At yesterday’s Annual General Meeting in Marcoola, the Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) appointed nine board members to drive the organisation forward over the coming 12 months and advocate on behalf of the business community.

The board remains largely unchanged from the 2016 Annual General Meeting, with the exception of accomplished business executive Bridget Murphy and Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Peter Pallot, who have joined the ranks.

Ms Murphy’s appointment came after Telstra Business representative Gary McCulloch stepped down from the role earlier this year due to travel commitments.

Re-elected Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair Sandy Zubrinich said she was delighted to welcome Ms Murphy and Mr Pallot into the fold.

“Having worked in the airport industry for close to four decades, Mr Pallot will bring unparalleled insight into this important aspect of the Sunshine Coast economy,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“Peter has been instrumental in championing the growth and development of the Sunshine Coast Airport, and his expertise will be a significant asset to the board, particularly given tourism is so crucial for the region and aviation and aerospace has been identified as another of Sunshine Coast Council’s high-value industries.”

Ms Zubrinich said with Ms Murphy having worked in senior executive roles at high-profile companies including Fujitsu Australia Limited, she too brought wealth of experience to the table.

“Bridget is very knowledgeable in the area of IT, so she will take that focus as part of our board representation.”

“As Executive Director of Fujitsu Australia Limited, Ms Murphy is well-versed in leadership, strategic planning and digital programs and has spent more than a decade working with the company.”

Ms Murphy said in her capacity as a SCBC board member, she was committed to delivering a strong, cohesive voice for local business.

“With so much growth forecast for the region, the Sunshine Coast has the potential to prosper even more over the coming decades,” Ms Murphy said.

“It’s great to be joining a board that truly values members’ capabilities and recognises the value businesswomen can contribute to the corporate and political arena.”

Ms Murphy and Mr Pallot join the following fellow business leaders on the board:

  • Sandy Zubrinich, Zubek — Chair;
  • Tony Sowden, Tony Sowden Legal — Board member and secretary;
  • Hayden Rudd, NCP Bathrooms & Plumbing Centres — Board member and financial manager;
  • David Horne, ANZ – Board member;
  • Don Maconachie, Vice Chancellor’s Office University of Sunshine Coast – Board member;
  • Adrian Allen, Stockland – Board member; and
  • Tony Vickers, Midson Construction — Board member;

The Sunshine Coast Business Council is the leading regional business advocacy group on the Sunshine Coast representing approximately 4,000 businesses through its membership, which includes key national and regional industry groups and their members as well as national and regional businesses.

Its membership base represents a range of sectors including tourism, property, construction, retail, banking and financial services, telecommunications and professional services.


Photos from the Annual General Meeting held in Marcoola, 23 November 2017