Sunshine Coast’s top 50 most powerful people for 2021 revealed
From politicians to CEOs, chefs and brewers, here are the Sunshine Coast’s top 50 most powerful people. SEE THE FULL LIST
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The Sunshine Coast Daily has counted down the top 50 most powerful people.
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50. Peppi Bueti:
The communications expert is a man in the know on the Sunshine Coast.
He rubs shoulders with some of the region’s heaviest hitters for a living and is also part of the communications team at SunCentral, the company overseeing delivering on council’s behalf of the new Maroochydore CBD.
49. Sandy Zubrinich:
The long-time Sunshine Coast Business Council chairwoman brings together heads of some of the region’s largest companies and manages to deliver a unified, strategic vision – no easy task.
Her advocacy on significant issues has been relentless, including the region’s transport needs and business support during the pandemic.
48. Liam Mayo:
Mr Mayo was appointed as Be’s chief executive in 2021 after being a board member at the organisation since June last year.
The former leader of the Sunshine Coast Council’s Community Planning and Development department stepped up to the role at Be after the sudden departure of former boss Feda Adra, who had founded the group’s Vitality Village project and spent 16 years with the group before deciding it was time for a “new challenge”.
47. James McGovern:
The former Red Rooster kitchen hand has more than made a name for himself as co-founder of The Good Place restaurant chain.
The 100 per cent gluten-free venues are dedicated to supporting local suppliers and Mr McGovern has even had a crack at advocacy 2021, fighting to secure state government support for small businesses affected by the ongoing pandemic.
46. Cameron Hall:
The Hall Contracting chief executive leads the largest privately-owned dredging, civil and marine construction company in the country.
The Hall team is also responsible for the major civil works in Pelican Waters and the company remains hugely influential in the region’s business circles.
45. Matt Hepburn and Christen McGarry:
Matt Hepburn and Christen McGarry have forged a successful business with Your Mates Brewery.
Your Mates Brewery’s Larry pale ale was voted the fourth best craft beer in Australia in this year’s GABS Hottest 100 awards.
Within one year Your Mates brews have gone from being in 150 bottle shops to 800 in Queensland, with interest now sparked interstate.
44. James Coutts
As Sunshine Coast Council’s urban growth program director Mr Coutts has played a key role in the council’s controversial mass transit plan.
The council released a lengthy report on potential future public transport options to connect Maroochydore and Kawana for feedback.
Options being considered include light rail, trackless trams and bus rapid transit.
43. Ray Shadforth:
Mr Shadforth heads one of Queensland’s largest privately-owned civil contracting firms, employing hundreds of people and overseeing major projects across the Sunshine Coast.
The firm is involved in several housing developments including Harmony, Sunshine Cove, Aura and Abbotts Road.
It is also completing the first stage of Bells Creek Arterial Road extension after the state government fast-tracked the road works at the October 2020 election.
42. Ashley Robinson:
From managing a surf club to overseeing millions in community grants, Mr Robinson continues to be an influential community member.
As Alex Surf Club’s general manager Mr Robinson inspires and mentors many young lifesavers.
He is also the chairman at Sunshine Coast Falcons and heads the Gambling Community Benefit Committee, which delivers millions of dollars in grants to local organisations.
41. Ted O’Brien:
Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien was one of the driving forces behind South East Queensland’s successful bid for the 2032 Olympics.
Mr O’Brien was the federal government’s representative on the 2032 bid taskforce and is expected to have influence to ensure the Sunshine Coast gets the most out of the historic event.
He recently began discussions around forming a local taskforce, made up of business and community representatives, to act as a voice for what Sunshine Coast residents want to get out of the Games.
40. Rosanna Natoli
Well-known TV personality Rosanna Natoli has forged a successful career being a familiar face on Sunshine Coast and Queensland televisions for decades.
The mother of three is also a successful lecturer at University of the Sunshine Coast, where she has inspired young up-and-coming journalists since 1999.
Ms Natoli’s husband Joe was in 2020 elected as a Sunshine Coast councillor.
After such a successful career we are keen to see what Ms Natoli does next with her influence.
39. Keat Choong
As clinical director infectious diseases Dr Keat Choong has been on the front lines of Sunshine Coast University Hospital’s Covid-19 pandemic response.
With early predictions that on the Sunshine Coast 150,000 people would be infected and 20,000 in hospital, the health industry was prepared for the worst.
But thanks to the hard working efforts of Dr Choong and hospital staff – combined with border restrictions and physical distancing – the system was not overwhelmed.
38. Andrew Brodie
As flight numbers dwindled due to the global health pandemic Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive Andrew Brodie had the tough task to lobby those in power and stay relevant.
He had some successes with the airport securing year-round direct flights to New Zealand.
The service was announced in June and was expected to bring $17m to Queensland’s visitor economy, however this was before quarantine-free travel was suspended.
37. Stuart Meade
Established educational leader Stuart Meade has guided one of the Sunshine Coast’s largest schools through a tumultuous year as lockdowns forced students out of classes and into homeschooling.
Mr Meade is the principle of the elite independent Matthew Flinders Anglican College which has more than 1300 students.
With tuition fees starting at $15,700 the school attracts many of the Sunshine Coast‘s high profile families.
Previously to that he was the principal in residence at Bond University and headmaster at one of Australia’s leading schools, Hale School, in Perth.
During the past 12 months the school launched new elite sporting programs and opened a dedicated learning centre for years 5 and 6 students, as part of its five-year Flinders Masterplan construction project.
36. Bruce and Denise Morcombe
Bruce and Denise Morcombe continue to be one of Australia’s leading and most courageous child safety advocates through their work with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
This year the parents of murdered schoolboy Daniel Morcombe backed calls for new laws in Queensland to stop the “worst of the worst” killers ever applying for parole.
35. Wagner family
Toowoomba property magnates Denis Wagner and his son Kenneth are leading a high-profile resort and retail development at a prime Mooloolaba site.
KPAT Property. directed by Kenneth, has a binding development agreement with Sunshine Coast Council for the delivery of a 160-room hotel on the remaining half of the Brisbane Road carpark site.
A development application is expected to be lodged before April 2022 and if approved construction could start later that year.
Denis Wagner also helped launch Mayor Mark Jamieson’s campaign back in 2016.
34. Craig Matheson
Talking about the mayor, Sunshine Coast Council’s chief of staff Craig Matheson is never far from Mayor Mark Jamieson’s side.
The former chief strategy officer and state government whistleblower is Mr Jamieson’s right hand man, giving advice on decision-making at the highest level and having involvement in some of the region’s major projects.
Mr Matheson has previously ranked in the top 20 of the Daily’s lists of influential people.
33. Roy and Nola Thompson:
Generous philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson have poured millions of dollars into Sunshine Coast charities, community groups and health initiatives.
In a year community groups’ fundraising efforts have been decimated the millionaire philanthropist‘s entrusted $5m towards the Buderim Foundation to go towards worthy local charities.
Their influence cannot be denied but their efforts to persuade the federal government into part-funding the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade in this year’s budget fell on death ears.
As a result the Thompsons pulled their $10m commitment towards the project.
32. Scott Juniper
Nobody can deny how far Scott Juniper has come since he handed in his bankruptcy forms on his 40th birthday.
Years later Mr Juniper, Graeme Juniper’s son, is the director of Cube Developments which has a growing portfolio.
The company has delivered a number of significant projects across the region including Beach Life at Alexandra Headland, and the $37m Curve complex at Birtinya.
31. Caroline Hutchinson
The bubbly radio host is a familiar face and voice to most Sunshine Coast residents.
The 92.7 MIX FM host of 20 years is a proud advocate for local charities and has made considerable contributions towards fundraising efforts for Give Me 5 for Kids.
She’s also mastered the art of using popular radio to discuss important and sometimes difficult conversations – not an easy feat in an industry that often favours shock jocks over important issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10. Andrew Stevens
Anyone trying to get a development approved on the Sunshine Coast would have heard of or even worked with Project Urban.
Mr Stevens is managing director of the prominent development consultancy firm.
Despite Covid-19 hitting businesses and the economy development applications lodged with Sunshine Coast Council appeared to not slow down. With the region expected to go through unprecedented growth in coming years, Project Urban’s work will only become more important.
Mr Stevens is also the former president of the Urban Development Institute of Australia Sunshine Coast branch, a foundation member at University of the Sunshine Coast and had been a member of the board of Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Flinders Rugby Club and a former director of the Sunshine Coast Grammar School.
9. The Irwins
If the Prime Minister is going to answer anyone’s call from the Sunshine Coast, it would likely be from the Irwins.
Terri and children Bindi and Robert Irwin continue to make headlines internationally for their work at Australia Zoo and in wildlife conservation.
Bindi, 23, reached a new life milestone this year, with the arrival of hers and husband Chandler Powell’s first child, Grace.
But the Daily is confident it’s Robert who is starting to gain momentum through his wildlife photography and social media presence.
8. Andrew Eves-Brown
Andrew Eves-Brown has taken on a crucial Sunshine Coast Council role at a time the region is planning for a population boom of 170,000 people over two decades.
He was appointed head of economic development last year, taking over from Paul Martins who departed for a new role at Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Mr Eves-Brown was no stranger to Coast business, having served as chief operating officer at Gourmet Garden and chief executive officer of Coyo Australia before shifting into council.
7. Clare Stewart
Her first 12 months as a local council mayor has not been as picture perfect as the shire she oversees but Clare Stewart has taken it all in her stride.
Ms Stewart topped incumbent Noosa Council Mayor Tony Wellington at the 2020 March election and became the region’s first female leader.
A former barrister-at-law and small business owner, Ms Stewart’s start to her local government career has been tumultuous, with the tourism-reliant region hit hard by the pandemic.
Ms Stewart is becoming a strong voice in the chamber for housing affordability and accessibility.
She also has not been afraid to take on the short stay accommodation industry by backing a new rates categories and policies for holiday homes and units.
6. Scott Whitaker
The state government is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on road upgrades across the Sunshine Coast and many of those projects are overseen by Scott Whitaker.
The Transport and Main Roads North Coast regional director plays a key role in prioritising the region’s large number of upgrades including to the Sunshine Motorway and Bruce Highway.
Mr Whitaker previously worked as district director for Wide Bay/Burnett and as a program manager at MJM Developments.
The department is also investigating potential upgrades that could bust congestion at the Buderim-Mooloolaba interchange of the Sunshine Motorway.
5. Dirk Long
The man whose company redeveloped The Wharf at Mooloolaba is now doing big things at the Maroochydore City Centre.
Mr Long, who owns Evans Long with his mate Matthew Evans, last year opened the new city centre’s first commercial building, aptly named Foundation Place.
The fully-tenanted $30m office building features two Tony Kelly-owned restaurants, Giddy Geisha and Market Bistro.
Construction is expected to start soon on his second CBD building, named A1, which will have “ultra modern” offices and a cafe and restaurant precinct. The $18.8m development is expected to offer everything you’d expect in an inner-city complex.
4. Craig Hawkins
From hotel quarantine to border restrictions and policing incoming and outgoing flights, Craig Hawkins has overseen the Sunshine Coast Police during a period like no other.
The superintendent of Sunshine Coast Police was tasked with keeping the community safe throughout the pandemic, as well as the usual roles that come with the top job.
Supt Hawkins moved from Wide Bay-Burnett in 2020 to replace the former head of police Darryl Johnson.
He was heavily involved in the police response to outlaw motorcycle gangs in the early-mid 2000s and was involved in the establishment of a number of key task forces, including Task force Maxima.
3. Mark Jamieson
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson has been a staunch advocate for state and federal funding for the region as well as the 2032 South East Queensland Olympics bid.
Mr Jamieson was involved in discussions in 2015 for the regional Olympics bid when it was an ambitious goal among the 11 southeast Queensland mayors.
Securing the 2032 Olympics was seen as a way to unlock unprecedented infrastructure funding needed for the extra two million people predicted to live in the southeast corner by 2041.
However Mr Jamieson’s prominence in the council chamber has shifted since the March 2020 elections.
This become apparent in several key votes including the controversial mass transit plan.
Mr Jamieson was one of three in a minority of councillors who voted against delaying the major public transport plan to allow for more public feedback.
Because of that vote the council released the full options analysis document for public comment – a six-month process that comes at a cost of about $300,000.
2. Emma Thomas
Experienced businesswoman Emma Thomas was appointed as Sunshine Coast Council’s chief executive on a $485,000 a year contract in November 2020 to replace Michael Whittaker.
Ms Thomas previously worked for Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and as the director-general of Transport Canberra – where she helped deliver light rail – and was a partner in PwC‘s infrastructure and urban renewal team.
She is expected to make some big decisions in respect to the Sunshine Coast’s public transport.
Ms Thomas also took on the major role at an important time for the region as the council starts work on a new planning scheme to guide future development.
1. Lang Walker
Powerhouse property tycoon Lang Walker’s influence on the Sunshine Coast reached a whole new level when Walker Corporation was handed exclusive development rights at Maroochydore CBD in November, 2020.
The director and executive chairman of Walker Corporation will oversee the development over 20 years which was expected to bring $2.6b in investment.
The development agreement gives Mr Walker’s firm a unique opportunity to build a future-proof CBD largely from scratch but consistent with council’s city centre vision.
Mr Walker, AO, is also among a growing list of powerful people pushing to ensure heavy rail is connected to Maroochydore.
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Originally published as Sunshine Coast’s top 50 most powerful people for 2021 revealed
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