Six key leadership changes in the Mackay region

It is a changing of the guard for operations across the Mackay region, ushering in a new direction as loyal employees are rewarded and industry stalwarts retire. Meet the six new leaders at the helm.

There have been somewhat of a changing of the guard across key leadership positions across the Mackay region in recent times.

From loyal employees being rewarded to an esteemed college basketball coach, here are five notable changes:

Owen Menkens (Canegrowers Queensland)

There are big shoes to fill for Home Hill canegrower Owen Menkens who succeeds “Mr Sugar” Paul Schembri as chairman of Canegrowers Queensland.

Mr Menkens is a cane grower at Home Hill.

He worked in the financial sector before taking over his family’s farming business.

Burdekin cane farmer Owen Menkens will step into the role of vice-chairman of Canegrowers Queensland.

The new chairman said it was an honour to be elected and he was focused on “a bright future for growers”.

“This is an exciting and interesting time for us with new opportunities for our crop which can contribute to efforts on climate change as a renewable resource and we have an established sustainability certification system that sets us up to be a premium brand of sugar worldwide,” Mr Menkens said.

“I also look forward to working on some of our challenges, like rising input costs, as well as representing growers in discussions with the new Federal Government.”

Rebecca Galea and Melissa Egan (BOQ Mackay City)

BOQ Mackay City owner-managers (from left) Rebecca Galea, Melissa Green and Melissa Egan.

Rebecca Galea and Melissa Egan have joined Melissa Green as owners of Bank of Queensland Mackay City.

Ms Galea is Ms Green’s sister and will continue as the home loan lending specialist.

“Becoming an owner at BOQ Mackay City means so much to me,” she said.

“I have always treated the business as my own and I can ­finally now say that a little bit is actually mine.”

Ms Egan began as a customer service officer at the bank and has professionally developed in many roles over the years.

“It makes me proud that Melissa Green valued my skills, service and loyalty to the business,” she said.

“When I have been advising my ­clients about taking on ownership in the business they have been so ­excited and supportive of me.

“It also gives them confidence I will be there for many years to come to grow the business alongside them.”

Tash Wheeler (Mackay Isaac Tourism)

Interim Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Tash Wheeler. Picture: Laura Thomas.

Tas Webber has resigned from his six-year tenure as Mackay Isaac Tourism chief executive officer.

Finishing up at the end of April, Mr Webber said he was sad to leave the region he loves but was proud of the sustained visitation growth.

He listed the formal partnership with Isaac Regional Council, the building of relationships with Keswick Island and the Wildcat tours as some of his proudest achievements.

Taking up his position as the interim CEO is Tash Wheeler, a leader well-known in the region.

Ms Wheeler has more than 16 years experience in the tourism industry, most notably at Tourism Whitsundays where she was the chief executive officer.

Sean Page (Mackay Basketball)

Sean Page is set to take over as Mackay Basketball’s general manager.

He brings more than 35 years of high level administrative and coaching experience, including the past four as Auburn University’s head coach.

Mr Page said he was proud to be given the opportunity to take on the role at a club with a “storied history”.

Sean Page is set to take over as Mackay Basketball general manager.

“Everybody I’ve spoken with talks very highly of the organisation and I’m really keen to get back home to Queensland and keep building on the positive things that are already in place,” he said.

“I believe this will be beneficial to the ongoing sustainability and growth of Mackay Basketball and its connection with its members, stakeholders and the local community.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

Linda Murry (BHP Hay Point)

Linda Murry is the new general manager of BHP Hay Point. Picture: Supplied.

Linda Murry is taking the reins as BHP Hay Point Cole Terminal general manager from Melissa Johnson after her long tenure at the top.

Ms Johnson held the position since December 2018.

Ms Murry was appointed in March following seven months as the head of BHP’s operating system deployment and nearly three years in total with the company.

She began her career as a chemist but has achieved numerous awards and title recognition from her peers in the industry.

Ms Johnson remains at BHP as their vice president for safety.

Andrew Willcox - Dawson MP

Former Whitsunday mayor Andrew Willcox has entered federal politics, winning the sprawling seat of Dawson decisively at the May 21 election.

A man well-versed in all things Whitsundays, Mr Willcox - who flew to Canberra on Monday for the Nationals leadership vote - is now turning his attention further afield.

The Nationals party man replaces former MP George Christensen, and has pledged to fight for the region to ensure it gets its fair share.

Originally published as Six key leadership changes in the Mackay region