Member Spotlight – Simone Bell

Support Engagement Lead, Wishlist

Where do you live?

Carters Ridge, a gorgeous hinterland town at the back of Cooroy. I grew up in Sydney but moved here 25 years ago. Almost a local!

Can you tell us about your family?

I’ve been married for 32 years, raised three brilliant women, welcomed one son-in-law, and dote on three gorgeous grandchildren.

Favourite location on the Sunshine Coast?

I remember falling in love with Noosa when I first came to the Sunshine Coast. I still love Noosa.

Which local person inspires you?

Lisa Rowe is who inspires me. After 24 years as the heart and driving force behind Wishlist, she’s just stepped down from the charity she built from nothing, starting out with a team of two in a donger behind Nambour Hospital. What she’s grown that into, and what it’s meant for patients and families in their hardest moments, is incredible. But honestly, what inspires me most is who she is as a person: a genuinely lovely human, warm and down to earth. She did it all as a female leader when women weren’t always taken seriously and she never let that stop her.

Favourite local business?

Gosh, tough one – like choosing a favourite child. We have so many incredible businesses and businesspeople here who value relationships.

Best thing about living on the Coast?

At the risk of sounding cliche, it’s the lifestyle. I live on acreage with mountain views, close to the world-class beaches, great dining and a high-end professional community.

How long have you been a Chamber member?

Four years as an executive committee member.

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

Honestly, it’s the connections with other people in business – regardless of the size of the business. Sole operators sit alongside big employers and everyone’s treated the same. There’s no hierarchy about who’s ‘made it’ and who hasn’t. You just get real people, sharing real experiences, happy to help each other out.

Favourite ChamberCast with the President and Pep?

Dr Leon Stensholm. What he gives to the mental health space to connect with youths across the Coast is outstanding. I love hearing his story.

Favourite Chamber event?

Our February breakfast that kicks off each year. It’s exciting bringing in high-end speakers we don’t often get access to here and seeing the room captivated by their stories.

How can the Sunshine Coast be improved?

Public transport. Our population’s growing fast, roads are busier and it’s hard for teens to be self-sufficient when they can’t get around.

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