Toowoomba Chamber Board Elections 2025

VOTE HERE AND HAVE A SAY IN THE MAKEUP OF THE CHAMBER BOARD

Board Position	Nominee Name	Nominee Business	Bio	CV Link	Image
Vice President
Vice President	Rachael Carter	Hope Horizons	Rachael Carter is a dynamic leader and registered nurse with over two decades of experience spanning acute care, primary health, and community wellbeing. As General Manager of Hope Horizons, she leads an integrated cancer wellness centre delivering life-changing services at no out-of-pocket expense. A passionate social innovator, Rachael founded Mosaic Hues, a social enterprise supporting culturally diverse women into education and employment, and has driven over $1.2 million in grants for local initiatives that strengthen community capacity. Her leadership has seen small charities rebuilt from financial instability into thriving, sustainable organisations — all while keeping compassion and inclusion at the centre. Recognised as the 2024 Multicultural Queensland Award winner for Diversity and Inclusion, Rachael continues to champion governance excellence, strategic growth, and equitable access to care. Grounded in empathy, creativity, and collaboration, she’s driven by a clear purpose: to create communities where every person has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.	Read CV
Vice President	Mikaela Smith	Your Events Group	I am an accomplished entrepreneur and dedicated community advocate whose career expertise offers a unique combination of commercial acumen, strategic execution, local knowledge, with a diverse and deeply connected network. Having lived in the Toowoomba Region since birth, I possess a deep, innate love for our community and its future. My professional foundation is built upon over 16 years of comprehensive experience in high-stakes sales and strategic marketing, which has consistently driven measurable revenue growth and market penetration. Crucially, this is amplified by over 12 years of hands-on business ownership across two distinct sectors, the technical diesel fitting industry and the creative events management field. This dual entrepreneurial background provides me with profound business insight and a rare, holistic understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities facing local businesses. My strategic value and local standing are exceptionally strong, underpinned by a deep understanding of organisational success. I have served as the Event Coordinator for the 2024 and current 2025 Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the Awards' processes and recognising their immense importance to both the Chamber and the wider business community. This commitment is further validated by being named a Finalist in two categories at the 2024 Awards and receiving a nomination for an Australia Day award in January 2024. My proven leadership in community governance and fundraising is extensive, including serving as President of Women on the Move for 12 months and holding roles on school P&C committees. As an active member of the Lions Club of Westbrook and Districts, I have successfully coordinated significant community events like the Westbrook Halloween event and raised crucial funds that go back to the community and charities. My network is built on years of active advocacy, combining strong professional relationships cultivated through business ownership and general business networks with genuine, personal ties across the wider rural community. This dual-layered connectivity enables me to mobilise support, gather essential feedback, and act as an authentic voice for diverse local interests. My life in the wider Wellcamp area, where balancing family and farming fuels my advocacy, demonstrates a strong personal dedication to fostering robust, sustainable growth across the entire rural community and region. This dedication is exemplified by my sustained advocacy and leadership over the last four years, which has driven significant progress in an ongoing program targeting the upgrade of over 18 rural roads, resulting in tangible infrastructure improvements across the local community.	Read CV
Vice President	Carmen Traise	FX Technologies Toowoomba	I am the Sales and Marketing Manager at FX Technologies Toowoomba, a role she has proudly held for almost nine years. In this position , and combine skills in event promotion, business development, mentoring, and training to support both staff and customers. My focus is always on building strong relationships and helping others succeed. Before joining FX Technologies, I worked as a Senior Consultant and Training Manager in the Disability Employment sector, where she developed a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community. Earlier in my career, I also worked with Suncorp in fraud detection, investigation, and compliance, further strengthening her analytical and leadership skills. Proudly a veteran, serving 11 years in the Australian Army—most of that time within Army Aviation—where I qualified as an Aviation Maintenance Programmer, managing the workshop floor and was responsible for ensuring aircraft uptime and operational readiness. Volunteering is a key part of my life. I regularly apply experience in marketing, recruitment, and social media to assist community organisations and ex -military personnel, particularly with resumes and job applications. In her professional capacity, I lead the promotion of FX Technologies Toowoomba through networking, events, and community sponsorships across the region. Outside of work, my greatest pride is my two sons, aged 22 and 19. They are nucleus, and I am deeply committed to supporting their ambitions and helping them grow into capable, grounded young men. My personal passions include cooking and music—especially baking, which her friends and family are always happy to sample. A lifelong performer, Carmen continues to sing with two bands and regularly collaborates with other musicians. She has recently performed with the Jazz Society Toowoomba and will be volunteering her time to perform at the Toowoomba Christmas Lights event.	Read CV
Ordinary Members
Ordinary Member	Wayne Bradshaw	Jefo Australia	Having worked within the Australian livestock industry for more than 44 years, I have had the privilege of contributing to many areas of the agricultural supply chain — from livestock auctioneering and vaccine sales management to animal nutrition and research. Since moving to Toowoomba, 25 years ago with my wife, Rosemarie, this region has become both our home and our business base. In 2005, I established Jefo Australia, a feed additive business importing and servicing customers across Australia and New Zealand. From Toowoomba, we have built a family, a business, and strong community connections. The Toowoomba region represents the heart of Queensland agriculture — home to national and international leaders in the feedlot, pig, grain, and egg industries. With its natural resources, talent, and entrepreneurial drive, our region is well placed for growth. The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in connecting and promoting this ecosystem, and I am eager to contribute my experience and voice in support of its goals — particularly as an advocate for the agricultural sector. I believe that through collaboration, shared vision, and open dialogue, we can continue to strengthen Toowoomba’s position as a leading business and agricultural hub. I would be honoured to assist the Chamber in its mission to support and grow businesses across all sectors of our community.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Rachael Carter	Hope Horizons	Rachael Carter is a dynamic leader and registered nurse with over two decades of experience spanning acute care, primary health, and community wellbeing. As General Manager of Hope Horizons, she leads an integrated cancer wellness centre delivering life-changing services at no out-of-pocket expense. A passionate social innovator, Rachael founded Mosaic Hues, a social enterprise supporting culturally diverse women into education and employment, and has driven over $1.2 million in grants for local initiatives that strengthen community capacity. Her leadership has seen small charities rebuilt from financial instability into thriving, sustainable organisations — all while keeping compassion and inclusion at the centre. Recognised as the 2024 Multicultural Queensland Award winner for Diversity and Inclusion, Rachael continues to champion governance excellence, strategic growth, and equitable access to care. Grounded in empathy, creativity, and collaboration, she’s driven by a clear purpose: to create communities where every person has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Sonia Christou	All Star Brokers	My name is Sonia Christou, and I am the Founder and Director of All Star Insurance Brokers in Toowoomba. I bring more than 30 years of experience in business leadership, client relations, and team development across Australia and Europe. As a small business owner, I am passionate about supporting other local businesses to grow, collaborate, and thrive. Through my involvement with the Highfields Chamber of Commerce, BNI, Women on the Move, and the Zonta Club of Toowoomba, I have had the privilege of working alongside business leaders who share a strong commitment to our community. I believe in connection, integrity, and action, values that have guided both my business and my community involvement. Joining the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Board would allow me to contribute my experience, energy, and perspective to help strengthen and represent our local business community.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Brad Fitzgibbons	Fitzy's Toowoomba	A fourth-generation publican and respected leader in Queensland’s hospitality industry, Brad Fitzgibbons has dedicated more than two decades to championing excellence, safety, and community connection within the sector. As Director of the iconic Fitzy’s Toowoomba, Brad continues his family’s proud legacy of more than 80 years in regional hospitality, overseeing one of Toowoomba’s most recognised dining and entertainment destinations.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Grant Higgs	NBN Co	Grant Higgs brings a wealth of experience across multiple industries—including telecommunications, agriculture, mining and resources, sales, and banking—making him a well-rounded candidate for the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce board. His career has been defined by a deep commitment to regional Queensland, where he has consistently delivered outcomes that support economic growth, infrastructure development, and community resilience. In his current role as Community Engagement Manager for Southern Queensland at NBN Co, Grant has led the delivery of co-investment connectivity uplift projects across the region, securing over $20 million in funding. These projects have significantly improved digital access for remote communities, enabling local businesses and families to thrive in an increasingly connected economy. His commercial acumen and ability to align public and private sector interests have been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward. Grant has cultivated strong working relationships with all levels of government—local, state, and federal—through his work in both the public and private sectors. His understanding of regional political dynamics and “car politics” allows him to navigate complex stakeholder environments with pragmatism and insight. Whether advocating for infrastructure upgrades or negotiating community outcomes, Grant’s approach is grounded in respect, strategic foresight, and a clear understanding of the policy landscape. Working in the Toowoomba region for over 20 years, Grant combines lived experience with professional expertise to champion the needs of regional communities. His leadership style reflects a genuine connection to the region and a long-standing commitment to sustainable development. As a board member, he would bring a practical, solutions-focused perspective to the Chamber’s mission of supporting local business and fostering economic opportunity across the Toowoomba region.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Vicki Leavy	JMK Retail	I am a seasoned retail executive with over four decades of leadership experience, currently serving as General Manager of JMK Retail. Known for my strategic vision and operational excellence, I have consistently driven growth, innovation, and customer-centric transformation across diverse retail environments. My career includes high-impact roles in strategic planning and implementation, commercial development and delivery, centre operations, brand development, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver sustained commercial success. My expertise spans all levels of the retail sector and asset delivery, with key responsibilities involving engagement with both local and state government, and a strong emphasis on corporate governance. I bring visibility, flexibility, and agility to every role, maintaining a level-headed and fair approach with a reputation for innovation. I contribute positively to both corporate and company culture, fostering collaboration across internal teams and external consultants. My leadership is grounded in empathy, and I am passionate about building spaces, empowering people, and shaping communities. To the board, I offer an innovative, growth-oriented, and strategic mindset, informed by experience with national corporations, government agencies, and local businesses. I am passionate about identifying strategic opportunities and facilitating mutually beneficial alliances that create positive outcomes and foster growth for the Toowoomba community. I approach opportunities with a micro, macro, regional, and global perspective, always seeking transformative and practical solutions. I have a deep understanding of the layers required to identify gaps and use my unique skill set to align strategy with execution, bridging the space between insight and action. My goal is not just resilience, but progressive change and sustainable growth, driven by collaboration, empowerment, empathy, and innovation, with a strong commitment to the business community in our region. I am a passionate advocate for business, large or small, committed to facilitating progress and innovation across all sectors of our community. I am always seeking new opportunities to contribute my experience, knowledge, and network to further build Toowoomba and our region.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Kylie Lee	Toowoomba Choral Society	Kylie Lee is a Senior Manager at TAFE Queensland and has had over 30 years of experience in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Her diverse roles at TAFE have spanned educational delivery, faculty management, learning technologies, business development and corporate services. Throughout her career, Kylie has developed extensive expertise working with students, employers and industry to design innovative VET delivery models across regional Queensland. Her professional skills encompass systems, compliance, contract management, situational leadership and change management within the VET sector. In addition to this, Kylie is the President of the Toowoomba Choral Society which is a not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to fostering a love of music and performance across all ages. With a history spanning over 90 years, the Society comprises several choirs (including the TCS Choir, Contemporary Choral, and Youth Choir) and stages a variety of concerts, workshops and musical theatre productions throughout the year. It provides opportunities for singers of all skill levels to develop their talents, connect with others, and contribute to Toowoomba’s vibrant cultural scene.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Brendan McDonald	CoBright Marketing	With 35 years of industry experience, Brendan leads a Toowoomba-based team of dedicated marketing, copywriting, and design specialists delivering proactive, tailored marketing and web design solutions. CoBright works with major Ag brands in Australia with a team of 12 marketing professionals. Brendan has a proud history of community involvement through Apex, The Downs Club, and the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland, as well as supporting many NFPs through the CoBright brand. “I enjoy getting to the bottom of companies’ unique value to understand how to get your story in front of the right people, at the right time.” Brendan has represented many organisaitons at the board level and has recently (2023) become a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Jaime McGuire	E & E Waste	Jaime McGuire is a business leader who brings both heart and strategy to everything he does. As Business Operations Manager at E&E Waste and a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience, Jaime thrives on finding smart, practical solutions that drive growth, improve efficiency, and support people. With a career spanning industries from hospitality, construction and waste management, Jaime has developed a deep understanding of what makes regional businesses tick. He’s led teams through change, built systems from the ground up, and strengthened the financial foundations of organisations large and small. Beyond the boardroom, Jaime is passionate about community. He serves as Treasurer and Board Member of Hope Horizons Inc., a Toowoomba-based cancer wellness charity providing free allied health support to locals impacted by cancer. He’s also rolled up his sleeves for countless community initiatives — from Rotary’s Ride the Range to local cycling and mountain biking clubs. Grounded, energetic, and community-minded, Jaime believes that collaboration and good governance are key to sustainable business and regional success. Whether he’s driving strategic projects at E&E Waste or contributing to the not-for-profit sector, his goal remains the same — to make Toowoomba a thriving place to live, work, and do business.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Clayton Menyweather	Little Pig Consulting	Director, Little Pig Consulting | Community Leader | Small Business Advocate Clayton Menyweather is the Director and Founder of Little Pig Consulting, a Toowoomba- based marketing and creative agency established in 2017. Over the past eight years, he has helped countless small to medium-sized businesses across the region strengthen their brands, grow their digital presence, and connect more deeply with their customers. A long-time supporter of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Clayton has actively promoted Chamber membership for years and is directly responsible for introducing many new members. He has attended most Chamber events and all the past four AGMs, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the organisation and its role in shaping Toowoomba’s business landscape. Beyond business, Clayton is deeply invested in the community. He currently serves as Chair of the Hope for Our Children board, is a mentor and workshop presenter for the Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Program, a Mentor 4 Growth volunteer, and a Small Business Mentor with TAFE Queensland. He also gives his time each week as a tuckshop volunteer, a simple but important way to stay connected to community life. Under his leadership, Little Pig Consulting has proudly assisted the Chamber in expanding its digital presence and continues to work alongside local government organisations and numerous Toowoomba businesses. Guided by values of collaboration, authenticity, and creativity, Clayton and his team are passionate about supporting the region’s business ecosystem. Driven by a desire to advocate for small businesses, foster collaboration, and contribute his marketing and leadership experience, Clayton is committed to making a meaningful difference within the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and the broader business community.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Tilly Mykat	Oh Tilly		Read CV
Ordinary Member	David New	Workforce Australia Local Jobs	David New is the Jobs Coordinator for Workforce Australia Local Jobs in the Darling Downs and author of the region’s Local Jobs Plan. A strategic regional leader and experienced company director, he brings three decades of small-business leadership in Australia and the United Kingdom, with broad experience across business, government and community sectors. David works closely with all levels of government to strengthen local employment and economic outcomes. Deeply involved in the Toowoomba business community, he leads collaborative initiatives that build a skilled, inclusive workforce and support local growth. As Chair of the Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce, he unites business, community and government partners to set priorities and deliver practical workforce solutions for employers and key groups including First Nations people, mature-age workers and multicultural communities. David’s leadership has been recognised through a Multicultural Queensland Award commendation and a Toowoomba Chamber Business Excellence Award. He also serves on the Toowoomba Regional Council’s Multicultural Advisory Committee and the management committee of the Toowoomba International Multicultural Society. Committed to a strong and connected regional economy, David is passionate about supporting local business and championing Toowoomba as a thriving hub for opportunity.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Jen Ryder	Operational Alchemy	Jen Ryder is an experienced business leader, strategist and coach with more than 20 years’ experience in operational leadership and governance across professional services, health and technology sectors. Through her business, Operational Alchemy, and as a Vistage Chair, Jen works with CEOs and business owners to strengthen leadership capability, drive growth and embed accountability. She has held senior leadership roles in professional services and health, including COO and General Manager positions, leading major transformations such as an ASX-listed acquisition, as well as technology, compliance and culture initiatives. A country girl through and through, Jen believes that small and medium businesses are the key to a thriving regional Australia. She is passionate about supporting their growth and development, creating lasting impact for business owners, teams and the communities they serve.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Anna Selina-Young	Nara Consultancy	Anna-Selina Young is the Director and Co-Founder of NARA Workplace Capability Consultancy, a Queensland-based consultancy that helps businesses strengthen workplace culture, wellbeing, and capability through practical, people-focused solutions. With a background in psychology and communication science she brings a well-rounded and strategically-minded understanding of how healthy, agile workplaces support regional and economic growth. Spending a significant amount of time in Toowoomba, Anna-Selina is actively involved in the local business community. She mentors through the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Leaders Program and recently served as a judge for the Business Excellence Awards 2025. She has led community engagement initiatives for ACCIONA Energia’s MacIntyre Wind Farm and founded and directed not-for-profit organisations and initiatives, including the Austrian Network in Brisbane and Longboard Family Inc.; a youth mental health and recreation organisation. In addition, Anna-Selina has served as a member of the Federation University Student Senate representing the Institute of Health & Wellbeing. She has also worked across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia, bringing a global perspective and a genuine interest in multiculturalism, economic development, and community connection.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Paul Schmidt-Lee	Ray White Commercial Toowoomba	With a distinguished 21-year career in the Australian Army, Paul Schmidt-Lee developed the commitment, discipline, and determination that continue to define his success in real estate. Over nearly two decades in the industry, Paul has earned a strong reputation for professionalism, integrity, and results-driven service. Beginning his real estate career in residential sales, Paul quickly established himself as a trusted advisor, earning multiple awards for sales and listing achievements. From 2009 to 2015, he expanded into property management, gaining industry-wide recognition for his expertise in leasing and managing residential portfolios. In 2015, Paul joined the highly successful team at Ray White Commercial Toowoomba, where his leadership and client focus saw him rise to the role of Commercial Property Manager, overseeing more than 400 commercial properties. His deep understanding of both owner and tenant needs, coupled with his expertise in commercial sales, leasing, and management, has made him a respected figure in the Toowoomba business community. Paul holds a full Real Estate Licence, providing a strong foundation in legislation, documentation, and the complex facets of the industry. In November 2021, he became Part-Owner and Director of Ray White Commercial Toowoomba — a testament to his leadership and long-standing contribution to the company’s success. Awards & Recognition 2023/2024 – Premier Performer 2021/2022 – Premier Business Leader, Ray White Commercial Toowoomba 2020/2021 – REIQ Commercial Property Manager of the Year	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Jeff Schultheiss	Darling Fresh Smoke Haus	Jeff is a passionate and professional Foodie entrepreneur, currently growing his innovative business Darling Fresh Smoke Haus, while commencing Darling Fresh Consulting in 2019. Always championing local small business, Jeff has been on the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Food and Agri Network Advisory group, and a Business Excellence Awards judge for years. In the 2022 and 2023 Business excellence Awards, Darling Fresh Smoke Haus achieved category Finalists 6 times and won 2 categories, Innovation and Microbusiness. Growing up in his father’s food business, he studied Food Technology at UNSW and learned how professional businesses run in the Arnott’s Manufacturing Graduate Traineeship Program. Returning to Birch & Waite Foods, the family Business in Sydney, as General Manager he successfully led strong business growth with productivity and efficiency measures, intentional Sales and Marketing, a Business re-brand, implementation of an operating system and viability reviews, a factory move and upgrade, implementation of structured strategic planning, channel diversification, implementation of a professional Management Team, Branded entry into the major retailers, and valuation optimisation initiatives as the previously hands-on Directors asked him to position the business for a future exit. In 2011, Jeff and Karen moved their young family to Toowoomba where Karen grew up. After managing production facilities for Home Ice-cream and then Story Fresh, in 2019 Jeff began his own Businesses, first Darling Fresh Consulting: providing strategic and systems support to Food Businesses, then Darling Fresh Smoke Haus: innovatively manufacturing ready to eat 100% natural wood-smoked foods. Jeff and Karen now focus their efforts on growing their small Business, raising two teenage daughters, and being conscientious and supportive members of their local church and community, while always enjoying the pleasure of great food with good friends.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Mikaela Smith	Your Event Group	I am an accomplished entrepreneur and dedicated community advocate whose career expertise offers a unique combination of commercial acumen, strategic execution, local knowledge, with a diverse and deeply connected network. Having lived in the Toowoomba Region since birth, I possess a deep, innate love for our community and its future. My professional foundation is built upon over 16 years of comprehensive experience in high-stakes sales and strategic marketing, which has consistently driven measurable revenue growth and market penetration. Crucially, this is amplified by over 12 years of hands-on business ownership across two distinct sectors, the technical diesel fitting industry and the creative events management field. This dual entrepreneurial background provides me with profound business insight and a rare, holistic understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities facing local businesses. My strategic value and local standing are exceptionally strong, underpinned by a deep understanding of organisational success. I have served as the Event Coordinator for the 2024 and current 2025 Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the Awards' processes and recognising their immense importance to both the Chamber and the wider business community. This commitment is further validated by being named a Finalist in two categories at the 2024 Awards and receiving a nomination for an Australia Day award in January 2024. My proven leadership in community governance and fundraising is extensive, including serving as President of Women on the Move for 12 months and holding roles on school P&C committees. As an active member of the Lions Club of Westbrook and Districts, I have successfully coordinated significant community events like the Westbrook Halloween event and raised crucial funds that go back to the community and charities. My network is built on years of active advocacy, combining strong professional relationships cultivated through business ownership and general business networks with genuine, personal ties across the wider rural community. This dual-layered connectivity enables me to mobilise support, gather essential feedback, and act as an authentic voice for diverse local interests. My life in the wider Wellcamp area, where balancing family and farming fuels my advocacy, demonstrates a strong personal dedication to fostering robust, sustainable growth across the entire rural community and region. This dedication is exemplified by my sustained advocacy and leadership over the last four years, which has driven significant progress in an ongoing program targeting the upgrade of over 18 rural roads, resulting in tangible infrastructure improvements across the local community.	Read CV
Ordinary Member	Carmen Traise	FX Technologies Toowoomba	I am the Sales and Marketing Manager at FX Technologies Toowoomba, a role she has proudly held for almost nine years. In this position , and combine skills in event promotion, business development, mentoring, and training to support both staff and customers. My focus is always on building strong relationships and helping others succeed. Before joining FX Technologies, I worked as a Senior Consultant and Training Manager in the Disability Employment sector, where she developed a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community. Earlier in my career, I also worked with Suncorp in fraud detection, investigation, and compliance, further strengthening her analytical and leadership skills. Proudly a veteran, serving 11 years in the Australian Army—most of that time within Army Aviation—where I qualified as an Aviation Maintenance Programmer, managing the workshop floor and was responsible for ensuring aircraft uptime and operational readiness. Volunteering is a key part of my life. I regularly apply experience in marketing, recruitment, and social media to assist community organisations and ex -military personnel, particularly with resumes and job applications. In her professional capacity, I lead the promotion of FX Technologies Toowoomba through networking, events, and community sponsorships across the region. Outside of work, my greatest pride is my two sons, aged 22 and 19. They are nucleus, and I am deeply committed to supporting their ambitions and helping them grow into capable, grounded young men. My personal passions include cooking and music—especially baking, which her friends and family are always happy to sample. A lifelong performer, Carmen continues to sing with two bands and regularly collaborates with other musicians. She has recently performed with the Jazz Society Toowoomba and will be volunteering her time to perform at the Toowoomba Christmas Lights event.	Read CV

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