Member Spotlight – Deb Donohoe

Relations Manager, Smart Pups Assistance Dogs

Where do you live?

Minyama.

Tell us about your family?

I live with my husband Josh and our 15-year-old kelpie-cross Neo. I also have extended family living on the Sunshine Coast, which is awesome.

Favourite location on the Sunshine Coast?

Nothing beats home. But I also love taking Neo to Kawana Beach or doing a drive through the hinterland.

Which local person inspires you?

My mum, Sue. She literally knows everyone and everyone loves her. She’s heavily involved in voluntary and community work and has this amazing ability to connect with and love people. She’s fun, adventurous and has the fullest social calendar of anyone I know.

Favourite local business?

Smart Pups, of course. We train and place highly skilled assistance dogs for children with autism, diabetes, epilepsy and mobility needs. It is an incredible charity and a dream job for me, combining passion and purpose (and puppies).

Best thing about living on the Coast?

The lifestyle and the sense of community. People love to support local and there are so many incredible local businesses on the Coast. Also, it’s the fact that we get to actually live somewhere that is a holiday destination for most people.

How long have you been a Chamber member?

Since the start of this year.

What’s the best thing about being a Chamber member?

Meeting interesting people. It’s great to connect with local businesses and have a network of support for the work we are all trying to do.

Favourite ChamberCast with the President and Pep?

Episode 23 with Sam Parker, from Grab Life By the Balls, because Grab Life is another awesome local charity doing great work on the Coast and mental health is such an important topic to tackle.

Favourite Chamber event?

They are all good but the coffee mornings are probably a favourite.

How can the Sunshine Coast be improved?

Become more dog friendly: more off-leash beaches, dog-friendly cafes and public spaces that welcome our four-legged mates. I might be biased.

What excites you about the future of the region?

I love that the region is growing in a way that brings us things we used to have to drive to Brisbane for – whether that’s a great restaurant (I’m a massive foodie), a new business or more variety in what’s on offer – but we still get to keep that laid-back, coastal feel. We’re getting the best of both worlds without losing what makes the Sunny Coast special.

Favourite holiday destination?

Japan, for the snow. And the food. And basically everything about it.

Read Deb’s full Member Spotlight in My Weekly Preview.