The Mackay Chamber committee

Local professionals making a difference for Mackay businesses and paving the way for a collaborative, successful future.

Who is Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce?

Passionate about supporting the business community in the wider Mackay region, our Chamber committee acts as the voice for this community. We advocate to all levels of government to bring your issues to the forefront, while offering on the ground guidance, professional development and connection opportunities.

Our committee is dedicated to connecting and informing the region’s business community, creating an environment for business owners to gain new opportunities and utilise our accessible team training. For over 130 years, Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce has played a pivotal role in supporting Mackay’s development and growth.

GEOFF O'CONNOR

President
**SBB PARTNERS – MACKAY | BRISBANE**
Geoff has been a long term local accountant in the region since 2000 and became a Director in 2012 at SBB Partners (Sammut Bulow Bennett Partners) operating across multiple locations. Geoff has gained extensive experience in the business services area over the past 21 + years, including the provision of taxation, business and accounting advice.
Geoff maintains a large portfolio of clients across varying industries and places a strong focus on his client needs. Geoff provides a personal service at every level, together with his energetic approach and uncompromisingly high standards for clients, he strives to exceed their expectations.
He also prides himself with staff development and is a great mentor for younger staff.

VICKI SMITH

Vice President
**COOL CHAIN MACKAY | GW3**
Vicki is a marketing and communications professional with over 20 years’ experience and a passion to see the Mackay region thrive for generations to come.
Moving to Brisbane to study and work in large ASX-listed companies, Vicki returned to Mackay in 2012 and applied her skills and knowledge to regional businesses of all types. She has worked with some of the region’s largest organisations on strategic projects and has also enjoyed engaging with small local businesses.
Vicki is keen to apply her vast business experience to the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce and our dynamic and innovative business community.

ELIZABETH DENT

Treasurer
**DGL ACCOUNTANTS**
Elizabeth graduated from Central Queensland University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Accounting and became a member of CPA Australia in 2012. She obtained a Limited Public Practice Certificate in 2016 and is also a Registered Tax Agent.
Lizzy commenced her career with DGL Accountants in 2004 as a Trainee Accountant and was appointed as a Director in 2018.
Elizabeth has great knowledge in Self-Managed Superannuation Funds and an excellent understanding of small business.
Elizabeth is highly regarded by her clients for going the extra mile and her approachable nature. She strives to bring excellence and integrity to every task at hand and thrives on building and maintaining strong relationships.

MAREE STURDY

Secretary
**TREADWELL TYRE SERVICE**
Maree and her husband have been business owners since 2008. Coming from a primary school teaching background, she then went into business in 2010 as the Quality Officer. Since then, she has grown her role in the company to include advertising, promotions and events, community engagement and networking.
Her enthusiasm and enjoyment for Chamber is directly related to their core values – “Advocate; Educate; Connect”.

BERTA COLLINS

**MOUNT PLEASANT CENTRE**
Berta is a results driven marketer with over 20 years experience in developing and executing successful Marketing campaigns. She is skilled in communications, brand management, digital, and Social Media strategies for clients across various sectors including financial services, pharmaceuticals, government, and retail.

Berta likes to think outside the box and identify areas for continual improvement and enjoys sharing her knowledge with colleagues and others where she can.

Berta looks forward to using her passion for stakeholder and community engagement to help the Mackay Regional Chamber of Commerce and the business community.

BRENDAN HUGHES

**ACCUVEST**
Brendan believes that quality financial advice improves client's lifestyle and financial outcomes throughout their life. With over 10 years’ experience as Financial Adviser, Brendan believes that quality advice provides a stronger direction to achieving goals, aspirations and dreams; a greater level of security, and above all else, the peace of mind that people seek to have with their lives and finances.

Brendan has professional interests across all areas of finance, financial advice, business, accounting, economics and estate planning. These broad and diverse interests allow him to have meaningful conversations with business people in our community. When Brendan meets with clients, he enjoys having meaningful, realistic and genuine conversations to address their needs, today and tomorrow.

Brendan is already well known and respected in the Mackay community and enjoys building strong connections and networks. Outside of Brendan’s involvement with the Chamber, Brendan has been active with YP (Young Professionals), he is the Regional QLD & NT chair for the Financial Advice Association of Australia, he sits on the committee for the Mayor’s Chairity Ball and he’s also a Rotarian!

DEB RAE

**DEB RAE SOLUTIONS**
Deb is committed to working with organisations to harness the benefits of a psychosocially and psychologically safe culture. Her professional career spans over 25 years of experience as a consultant, author and coach.

Working with business, government and not-for-profit organisations, Deb creates an environment of trust where leaders, managers and staff can confidently build their capacity and achieve measurable results.

Deb holds a Master of Social Administration and is a certified Neuro Change Practitioner. Her expertise has been recognised in being awarded the AIM Not-For-Profit Manager of the Year (Mackay) in 2011 and the Community Dedication Award with Northern Qld Women in Business in 2019.

GRIER WILLIAMSON

**MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL**
BIO COMING SOON!

DANNIELLE WOODWARD

**WALLACE AND WALLACE LAWYERS**
Dannielle is an Associate at Wallace & Wallace Lawyers, practicing in Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Employment Law. Dannielle commenced with Wallace & Wallace Lawyers in 2012, as a legal assistant, while completing her Bachelor of Laws.

Dannielle is often described as having a “can’t be that hard” attitude, which has served her both personally and professionally – give Dannielle a problem to solve, and she will get it sorted!

Dannielle also sits on the board of a number of other organisations, and is the current president of the North Queensland Law Association. She is passionate about giving back to the local community through various endeavours, and has a particular interest in supporting small businesses.

In her personal life, Dannielle enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters, often exploring our beautiful local region. Otherwise, you can find her playing home handy [wo]man (thanks to the “can’t be that hard attitude”), much to her husband’s dismay!.

CHRISTINA STAGG

ADMIN AND MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

BIO COMING SOON!