Power 50 | Sunshine Coast’s top 40-31 most powerful people of 2023

Whether it be through sports or community developments, these are the most powerful people of the Sunshine Coast who helped shape the region this year. COUNTDOWN FROM 40-31.

Sunshine Coast's Power List of 2023, counting down 40 to 31.

The Sunshine Coast’s most influential movers and shakers of the year have been named after another 12 months of development, successes and challenges.

From professional athletes to advocates and industry leaders, these are the people who have made themselves heard.

Our list of the top 50 most influential will roll out this week, with 10 new names to be revealed each day.

POWER LIST: COUNTDOWN 50-41

See 40-31 of the Power 50 list:

40. Tate McDermott

Australia's scrum-half Tate McDermott (L) runs with the ball during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Georgia at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on September 9, 2023. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)

Tate McDermott continues to inspire the next generation of rugby union players, with the Sunshine Coast Grammar graduate fronting up as the Wallabies’ 86th Australian vice-captain in this year’s World Cup.

Mr McDermott played for Matthew Flinders Anglican College before he attended Brisbane State High School and then Sunshine Coast Grammar.

He made his Super Rugby debut in 2018 and his Test debut two years later, and was named co-caption of the Queensland Reds in 2022.

39. Brendan Bathersby

Brendan Bathersby

Director of Bathersby Legal Brendan Bathersby has been on the Sunshine Coast since 1992 and has practised as a commercial litigator ever since.

He launched his Maroochydore-based firm in 2020, where he still works as a commercial litigator.

Mr Bathersby had been an active member of the Sunshine Coast business community including TAFE, Compass Institute, WishList, Australian Trade Industry, Master Builders and the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce while heavily advocating for rail infrastructure in the Maroochydore City Centre.

He has been the chairman of Master Builders for the past four years and on the regional executive committee for more than 20 years; and has been the president of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce for the past five years.

38. Dr Theresa Craig AM

Dr Theresa Craig AM, of Maleny was recognised for significant service to politics and the agriculture industry in the 2023 Australia Day Honours list.

Maleny-based Dr Theresa Craig AM is a well-respected member of the agriculture industry and federal politics.

The agricultural scientist has served as the managing director of Tara (Technical Assistance and Research Analysis) for the past two decades.

In that role she consults on animal nutrition and production management for dairies, feedlots, feed mills, stud breeders and pastoral operations.

Dr Craig is also the managing director and principal consultant at Aserlay Farms – a purebred Charolais and commercial red Brahman operation at Elaman Creek.

In politics, Dr Craig is a member of the federal management committee for the National Party, currently serving as the Treasurer.

In the 2023 Australia Day Honours List, Dr Craig was recognised for significant service to politics and the agriculture industry.

37. Kathryn Hyman

Kathryn Hyman has declared she will stand for Division Eight at the next local government elections.

Kathryn Hyman is known for her community advocacy and campaigning against developments, as well as calling for the need for affordable housing.

As Save Twin Waters West president, she has been opposing Stockland’s Twin Waters West development plans since 2008 and has also fought against the Sekisui House development in Yaroomba.

She also regularly updates her community followers on social media with her insights and discussions with council.

36. Craig Morrison

Craig Morrison of Town Group.

Town Group director Craig Morrison has been working within the property and real estate industry for the past six years.

Current projects led by Mr Morrison include a $30m surf park at Glass House Mountains, rooftop dining at Pavilion in Mooloolaba and a 29-lot development at Mt Coolum.

He was born, attended school and completed university on the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Morrison previously said he loved being able make a small difference with each project on the Sunshine Coast.

“I feel very lucky to have the opportunity on the coast with available land to deliver projects,” Mr Morrison said.

“Other parts of the world that are already developed out wouldn’t have the same opportunity.”

35. Haydn Stjernqvist

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist has the final call when it comes to criminal and other matters within Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Mr Stjernqvist has the responsibility of taking pleas, imposing fair sentences and directing hearings after considering facts and submissions presented by lawyers and prosecutors.

More serious criminal cases involving violent assault matters and murder allegations area also handled by Mr Stjernqvist prior to being committed to the higher courts.

Taking oaths or affirmations to swear in Justice of the Peace volunteers is another day-to-day task of servicing the Sunshine Coast community.

34. Frank Wilkie

Noosa Council deputy mayor Frank Wilkie and Sunshine Coast Environment Centre community liaison Narelle McCarthy.

A staunch community advocate, Noosa Shire Council deputy mayor Frank Wilkie has proven to be a force of stability in a year of unprecedented times.

A former high school teacher, journalist, and newspaper editor, Mr Wilkie has served on the Noosa Council since 2014.

As a councillor, Mr Wilkie has shown support for the Noosa Planning Scheme and initiatives that protect Noosa’s beaches, rivers, waterways and open spaces, as well as projects that foster economic innovation.

The experienced council representative has announced that he will run for mayor at the 2024 local government election in March.

33. Kenneth Wagner

KPAT managing director Kenneth Wagner, at the Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel. Picture: Blair Jackson

Toowoomba-based development firm KPAT is building the long-awaited $50m high rise hotel at Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.

Managing director Kenneth Wagner, of Toowoomba’s prominent Wagner family, spearheaded the development approval process.

Working with international company Minor Hotels, the project would evolve a car park site into Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel with 180 rooms, four restaurants, conference facilities and more.

The project gained Sunshine Coast Council approval in March, 2022 and started construction in August this year.

Mr Wagner is the founder and director of the major hotel development company KPAT Hotels and Pubs.

32. Judge Glen Cash

Portrait of Glen Cash, QC. Pic Peter Wallis

Judge Glen Cash has become a familiar face at Maroochydore and Gympie District Courts, taking on the responsibility of directing juries and imposing fair and just decisions on sentencing within criminal cases.

Predominantly operating from Maroochydore, Judge Cash is one of 44 appointed District Court judges in Queensland.

He was admitted as a barrister in Queensland in 1999 and was appointed judge of the District Court in 2018.

Judge Cash also hears matters in the Children’s Court and Planning and Environment Court.

31. Ross and Sally Hopper

Sally and Ross Hopper from Maleny Dairies. Picture: Maleny Dairies

Maleny Dairies owner Ross Hopper built Maleny Dairies from the ground up with his wife Sally.

The business produces about 13 million litres of milk per year and ships the product across Queensland and parts of New South Wales.

At the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards, Maleny Dairies won the Food and Agribusiness award in the large business category.

First emerging in 1948, the fourth-generation family-owned farm produces milk, yoghurt, custard and cream at their Sunshine Coast hinterland facilities.

The Hoppers are also parents to four children.

Originally published as Power 50 | Sunshine Coast’s top 40-31 most powerful people of 2023