Sunshine Coast’s 50 most powerful people: Countdown from 30-21

The Sunshine Coast Daily is counting down the 50 most powerful people in the region. SEE WHO WAS RANKED FROM 30-21.

Sunshine Coast's top 50 most powerful people: Rod Forreter, Kaylee McKeown, Travis Schutlz, Heidi Walker and Peter Boyce.

The Sunshine Coast Daily is counting down the top 50 most powerful people in the region.

On Monday we revealed part 1 (50 to 41) and on Tuesday part two was released (40 to 31).

Today we are counting down from 30 to 21:

Dawn Fraser is joined by Tokyo Olympic Games Gold medallist Kaylee McKeown. Picture: Contributed

30. Kaylee Mckeown

Kaylee McKeown became a household name and an inspiration for the next generation of swimmers after a sensational performance at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 20-year-old USC Spartans-trained swimmer won gold in the 100m and 200m back stroke as well as the 4x100m medley.

LPE chief executive Damien Glanville and Sunshine Coast Business Awards chair Jennifer Swaine. Picture: Cade Mooney

29. Jennifer Swaine

Sunshine Coast businesswoman and communications expert Jennifer Swaine represents a number of high-profile clients.

The marketing and communications business owner is a well-known figure in the region’s business community.

She is also the chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

Former FKP co-founder Rod Forrester.

28. Rod Forrester

Prominent developer Rod Forrester’s connection to the region runs deep.

As well as delivering private projects of his own, Aria Property Group, a company he invested significantly in during its establishment, is expected to have a rooftop pool area that will put Mooloolaba back on the world stage.

ARIA Property Group revealed Covid-inspired changes to its 1 The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, five-star resort this month.

The ARIA group owns and manages a $250m portfolio of more than 60 retail, commercial and industrial investment properties and was set up by Rod’s son, Tim.

Mr Forrester, also the founder of FKP and a local philanthropist, promised $1m towards the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade, however he withdrew the pledge when the federal government failed to include funding in its budget.

Travis Schultz, principal of law firm Travis Schultz & Partners

27. Travis Schultz

Travis Schultz is one of the state’s highest-rated compensation lawyers and has served on several boards ranging from charities to major private schools.

He is also a Queensland director of Lifeflight Foundation, board member of the Sunshine Coast Turf Club and the former deputy chair of the board of Matthew Flinders Anglican College.

On top of this he is also our region’s resident wine guru.

This year he hosted a Winemakers Master Class that raised $170,000 for SunnyKids school program expansion.

Hugo Schreuder from Youi

26. Hugo Schreuder

Hugo Schreuder heads one of Australia’s fastest-growing general insurers and one of the Sunshine Coast’s largest employers.

The Youi chief executive officer’s company continued to grow despite the pandemic.

Youi was founded in 2007 and it opened a headquarters on the Sunshine Coast in 2008.

Within two years it employed more than 100 staff and outgrew its first office at Beach Road and Duporth Avenue.

Peter Boyce. Photo Patrick Woods

25. Peter Boyce

Peter Boyce, OAM, is best known for his fight for justice for the Morcombe family and his assistance in creating the Daniel Morcombe Foundation but his legal work continues to impress to this day.

The proud Nambour resident and principal solicitor at Butler McDermott Lawyers chairs Reimagine Nambour which is helping oversee the $500,000 streetscaping project aimed to revitalise the town.

Mr Boyce is also the chairman of the Sunshine Coast Turf Club.

Walker Seafoods owner Heidi Walker. Picture: Brad Fleet

24. Heidi Walker

A reputation as a high-end seafood export company that took years to establish left Walker Seafoods at risk as international freight was hit hard throughout the pandemic.

But the quick and clever thinking from owners Heidi and Pavo Walker allowed the business to succeed in the most challenging environments.

The Mooloolaba-based business transitioned from about 80 per cent of their business being top-end export product to about 80 per cent frozen product to service canneries.

The changes, which involved targeting lower-grade fish for canneries, coupled with Coles supermarket deals and a pop-up retail store, have helped steer the business through the troubled waters so far.

Henzell Property Group sales manager Marcus Muir and managing director McLean Henzell.

23. Mclean Henzell

Mclean Henzell’s vision for a major project at Caloundra is expected to significantly change the CBD.

The Henzell Property Group directly recently revealed his firm’s plans for a $95m residential and retail development at a prime site at Bulcock Street and Omrah Avenue.

The two-tower apartment complex and medical centre will also feature a laneway that will provide better connection to Bulcock Street.

OSCAR president Melva Hobson.

22. Melva Hobson

The former Redland City Council Mayor Melva Hobson heads one of the Sunshine Coast’s largest residents’ groups, Organisations Sunshine Coast Association of Residents.

As president Ms Hobson regularly speaks out against Sunshine Coast Council decisions, in particular around community consultation.

Cleighton Clark.

21. Cleighton Clark

Habitat Property Group’s prominence on the Sunshine Coast’s development scene has increased significantly in the past 12 months.

Cleighton Clark directs the Buderim-based firm which is completing two builds in the Maroochydore CBD, Market Lane and Corso Residences, with a combined value of $177m.

The group has built hundreds of units at Sippy Downs since 2012 and played an important role in Sunshine Coast Council realising its masterplanned ‘university town’ vision for the suburb.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast’s 50 most powerful people: Countdown from 30-21