ‘Bayside community awards’.
Rebecca is a massive advocate for local small business as well as women in business.
She was the president of the local Wynnum BNI chapter for two years and now proud to be the president of the South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce.
SUZIE AND BEN TAFOLO
Ben and Suzie Tafolo are the dynamic duo behind a family-run real estate agency in Alex Hills.
Ben boasts an impressive 22 years of experience in the real estate industry, while Suzie has been an integral part of the team for the past decade.
Together, they’ve cultivated a strong presence in their community, emphasising community engagement.
Ben leads a dedicated team of five, with Suzie actively contributing her knowledge and experience to their success.
His background includes real estate training and a collection of multiple awards.
Suzie, a force to be reckoned with, has spent the last three-and-a-half-years years serving on the board of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, with the past year as its president.
As part of her commitment to the community, Suzie is actively involved in the Regional Jobs Committee, where she identifies barriers to business and employment across the region.
She also contributes time to Capalaba Rotary Club on their board.
Suzie’s achievements this year alone are nothing short of impressive.
She’s been recognised as a finalist for the Redlands Australia Day Awards in the categories of Local Hero and Citizen of the Year, and she’s also earned the prestigious Star Community Volunteer of the Year award.
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TINA AND PETER NASH
Tina and Peter Nash immigrated to Australia in 2010 from Staffordshire in the UK.
Peter is a qualified plumber gasfitter and also holds a builders license for bathrooms renovations.
While working for someone full time, Peter went to tafe to transfer his skills to meet the qualifications of Queensland.
Since then he has become a proud owner of bathroom renovation company Bathrooms2nv which has won awards.
This has now evolved into a family business with his son working alongside him.
Wife Tina just opened her own business selling gift boxes, called a Dash of Local gift boxes.
Each gift has local products in them, in an effort to support other small local businesses too.
The pair is involved in their local “chambers” and Tina is a committee member.
She is also part of the breakfast team for Redlands Women in Business as well as taking up the role of chair of the membership and sponsor team.
Tina is part of Facebook groups that have done as much as possible to promote local businesses.
They actively promote, support and recommend local goods and services.
BARNEY AND MELINDA KOLTAI
Melinda and Barney are both from Hungary but met in Australia and started their business, Light Planning Media in 2020.
They specialise in creating complete media strategies for clients, including business videos and images that work as a system and provide a strong online presence.
On a community level, they’re intertwined with local events and causes.
Melinda volunteers with Bayside Women in Business and is involved with the South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, offering photography skills for their events.
Melinda also holds an event and coordinator role at her local BNI chapter, where she organises social events and assists with social media endeavours.
Barney and Melinda are sponsors of Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC), a non-profit that propels women in the construction sector, to whom they offer discounted media content, strategy, and continual support in photography and videography.
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ALAN AND DEBBIE LEMAY
Debbie is the executive support and administration lead at Infoxchange, a for-purpose organisation dedicated to implementing technology for social justice.
Before assuming her role at Infoxchange, Debbie held positions as a fundraising administrator manager and business services team leader.
In December of last year, Debbie’s outstanding contributions were acknowledged with the CEO Award, recognising her embodiment of the organisation’s values of commitment, collaboration, and accountability.
Alan commenced with organisation The Smith Family in January 2014 and brings more than 20 years’ experience in not-for-profit leadership, including three years as a senior fundraising consultant.
Alan’s previous experience includes 17 years at Teen Challenge, initially as the Queensland Prevention and Outreach Coordinator, subsequently appointed to State Executive Director and culminating in a three-year term as National Director.
Alan has formal qualifications in youth work, workplace training and assessment, alcohol and other Drugs work, a Graduate Certificate in Business and has recently completed a Masters in Business (Philanthropic & Not for Profit Studies) at QUT.
Alan has recently concluded a three-year term as an Executive Member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (EFIA) and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
Both Alan and Debbie have worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years.
DAMIAN AND SARAH HACKETT
During his career, Damian has negotiated in excess of one billion dollars’ worth of property sales.
Damian, a trained accountant, has been involved in residential real estate and business ownership since 1991.
He opened an agency in Morningside in Brisbane’s east and it evolved into Place Estate Agents in 2002.
Now, along with his business partners including wife Sarah and co-founder Paul Curtain, he oversees the operation and growth of the entire Place business in Brisbane.
Sarah is a real estate powerhouse in Brisbane and was the highest earning female agent in the state.
Sarah has been in the industry for 25 years and runs Place Estate Agents with her husband.
She is also the principal of Place New Farm.
She specialises in selling luxury apartments and riverfront homes, and in the 2021-2022 financial year sold 84 properties worth a whopping $322 million.
Sarah is consistently recognised among the top female agents in the state, having recently won the award for the ‘Most Influential Woman in the Property Market’ at REA’s 2023 AREAs.
One of her biggest sales this year was a waterfront property in Virginia Ave, Hawthorne, which fetched $11 million-plus.
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HAYLEY VAN DE VEN AND DANIEL ELLIOTT
Hayley Van De Ven owns one of Remax Australia’s most highly acclaimed offices, Remax Results in Morningside.
She’s also the principal at Remax Alexandra Hills, Cleveland and until recently Mackay.
Hayley joined the property industry 20 years ago as a cadet straight out of high school.
Her grandmother Joy Haigh was one of New Zealand’s first female agents.
In 2016 she purchased Remax Results before growing the market share 20 per cent and opening her second office in Mackay in 2017.
Hayley has overseen more than 3000 property sales across Queensland and balances being a mother-of-two and community ambassador.
Daniel is in sales and marketing at Remax Bayside-Results, Morningside alongside Hayley.
He joined the real estate brand after 10 years in the construction sales and property investment industry.
Daniel has won a stack of awards for Remax including: Remax Chairmans 2021/2022, Rate My Agent Seven Hills Agent of The Year 2022, Remax Platinum 2019-2020 and Remax Rookie of Year, 2016.
JACINE GREENWOOD AND DAVID DRUMMOND
Jacine served in the Australian military for three years and was a registered nurse.
She has since become a beauty therapist — a career she has enjoyed for 27 years — and was self-taught on cosmetic chemistry.
She developed the business Roccoco Botanicals, based at Yatala on the Gold Coast.
In September 2022, Roccoco Botanicals’ 7-in-1 Ruby Crystal Cleanser was awarded the highest prize in Beauty with a Cosmetics & Toiletries (C&T) Allē Award in New York.
In 2021 the Gold Coast company made the Fast 100 list by the AFR.
In 2022 and 2023 the company was named by the Financial Times as an Asia Pacific fastest growing company.
Jacine is a winner in the 2023 Women Changing the World Awards, which was announced in April in London.
Roccoco Botanicals turns over $4.2 million in product sales annually, and amazingly, Ms Greenwood has made these achievements while dealing with chronic pain.
Husband David is the general manager of Roccoco Botanicals.
David has a Masters of Occupational Health and Safety and is a highly skilled auditor.
He is involved in the set-up of Roccoco’s warehouse and manufacturing from an efficiency and safety perspective.
He is involved in the registration of IP and any legal matters of the business.
David has made acquaintance with the local councils and built relationships with them, which has fostered opportunities in business connections and government grants.
He attends regular events held by the council and state government, which has given the business a lead into the Indian market now for export.
The Gold Coast City Council personally invited him to an event that was for food, knowing that the person presenting also knew about cosmetics.
David also found another avenue of expansion in the USA.
Roccoco now has its product on another platform online because of his keen research, with online platform Beauty Bridge taking on Roccoco’s brand.
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STEVE AND KATHY CASEY
Steve and Kathy are all about volunteering their time and expertise to support grassroots cricket.
President of at least 16 years at the Albany Creek Cricket Club, Steve has also had roles on the Brisbane North Junior Cricket Association Inc. committee, coaching rep sides, and growing grassroots cricket.
Steve was awarded Brisbane North’s Volunteer of the Month for December 2016.
Steve has been key in upgrading the club facilities and co-ordinating the Friday night junior program, Master Blaster.
Steve, a productive committee member of the BNJCA, has also been the convener Brisbane North’s ‘Ian Healy Cup’ since 2005
In 2022, the Albany Creek Cricket Club unveiled a new bench seat on the eastern side of the ground under the fig tree to honour Steve and Kathy, for all the hard work they’ve put into the club over the past 17 years.
BRENDON MANN AND BRENDAN SMITH
Brendon, the founder and CEO of Epic Hair Designs, has revolutionised the hairdressing industry for over 16 years, owning 15 salons across the region and with another one soon to open its doors in Carseldine.
His partner, Brendan Smith, is a senior broadcast journalist for Channel 10 News with more than 10 years’ experience in television and media.
Their influence, however, extends beyond business and media.
Together, they have become pillars of community support.
Their commitment to societal betterment is evidenced by their extraordinary fundraising efforts for Women‘s Legal Service Queensland.
Since September 2021, they have raised more than $500,000 to assist women who have been impacted by domestic violence.
They channel their influence and resources into major fundraising events, including the annual Epic Walk for DV in March and the annual Epic Giving Gala hosted in September.
Brendon, leveraging the presence of Epic Hair Designs in the community, mobilised his network of clients, employees, and fellow business owners to participate. Brendan Smith used his platform as a state political reporter to bring media attention to the cause, offering in-depth coverage and drawing an influential crowd.
This dynamic duo is now gearing up to showcase their moves on the dance floor, as they get ready to compete as All Stars for the Dancing CEOs’ 10th birthday in 2024, with all proceeds going to Women’s Legal Service Queensland.
SHWETA AND AKHEEL KHAN
Shweta won Women’s Legal Service Queensland’s Dancing CEO championship for 2023, raising $106,000.
She did many fundraisers like the diamond high tea at Tattersalls Brisbane with around 400 people, the Bulimba White Havana Party, participating in the Labels on the Lawn by volunteering her time.
Shweta also ran a luxury raffle where my business Starfire Diamond Jewellery donated a $7,500 diamond ring amongst many other luxury prices raising more money.
Shweta’s diamond jewellery shop in Bulimba has operated for over 10 years, as well as a diamond wholesale business that has been operational for over 20 years.
She is behind one of the few 100 per cent female owned diamond wholesalers in Australia.
Throughout the years, Shweta’s business has supported many charities and Queensland based arts.
Some to mention are Women’s Legal Services, Mater Children’s Foundation, Open Haven, Aussie Kids Charities, Heart Foundation, SOP, QLD Ballet, Carers Foundation, the Lord Mayors Trust partner of Lord Mayors Trust Multicultural Awards.
Akheel has a background in IT and health, also having studied fashion designing.
He recently took part in the Brisbane Fashion Festival and was a huge success.
Some of his jackets and suits have already been showcased in ads, featured also on the cover of a UK magazine and he has also been selected to dress some Olympic swimmers for an upcoming gala event.
The who’s who of Brisbane are some of his main clients and he has also been contacted by a sizeable fashion house in Dubai.
The pair live in Hawthorne and have two boys and two fur babies.
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MARK AND CATHI PIMM
Mark and Cathi are high school sweethearts and the owners of Reno Revivals.
The team is a family business with over 20 years of industry experience, Mark having over 20 years in the building industry.
Reno Revivals helps the Lions Club each year with set up of their annual Christmas in the park event.
The Pimm’s are active members of the NOW Business Group, helping local families and their staff have also helped with various fundraising activities.
The Pimms are passionate about mental health (especially in the trades) and sponsor the Men’s Mental Health event annually with the Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Last year Cathi organised a gala to raise over $40,000 for Down syndrome Queensland’s latch on program.
They are also parents of two.
JOHN AND SUE MULRANEY
John and Sue are incredibly dedicated Rotary members.
John has been a member of the Rotary Club of Beenleigh for 29 years, and Sue a member of the Rotary Club of Loganholme for 14 years.
They also worked side-by-side for a number of years as John was the distillery manager at Beenleigh Rum Distillery for 31 years, and Sue the office manager, they retired together in August 2021.
Within Rotary, John has served as club president three times (in 1999-2000, 2002-03 and 2013-14) and been the club secretary of the Rotary Club of Beenleigh for 13 years.
At a district level he is currently the Rotary District 9620 training officer, imparting his Rotary and community service knowledge and experience with the more than 2000 Rotary members of the district.
John has also served as Youth Exchange Chair, District Rotaract Chair, and International and Community Service Chair over the years.
Earlier this year John took out Logan City‘s Volunteer of the Year Award and also holds a position as a volunteer board member on the Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce and volunteers his time with the Beenleigh Yatala Junior Chamber of Commerce as well.
Sue has held many roles within Rotary across her tenure – from club president, club secretary and club foundation director.
She has also volunteered at a district level, being the Administration Director for a number of years.
Sue has also served as Youth Protection Officer and for the Rotary Friendship exchange.
Sue is the incoming District Governor for Rotary District 9620 in 2024-25 which spans from Ormeau-Pimpama in the south, Gympie in the North, St George in the west and also includes PNG, Solomon Islands and Nauru.
Throughout their collective years they have both worked incredibly hard to make the Logan community a better place.
From cooking sausage sizzles, to organising major fundraisers and community events and also helping other not-for-profit community and charity groups needing hands-on assistance.
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TRACY AND MARTIN ROBSON
In a small corner of the Redlands Coast, a power couple has been quietly but profoundly reshaping the local scene.
Martin and Tracy are the passionate owners of Craft Brew House.
Hailing from the UK and making their way to the idyllic shores of Queensland in 2005, they embarked on a journey that would ultimately redefine what it means to be a community-focused business.
Upon acquiring Craft Brew House in July 2021, Martin and Tracy had a vision: to create a community space where Redlands locals could gather, connect, and unwind.
What started with just two musicians on their roster has now grown to an impressive 38, all eager to perform at their venue.
Beyond the music and drinks, Craft Brew House has become a hub for local gatherings and events.
The venue hosts various community activities, including fundraisers and charity events.
One standout initiative is the “Cure for Kora” fundraiser, which raised an impressive $20,000 for the Rett Syndrome Society of Australia.
Partnerships with local businesses and suppliers played a pivotal role in the success of this fundraiser. Two major fundraisers have been held at Craft in the last few months and there will be more to come.
Under Martin and Tracy’s stewardship, Craft Brew House has undergone a remarkable transformation.
In just two years, the establishment has witnessed a staggering 225 per cent increase in turnover.
SIMON AND TAH-NEE BEARD
It was rags to riches for the powerhouse couple who are now valued at around $600 million after they sold their stake in cult streetwear brand Culture Kings.
Simon was super keen to sink funds into real estate.
The couple’s most prominent buy was the $15.25m Soul penthouse on the Gold Coast, though Tah-nee also broke a suburb record selling her Ashmore waterfront luxury estate recent for $4.95m in August then splashed out on an $11.75m mega mansion at Isle of Capri Surfers Paradise.
The couple added next door to make it 3750sq m on the dress circle La Scala Court.
MICHAEL AND TRACIE PECIC
In 2007 Michael and Tracie founded In Safe Hands Educators In Safety Pty Ltd to provide child protection professional development training to professionals working with children.
Since this time In Safe Hands has expanded to train professionals across all sectors on how to create safe and respectful workplaces in the care of children all the way through to the elderly.
Yearly the company trains more than 250,000 professionals across government, non-government, corporate and sporting sectors in Australia and overseas.
In Safe Hands is the major sponsor of Toombul District Cricket Club and the Serbian Cricket National Federation.
In Safe Hands also provides sponsorship to many other local sporting clubs and events regularly.
In 2018 Michael and Tracie founded The Good Choice Project, a charity which provided youth aged 12 to 25 years education on social issues they may encounter as they navigate through adolescence to adulthood.
Through fundraising and corporate sponsorship, workshops on topics including drugs and alcohol, mental health, gambling, vaping, social media and respectful relationships are presented annually to nearly 1000 young people at schools and sporting clubs in Queensland for free.
Their passion is to provide a safe world for people from birth through to the elderly and have committed most of their working life to serving the community and locally and abroad.
Their awards include: 2016 Telstra Queensland Small Business of the Year winner and 2016,2017,2018 Finalist in Australian Champions Small Business Awards.
Michael was in the Queensland Police Service for 20 years, 18 of those as a detective in Child Protection Investigation Units.
He’s spent three years as Chief Inspector of RSPCA QLD and has also been a member of the Queensland Government Disaster Management Committee.
Michael is currently the CEO of In Safe Hands and The Good Choice Project.
Tracie spent 19 years in the Queensland Police Service in various roles including a Detective in Child Protection Investigation Units, Public Safety Response Groups, Surveillance and Prostitution unit.
She was the first female officer attached to the Queensland Police Service Public Safety Response group.
Tracie is currently an executive member of the Toombul District Cricket Club and formerly a committee member of Ferny Districts Cricket Club and West Brisbane Panthers Rugby League Club.
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CRAIG AND CAROLYN ROBINSON
Craig and Carolyn founded Brisbane charity Beyond DV in 2017 after their own daughter became a victim of domestic violence.
Carolyn put her long-term teaching career on hold to run the charity as a full-time volunteer.
Craig, who is the state manager of a national development and infrastructure advisory firm, is the Chairperson of the Beyond DV Board and oversees the governance of the charity.
Although Carolyn is known as the face of Beyond DV and works on the ground with staff, stakeholders and families who are rebuilding their lives, as a couple behind the scenes they combine their expertise to strategically devise new pathways to fund the programs and services that are so desperately needed in the DFV recovery space.
This partnership, founded on 38 years as a couple, has seen Beyond DV grow from a charity with two programs and three volunteers in 2018, to now being the leading DFV recovery organisation in South-East Queensland, with Carolyn, supported by Craig, overseeing multiple recovery programs, eighteen staff, four centres across Brisbane, as well as the newly opened Hannah’s Sanctuary - a nine townhouse transitional housing project in partnership with Small Steps 4 Hannah and a philanthropist developer.
In their rare downtime, Craig and Carolyn love nothing more than running around after their four little grandchildren and supporting the mighty Brisbane Lions.
PETER AND REBECCA HULL
What started in the garage in his parents’ house 10 years ago has morphed into a fitness chain with 101 locations across Australia and New Zealand.
By any standards, Fitstop CEO Peter Hull’s business journey has been remarkable.
The company closed off the last financial year with a turnover of $27.9 million.
Peter started the company with his wife Rebecca, in the garage of his parents home in Mt Cotton
The Fitstop vision has proven to be a success with Australian athletes — Lee Carseldine, Kris Smith and Ninja Warrior contestant Ryan Solomon have all paid homage to Fitstop.
Fitstop is a leading strength and conditioning fitness franchise offering progression-based group training.
A Redlands local, Mr Hull’s rise began as a humble personal trainer.
In July 2021, Lift Brands bought 30 per cent share in Brisbane-based Fitstop in a strategic partnership that will fast-track the expansion of the franchise fitness group to the US, with plans to open three locations across Los Angeles by June 2023.
Rebecca has been a rock of support and she is the franchise recruitment manager at Fitstop.
RHONDA AND TERRY WHITE
The founders of what’s now known as Terry White Chemmart, Terry and Rhonda retired after 65 years running one of Australia’s biggest chemist franchises.
Both are pharmacists and met on a training course before opening their first pharmacy in Clontarf, near Queensland’s Woody Point, in 1959, marrying two years later.
They grew their network of pharmacies until they established the Terry White Chemists franchise in 1994.
The Terry White Group of pharmacies ballooned to 225 stores nationally, then nearly doubled to more than 500 after a 2016 merger with Chemmart.
The Terry White Chemmart name was bought by EBOS Group in 2018.
When he retired, Terry said he would continue keeping busy by compiling and digitising political documents for the Queensland State Library.
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CAROLINE AND ALAN MCCULLOCH
The Brisbane podiatrist and physiotherapist couple launched footwear label FRANKiE4 in 2010.
Caroline is the face behind the brand’s popular Windsor shoe boutique as well as a list of other successes including their flagship store in Indooroopilly as well as stores in Sydney and Melbourne.
The popular brand, which focuses on footwear with both podiatrist-designed support and style skyrocketed to success, sourcing to a growing base of stockists.
The former Clayfield College student Caroline has won a swag of awards over the years, including the 2017 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards and 2018 Australian Small Business Champions Awards in the fashion category.
From a run of 200 shoes in 2010, the pair has overseen the manufacture of 70,000 pairs along in a 12 month period between 2016-2017 in the past 12 months.
FRANKiE4 has more than 60 stockists across Australia and New Zealand, and a growing online presence.
The couple has two podiatry clinics.
GRANT AND MICHELLE CLARK
Grant and Michelle own Brisbane Brewing in West End and the Brisbane Brewing Co. Woolloongabba.
They bought their first pub Auroras in Albert Street in the CBD in 2005 which they renamed the Brewhouse.
They operated it until the end of 2008 and bought the Clarence Corner Hotel and renamed it‘s the Brewhouse there in 2010, before renaming to the Brisbane Brewing Co.
They opened Brisbane Brewing in West End in 2015.
Michelle has a background in marketing and the couple has two children.
The pair has lodged an application with Brisbane City Council for their 601 Stanley St Woolloongabba venue, to extend the western side of it’s rooftop area, giving customers a new rooftop bar, function area, cold room and internal staircases.
The proposed rooftop extension and other works will increase the hotel’s gross floor area from 876 sqm to 1,262 sqm.
Other proposed works include the refurbishment of the game room, corridor and portion of kitchen at the ground level, new internal staircase for the main entrance, refurbishment of the level 1 rooms and deck to create two new function rooms, refurbished front deck and veranda, new offices, storage, bathrooms, maintenance room, kitchen, and refurbished timber walkway and deck.
This proposed $3.5 million extension and revamp of the hotel comes after their $2 million renovation of the ground floor in 2016.
The couple has owned the venue for 13.5 years.
KYLIE AND LACHLAN SCOTT
Kylie and Lachlan are behind the decadent feeling that has made Flour and Chocolate a staple for Brisbane locals north and south of the river.
Owners Kylie and Lachlan Scott also launched a third store in Redcliffe.
The couple is best known for their Morningside patisserie which has been operating for almost a decade.
The Redcliffe news follows the opening of their Northgate hub two years ago which was also a cracking success.
Their patisseries are well known for their delectable range of sweet treats which are as delicious to look at as they are to taste.
The pair has managed to secure prime territory on Redcliffe’s idyllic esplanade, in a tenancy previous occupied by Bikini Beach Cafe which last month announced its closure.
Flour and Chocolate Patisserie, at Morningside, was listed in Delicious magazine’s Best Bakeries in Australia top five list in 2017.
Flour and Chocolate Patisserie was also awarded the 2015 and 2014 best providore in the Weekend Edition Eat/ Drink Awards.
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STUART AND SAMANTHA BELL
Stuart was previously programs director for Ascent Flight Training in the UK, where he oversaw the delivery of all of the UK military fixed and rotary wing aircrew training.
He moved to Bribie Island with Samantha four years ago and took on running the local running club and lead them through Covid-19.
Stuart became an active member of the local school’s P&C and then too over as president of the P&C for the past two years and helped facilitate the delivery of over $100,000 worth of resources to the school.
This year Stuart has taken on the role of president of Bribie Island Tigers Football Club when it faced difficulties with volunteers and a lack of committee members.
Samantha has lived on Bribie Island for four years and runs the Courageous Girls Club, which is designed to help young girls with their confidence and their self-esteem and equip them with the skills they need to navigate life as they get older.
She has added a Positive Periods workshop to give young girls knowledge about periods and what to expect from their bodies.
The groups empower girls and help to break the taboo on the subject.
Samantha also teaches Zumba and is a qualified dance and fitness instructor, teaching classes at High Vibe Dance and Fitness.
Her passion lies in helping women feel the joy of moving their bodies.
When not working, you’ll often find Samantha volunteering in the canteen at the soccer club and local school.
KATHLEEN LUCK AND STEPHEN DOYLE
The pair are directors at Loyle, a real estate agency based at Ashgrove.
Kathleen hails from the small coastal town of Yeppoon.
Growing up with entrepreneurial parents would eventually lead her to forge her own real estate company after being in the industry 15 years.
Kathleen is now a passionate sellers advocate and works closely with the Real Estate Institute of Queensland to provide agency advice throughout the state.
On the other hand, Stephen has found his own line of expertise in the management of property and portfolio, drawing upon his many years as a project manager in civil construction.
Quickly learning the ropes, Stephen has become a source of guidance for many landlords in the region who are missing the legislative and best practice leadership of a professional.
They are actively passionate about supporting local sporting groups and schools that are close to their heart.
Their unwavering commitment to the community through their own challenges of giving birth to a child with cerebral palsy, has seen this same community uplift and support them through times where they felt alone, in a big city where they have no family.
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CHERIE AND ANDY CANNING
Cherie and Andy both run Luminate Leadership and do a podcast called Lead With Courage.
As a specialised leadership company, Luminate Leadership’s focus is on creating and delivering personalised in house leadership and personal development programs for small to medium size businesses (SMB).
Luminate has grown 200 per cent each year, working with over 300 different businesses, run over 600 workshops and training over 5000 humans in just the three short years in has been operating.
When Cherie and Andy were thrown a COVID redundancy curve ball in 2020, it was time for the next chapter in their careers.
After searching the job market for the ideal role, she decided to stop waiting for someone else to take a chance on her, and instead decided to take a chance on herself, and that is when Luminate Leadership was born.
The Lead with Courage podcast celebrates the stories of the bold and inspiring humans making a difference.
Cherie and Andy dive into the hearts and minds of the trailblazers, the risk takers and those who embrace life with a growth mindset.
DR JAMES MCLAREN AND DR MELANIE ALLAN
Both have a significant impact on the lives of women, with Dr Allan specialising in early pregnancy and Dr McLaren cementing himself as a leader in revolutionary non-invasive hysterectomies.
Dr Allan said when they had the opportunity, they enjoyed a coffee break together.
This isn’t the first time the married couple have worked together.
They both completed their training at King’s College Hospital in London where Dr Allan gained specialist skills in fertility and early pregnancy, and Dr McLaren,in minimally invasive surgery.
It was during this time Dr McLaren learned the minimally invasive Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy technique, which he now performs at South Brisbane’s Mater Private Hospital and Mater Hospital Brisbane, and Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
The vNOTES procedure leaves patients with no scars, causes little postoperative pain, and eliminates the need for surgical incisions in the patient’s abdomen.
Dr James McLaren is one of only a handful of surgeons qualified to perform the vNOTES hysterectomy procedure in Brisbane and is now training other gynaecologists in the technique.
The Brisbane duo met while working as junior doctors at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, and have two children together.
HARRY AND COURTNEY LAKE
Harry and Courtney Lake have a small family-owned and operated electrical business Down to Earth Sparky located on Brisbane’s Bayside in Wynnum.
Harry is a fully licenced electrician that has worked in the electrical industry for over 17 years.
In 2016 Harry decided to start his own business on the side of his full time job knowing that day would eventually come where he would go out in his own full time.
Courtney and Harry married in 2012. At this time Harry was working for an electrical company doing his electrical apprenticeship and Courtney was working in administration
They became parents for the first time to their son in 2015 and then in 2018 they had their daughter.
In 2018 the time came to make the leap to go out on his own and Harry has never looked back.
For his thirst for knowledge Harry expanded his capabilities into domestic, commercial and air conditioning installations working alongside great contractors.
In 2020 Courtney jumped on board part time to help Harry with the business whilst also working outside the home.
Business continued to grow and in 2021 Courtney finished up her job and joined Harry on a larger scale continuing to help run Down to Earth Sparky behind the scene.
Harry volunteers his time coaching his sons U10 Basketball team which he loves.
Courtney volunteers her time between school events and the basketball club also.
STEVE AND CATH KOCH
Cath is a web developer and entrepreneur running a successful web development business for over 20 years, before purchasing a print and signage business in 2021.
She has spent the last two years combining her existing web business with the print & signage business to create Wild Web Print & Sign, a one stop marketing shop for local businesses.
Steve joined the combined business as signage manager and the pair have not looked back.
They offer professional and budget friendly options for small businesses wanting to increase their leads online, or offline, with print, signage and promotional items.
Cath and Steve are community minded, both having served the local netball association, managing and coaching teams and serving on committees while their daughters were growing up. Their oldest daughter has followed their lead, coaching netball teams locally and their younger daughter serves the community caring for children and helping their families make better choices for the future.
In more recent years Cath has volunteered her time on the committee for the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce.
She also chaired Redlands Women in Business for several years, organising face to face events for local business women, before taking a break to spend time with her new grandson.
KEVIN AND KATELYN COLLINS
Business owners Kevin and Katelyn Collins own several businesses but are committed to giving back.
Through their philanthropic platform My Giving Table, a dinner party fundraising concept and their support of charities through major raffles including the creation of the Private Jet Raffle for Women’s Legal Service Qld with major sponsor Adagold Aviation, Kevin and Katelyn have contributed over $500,000 to various charities over the last few years.
Kevin has owned Airlie Beach Restaurant Fish D’Vine for 20 years and is the brains behind the White on Whitehaven long lunch – recently named one of the most iconic lunch events in the country.
Katelyn owns Taste Whitsundays at the Whitsunday Coast Airport and founded My Giving Table – a not for profit, philanthropic event platform raising funds for many charities.
Together in their spare time they donate their chef and hospitality skills to host dinner parties in peoples' homes to raise funds for charities.
In the calendar now, is a major campaign to raise funds for WLS and the Dancing CEOs 2024 – the Biggest Thanksgiving Dinner Party.
CHANELLE AND MICHAEL KING
The Bulimba couple both own and operate their own businesses, along with raising a two-year-old daughter.
Chanelle was originally a primary school teacher for eight years.
When they had their daughter, decided not to return to teaching and wanted to devote her time to the businesses.
Two years on, the King’s both have successful companies helping the SEQ community.
Michael owns and operates Tycoon Builders PTY LTD, a building company that specialises in architectural renovations and new builds.
Michael has been a chippy since he was 17 and now a builder.
Chanelle co owns and operates, (alongside her brother) FreshFeelz, a booking platform specialising and dedicated to the health, wellness and beauty industries.
FreshFeelz generates new clients and bookings for local businesses across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, through offering discounts and deals via the app and website.
FreshFeelz also offers products and a great customer referral program give dollar for dollar FreshFeelz credits back to their customers.
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Originally published as VOTE NOW: Meet SEQ‘s power couples making a difference
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