President’s Update – September 2026
It’s September and that means footy fever is in full swing and there’s no doubt that things are really heating up in Maroochydore and across the Sunshine Coast. While the weather begins to warm up we’re also seeing things heat up in Maroochydore with the opening of Walker’s 50 First Avenue project, significant progress at Crowne Plaza and an old style country and western saloon bar Coyote’s Roadhouse open on Ocean Street. There’s also lots of changes to the terminal at the Sunshine Coast Airport.
It continues to be an exciting time to be in business on the Sunshine Coast and this is reflected in the attendances and the enthusiasm of those attending our regular networking events.
The local economy remains resilient although we continue to see the impact on the cost of living as well as the changes brought about from the recent Federal Budget. Our community is resilient and we continue to encourage our members and the broader community to support local businesses when they can.
It’s award season
September is also award season and it’s great to see a number of our members recognised for their excellence including our executive committee member Erin Barnes whose business A Human Edge was named Micro/Small Business Woman of the Year while long term member Dave Becker won a best home renovation award at the Master Builders Award. Also congratulations to committee member Peppi Bueti who was part of the Shine a Light on Racism campaign which recently won an award at the Sunshine Coast Multicultural Awards. Congratulations to all other award nominees and winners.
Don’t forget the Sunshine Coast Business Awards later this year. While entries have closed, there’s still a chance to win an award and attend the gala presentation in late November. For more information, visit: www.sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au
Vale Roy and Nola Thompson
The whole Sunshine Coast was saddened to hear of the recent passing of local philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson. The couple were recently described as the Sunshine Coast’s greatest
love story, their passion for each other, their family and friends along with their contribution and legacy to our whole region is unmatched.
The Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce extends our condolences to their family and friends at this time.
February Breakfast – it’s going to be big!
Our annual February breakfast has become one of the Coast’s ‘must attend’ events with a list of guests including John Eales, Mark Bouris and Janine Allis. We will be releasing details of our next speaker very soon and it promises to be another highly engaging speaker. Please follow our facebook and website for regular updates.
Chambercast with the President and Pep
Many thanks to our long term supporter Mix FM for enabling us to record our Chambercast with the President and Pep at their Storyteller’s Suite in the building at Kon Tiki Maroochydore. We’ve had some great guests this year including Sunshine Coast Council CEO John Baker and the new owner of Sunshine Coast Lightning Justin Pascoe as well as Dr John Barletta who provides some great insights into planning for retirement in order to live a happy and healthy life by being physically and mentally active. Sally Desch from HRH provided a great insight into her business and our latest guest, Rick Woods from the Buderim Foundation is a great listen. To listen to all the latest Chambercast’s with the President and Pep, please click here: https://maroochy.org/chambercast
AGM – October 21
Our AGM is locked in for Wednesday October 21. I’m pleased to report that most of our current committee will remain for another year which is pleasing as it ensures we have consistency among our cohort. If you are interested in joining our Executive, please feel free to reach out to me so we can chat about the obligations of Executive members. Please keep an eye out on our Facebook page and website for more information.
Thanks for your support
As we head into the final quarter for the year, I was to thank our sponsors and members for their ongoing support. We receive wonderful feedback from our supporters and we are constantly working to make our chamber even better for everyone.Thanks always to Min Swan
and her Whitehouse team for their incredible ability to keep things moving along in such a professional manner. Thanks also to our membership officer Sharon Dryden for her work touching base with members and encouraging new members to get on board. It’s a total team effort and that’s what makes our Chamber so appealing.
As always, if you have any ideas for news, events or activities we could promote or undertake please let us know. I look forward to seeing you at our next Chamber event.
Brendan Bathersby
President
