Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) was formed in 2004 to be a leading regional advocate for business and for the economy.
Our purpose is to work cooperatively with industry and government to maximise regional economic performance by stimulating thought leadership and discussion around economic growth, infrastructure, investment and employment.
Our aim is for the Sunshine Coast to be a Top 5 performing region in Australia and a Top 3 performing region in Queensland by 2025, measured by: growth in GRP, employment indicators including unemployment, under-employment, job creation and participation rates as well as growth in householder income.
Our motto since 2004 – “One Vision, One Voice”. SCBC enjoys a cooperative working relationship with many business and community industry groups and associations as well as all levels of government. The Business Council is acknowledged as a key point of reference and leadership.
Our members are some of Australia’s leading national and regional companies that operate in different sectors in different parts of Australia and internationally. They generate national and regional wealth, create jobs and play an important role in regional growth, innovation and change. We give our members a voice on the future of our regional economy and we now have a record number of members becoming actively involved in the advocacy agenda and events conducted throughout the year.
Our priorities will change to reflect the requirements of our members and what is happening in the national and regional economies. Priorities are agreed at the annual Strategy Direction Workshop, giving the Business Council a national and an economy-wide perspective. The workshop is held in the first quarter of each calendar year.
Our advocacy direction is supported by regional research, member and stakeholder feedback as a result of the annual Strategy Direction Workshop. Our priorities and advocacy focus are centred around issues related to growth, investment, infrastructure and employment.
Underpinning aims
We seek to continually improve our interaction with the business community by:
- Growing SCBC's membership and sponsorship to encourage greater participation from all regional business, regardless of industry or size
- Providing events, networking and feedback functions for the benefit of members
- Collaborating with other industry groups to increase the regional industry and business information flow to members
- Continuing to improve our communications with governments to ensure our voice is heard, and
- Regularly updating this website to serve as a rich source of information and communication for members.
The Board
The SCBC’s Board is elected from our membership annually covering local industry groups and business leaders from a broad range of industry sectors and geographic areas of the Sunshine Coast.
Sandy Zubrinich
Board Member and Chair
Director
Sandy Zubrinich has held the role of chair Sunshine Coast Business Council since 2012. Under Sandy’s leadership the Business Council has an impressive Board who collaborate closely with members, and the three tiers of government to strengthen and diversify the regional economy.
Josh Sondergeld
Board Member and Treasurer
Development Director
Josh Sondergeld is a qualified property professional with over 19 years in property development and valuation. He has extensive experience in facilitating successful delivery of urban projects and understands the commercial factors which influence large scale integrated developments.
Kevin Covey
Board Member
Founder and CEO
Covey and Associates
Kevin Covey is the Managing Director and Principal Engineer of Covey Associates Pty Ltd, a consultancy providing disciplines of civil, structural, hydraulic, environmental, mechanical, landscape architecture, bushfire analysis, building design and fire safety.
Kylie Ezzy
Board Member
General Manager Corporate Communication
Sunshine Coast Airport
Kylie Ezzy joined the Sunshine Coast Airport team in 2021 and as the General Manager Corporate Communication, Kylie is responsible for leading Government, business and community relations and managing the Airport’s brand and reputation.
Jason Garland
Board Member
Management Committee
Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance
Jason Garland, Director of Secure Access, and committee member of the Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance (SCTechIA) has contributed significantly to the regional IT industry for 25 years and is committed to the sustainability of Sunshine Coast’s economic future.
Alex Hoffmann
Board Member
Founder and Director
Habitance Energy Positive Architecture
Alex Hoffmann has 30 years’ experience in Architecture, Urban Design and Master Planning, and a specialist skill in Public Transport Infrastructure. He is committed to intelligent and innovative regional development providing social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
Peter Saba
Board Member
Group Executive, Developments
Walker Corporation Pty Ltd
Peter Saba has led many of Walker Corp’s urban transformations across Australia and is currently overseeing the development of the new $3 billion Maroochydore City Centre. He is pivotal in nurturing government, community, and key stakeholder relationships.
Tony Scanlon
Board Member
Managing Director and Founder
Scanlon Group
Tony Scanlon, a multifaceted professional, is committed to supporting the growth of the local community and businesses, through property development, construction, project management, and operational experience, in the accommodation and hospitality industries.
Brad Williams
Board Member
General Manager
Sunshine Coast, RPS Australia Asia Pacific
Brad Williams, Urban planner and development consultant, assists clients and communities to achieve positive development, environmental, and social outcomes. with over 30 years’ experience, his goal is to enhance both community living, and environmental stewardship.
Mark Reilly
Board Advisor
General Manager East Coast Region, TAFE Queensland
Mark Reilly possesses in-depth knowledge of the opportunities the Queensland Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector provides to business, communities and individuals. He is committed to navigating and responding to the rapidly changing socio-economic landscape to benefit our region.
Ross Young
Board Advisor
University of the Sunshine Coast
Professor Ross Young, is an active leader, committed to the effective integration of UniSC with local, national, and international organisations, demonstrating how research, innovation, and business partnerships, can positively impact and improve the communities served by UniSC.
Kerrie Bryant-Adams
Board Secretary and Executive Officer
Kerrie Bryant-Adams has worked with associations, and member-based organisations for more than 30 years, looking after board functions, minute taking, account and record keeping, compliance and governance matters, meeting preparation, and event management.
Chair
Since SCBC’s inception in 2004, the following individuals have held the position of Chair:
- Ms Sandy Zubrinich (2012 - present)
- Mr Jason Law (2010 - 2011)
- Mr Maurie Hill (2010)
- Mr Paul Pettigrew (2007 - 2009)
- Mr John Prescott AC (2004 - 2007)
Portfolio structure
The management of SCBC is separated under key portfolios. Board members work across portfolios and frequently involve other members in projects and discussions within the portfolios. The current portfolios are:
- Board, Secretariat, Finance and Administration
- Communication & Marketing
- Advocacy
- Membership & Sponsorship
Constitution
Click here to view the Sunshine Coast Business Council's Constitution.