Sunshine Coast’s top 50 most powerful people: Counting down from 20-11
From tourism chiefs to supermarket queens and renowned chefs, we continue to countdown the Sunshine Coast’s top 50 most powerful people. SEE WHO RANKED FROM 20-11.
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The Sunshine Coast Daily is counting down the region’s top 50 most powerful people.
See who was ranked from 20-11:
20. Leigh McCready
From politics to developments and surf clubs, Leigh McCready is a well-connected Noosa businesswoman.
The general manager of Altum Property Group replaced Glen Elmes in June as the Noosa LNP branch chair.
Ms McCready also led the revival of surf lifesaving at Peregian Beach for the past three years, which resulted in the Nippers program growing to 160 participants.
Altum Property’s website says it is an award-winning development company which constructs residential and commercial properties and is behind Parkridge Noosa.
19. Roz White
Ms White has, with her husband Michael, built an empire of independent IGA stores and is a well-known figure within the region’s business community.
Ms White stepped down as president of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network this year but her prominence in the business community is still strong.
The Whites continue to grow their supermarket empire with an expansion of the Mooloolah IGA on the way and construction to start soon on a new store at Forest Glen.
The Forest Glen IGA will be their sixth and will act as an anchor at a new shopping centre which will also feature a craft brewery, hairdresser, bottle shop and eating precinct.
18. Clayton Williams
Clayton Williams is a part-owner of Duporth Tavern along with Mayor Mark Jamieson and is one of the more influential hospitality industry figures in the region.
Mr Williams also the co-founded the $27m Sports Hub, metres from the Sunshine Coast Stadium, which he developed with Vantage Homes boss Shane O’Brien.
The sports hub could become even more prominent in years to come with talk of the potential for an Olympic venue to be placed at the Kawana Sports Precinct.
17. Matt Stoeckel
Matt Stoeckel took on the role as Visit Sunshine Coast’s chief executive officer under the industry’s most challenging conditions.
The former Tourism Fiji chief executive said the latest lockdown had been devastating for already hard-hit operators on the Sunshine Coast.
His focus this year has been to provide support for the industry and promote the region’s natural attractions.
16. Tony Kelly
Renowned chef and restaurateur Tony Kelly has helped create successful restaurant precincts throughout the Sunshine Coast, from Ocean Street to the Wharf.
Mr Kelly has been an early supporter of the Maroochydore City Centre, opening two restaurants at Foundation Place – Market Bistro and Giddy Geisha.
15. Lisa Rowe
Ms Rowe would be quick to proclaim she’s no “one woman show” but there is no denying her passion and dedication has led to much-needed fundraising for health services.
The Wishlist CEO of almost 20 years has had a huge year as the organisation continues to provide medical equipment, funding support services, hospital accommodation, research, staff education and more.
Construction recently started on its $14m low cost accommodation facility near Sunshine Coast University Hospital for patients and families receiving treatment.
Ms Rowe has worked at Wishlist since 2001 and prior to that had a successful career in media and advertising and experience with the state government.
14. Dave Drinnen
Within 24 hours of the death of Aysha Baty detectives led by district Detective inspector Dave Drinnen charged Dylan Alexander Wilson with her murder.
The horrific death of the 31-year-old Buddina woman, whose body was found on the street in Nambour, sent shockwaves through the homeless community.
Inspector Drinnen led the investigation into her death, which was one of countless cases he’s worked on during the past 12 months.
13. Elaine Jobson
Elaine Jobson heads one of Australia’s most successful fitness empires Jetts Australia.
The successful CEO, based on the Sunshine Coast, has 27 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry and has ties to Sir Richard Branson.
Ms Jobson has held executive positions for a number of the world’s largest fitness brands, roles which have take her around the world including in Asia, Europe and South Africa.
Ms Jobson was also appointed as a director of Be, formerly Comlink, in February this year.
12. Mal Pratt
From leaving the family business with just a shovel, a ute and a hammer to pursue his dream of being a builder, Mal Pratt has come an incredibly long way.
The born and bred Sunshine Coast property developer has a billion dollar-plus net worth.
But there is much more to the head of Pratt Property.
Mr Pratt is also a stalwart of Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club and has had a great influence over many champions the club has produced through the Mal Pratt Youth Development Foundation.
His latest project is a 30-unit high-end riverfront apartment complex in Maroochydore.
11. Michael McNab
McNab may have started in Toowoomba but the name is a familiar one at construction sites across the Sunshine Coast.
Chief executive Michael McNab’s business regularly works on projects up to $120m and employs hundreds of construction workers across the Sunshine Coast.
The company is responsible for the Sunshine Coast Council’s city hall build at the Maroochydore CBD and also constructed Vitality Village at Birtinya.
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Originally published as Sunshine Coast’s top 50 most powerful people: Counting down from 20-11
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