5 minute read
Bridging the gap for sustainability THE SUNSHINE COAST YOUNG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BY LILLIE GILLAM
For us at the Sunshine Coast Young Chamber of Commerce (SCYCC), sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about making strategic moves today that will ensure our community thrives tomorrow. Our goal is to create a Sunshine Coast where we can live, work, and play without feeling the need to relocate to larger cities for better opportunities.
The Young Chamber recently teamed up with industry heavyweights Walker Corporation, SunCentral, Stockland, and Project Urban for a thought-provoking event. This event brought to light a significant issue: the disconnect between Sunshine Coast development and the young community. It was an eye-opener, highlighting a pressing need for alignment between our rapidly growing region and the aspirations of its youth community.
The event underscored a critical question: How do we make sure the Sunshine Coast grows in a way that includes and benefits young professionals? The collaboration with key players like Walker Corporation and SunCentral was a step towards answering this. These industry leaders are shaping the future of our region, and their projects will significantly impact where and how we live.
Stockland and Project Urban brought valuable insights into the conversation, focusing on sustainable development and urban planning. Their expertise is crucial in creating spaces that are not only economically vibrant but also environmentally friendly and community oriented.
As young professionals, we are at the heart of this transformation. Our involvement in these discussions ensures that our voices are heard, and our needs are met. We want to be part of a Sunshine Coast that offers diverse job opportunities, affordable housing, and vibrant social spaces. It's about creating a balanced life where professional success doesn’t come at the cost of personal wellbeing.
The future of the Sunshine Coast depends on the decisions we make today. By forging strong connections with developers and urban planners, we can influence the trajectory of our region’s growth. This is not just about maintaining the natural beauty of our coastlines or the charm of our towns; it’s about building a resilient community that can adapt to future challenges.
We envision a Sunshine Coast where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand—a place where young entrepreneurs can launch start-ups, where creative minds can find inspiration, and where families can grow and thrive. It’s about creating a legacy that ensures future generations have the same, if not better, opportunities. u
The Future Of The Sunshine Coast Depends On The Decisions We Make Today
LENDY // Kalena Stano
I’m Kalena, a mum and the founder of Lendy, an emerging tech start-up offering a peer to-peer rental marketplace. Originally from Hawaii, I’ve called the Sunshine Coast home since 2010. Lendy connects people for resource-sharing through rentals, tackling the cost of living, fostering community, and promoting sustainability through sharing. I’m passionate about creating positive community solutions, valuing people over profits, having a positive impact on the environment and reducing waste.
I joined the SCYCC for its immense support and encouragement to young professionals. It's a hub where innovative minds come together, which is crucial in my journey to disrupt traditional business models. I love the energy and inspiration from SCYCC members, which fuels my determination and significantly contributes to my success.
GREASEBOSS // Peter Condoleon
I’m Peter, co-founder and CTO of GreaseBoss, a technology company started in 2020 that digitally monitors equipment lubrication for heavy industry. We support Australian mining and manufacturing and are expanding to Europe, the Americas, and Korea. Upon graduation in engineering at UQ, I became the full-time CTO of GreaseBoss. In 2021, I moved to the Sunshine Coast to kickstart a new lifestyle and establish our business office.
I joined the SCYCC to connect with younger, like-minded members at a similar career stage. I love the unique atmosphere of SCYCC events and coffee catch-ups, which offer a refreshing alternative to typical networking events. They provide opportunities to meet new people, gain friends, share stories, and learn along the way.
FENWICK COLLECTIVE // Tegan Jansen
I’m Tegan, a highly motivated businesswoman working at Fenwick Collective as a senior accountant and business advisor (CPA qualified) on the Sunshine Coast. I am passionate about business, fitness, and travel. In my role, I manage a growing client base of business owners and individual taxpayers, assisting with tax, business advisory, finances, KPIs, and budgets. I also help lead a team of accountants and bookkeepers.
SCYCC allows me to seek opportunities for professional and personal growth, aligning with my values of lifelong learning. Through SCYCC, I became the volunteer treasurer of a local NFP, which positively contributed to my development. My favourite part of SCYCC is the like-minded community of young professionals, where I’ve met friends, colleagues, and clients.
RAY WHITE COMMERCIAL // David Goldsworthy
I’m David. I’ve been on the Sunshine Coast for six years and work at Ray White Commercial Northern Corridor Group. We service commercial property needs from Brisbane to Gympie, focusing on land, development, retail, office, and industrial transactions. I pride myself on being part of a young, dynamic group that values longterm client relationships. I serve as a board member of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce and an executive member of SCYCC.
I joined SCYCC to connect with like-minded professionals facing similar challenges. I enjoy the opportunities and networks gained through my role, which have been life-changing. SCYCC provides a strong support network, aligning with my belief in the importance of people. I appreciate connecting with people and learning from volunteer roles within SCYCC.
