10 Southern GC Women who #ChooseToChallenge

Karen Andrews MP | Federal Member for McPherson and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology

Karen Andrews graduated from Queensland University of Technology in 1983 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. Karen worked as an engineer for a number of years before completing her Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations to which she became a passionate advocate. In the mid-1990’s Karen established a private human resources and industrial relations consultancy with a client base throughout Australia and New Zealand. She undertook further studies in alternative dispute resolution gaining a Certificate in Mediation from the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia to assist businesses and individuals with disputes through negotiation and mediation.

In 2010, Karen Andrews stood for election to the federal seat of McPherson and was successful. Since that time, she has hailed a number of positions including Chair of the House of Representatives Joint Standing Committee on Public Works, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science, Assistant Minister for Vocational Education & Skills and Assistant Minister for Science and now as the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.

Karen’s time in office includes being the architects of the $1.1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda, significant work to help Australian industry to flourish including the $160 million Manufacturing Modernisation Fund and guided the Australian Space Agency through its highly successful first year.

Karen Andrews is truly a woman to be admired and respected.

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Marion Charlton | Chief Operating Officer at the Gold Coast Airport

Born in Dublin, Marion first arrived on Australian soil in 1991 and started her role at Sydney Airport as the Head of Brand Development, Business management and passenger facilitation. The role led her to Atlanta in 1996 in order to help prepare Sydney Airport for the 2000 Olympic games.

In 2009, Marion Charlton took on the role of GM of Commercial and Terminals for one of the most vital transport hubs in the state of Queensland, the Gold Coast Airport. Now, she holds the coveted role of Chief Operating Officer and has overseen the $200 million recent southern terminal expansion, the delivery of four new aerobridges and the operations of 6.5 million passengers annually. All while being a brilliant example and a fantastic mother to her sons.  

Through Marion’s dedication and passion for the Airport, it is expected that passengers are expected to double by 2037.

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Jayme Cuttriss | Acting Chief Executive Officer & General Manager of Marketing & Sales for the National Trust of Australia (Queensland).

Jayme Cuttriss is the epitome of a quiet achiever. A dedicated mother and a graduate of Deakin University, Jayme remains a woman to be watched, admired and respected.

Jayme started her professional career with Sofitel Luxury Hotels in Melbourne, 2004. Here she managed the strategic direction and daily responsibilities of the sales team across all segments. Serving 5 years in the role meant that Jayme was a shoe-in for InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) as their Area Director of Sales & Marketing. Jayme quickly grew professionally and served 7 years within the company, overseeing IHG properties across Victoria, South Australia & Western Australia. Jayme grew to the role of Director of Sales & Marketing for InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort before stepping into the role of General Manager of Marketing and Sales for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS).

In her 4 years at CWS it’s no shock that the company saw major growth, Jayme was responsible for overseeing the marketing and sales strategy from CWS and driving visitation for the National Trusts broader region properties. In her new role as CEO Jayme has introduced a modern era for CWS with the introduction of augmented reality, the start of e-based platforms (including e-tickets and ticketing software’s) and the release of it’s first CWS App to include first of its kind digital maps, in-park notifications and more to enhance visitor experiences.

Jayme Cuttriss remains the epitome of a quiet achiever and a pivotal leader.

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Cr Gail O’Neill | City of Gold Coast Councilor for Division 14

Unafraid and determined to be the best for her community, Cr Gail O’Neill is the powerhouse leader this city, and our community needed. Gail is a true local, having raised her kids for the last 37 years on the Southern Gold Coast.

Prior to her political days, Gail managed Beach House Seaside Resort and Shopping Plaza at Coolangatta and was also Secretary of the Body Corporate for 15 years. She voluntarily served for 10 years as an Executive on the Southern Chamber of Commerce before being elected as the President of the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce from 2010 to 2015. Gail served as a member of the Gold Coast Regional Board of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Qld and played a large role in her community from 2001 to 2013 as member of the Coolangatta Christmas Carol & NYE Fire Works Committee. During her time as a founding member of the Southern Gateway Advisory Committee, Gail committed herself to initiatives for the southern gateway precincts of Coolangatta, Rainbow Bay and Kirra and from 2011 to 2013 to the improvement of the Coolangatta CBD. Soon launching ‘Cooly Rocks On’ as their Chair.

Except for her position managing the Beach House Seaside Resort, everything above was voluntary. For these reasons, it’s no shock that Gail was nominated and won Inaugural Gold Coast Business Woman of the Year in 2013.

In 2016, Gail stood for Council Division 14 and won. Having been re-elected in 2020, Councillor Gail O'Neill remains a strong and experienced advocate for the Southern GC who understands the importance of striking a balance with good, sustainable development and economic stability for local business. A powerhouse leader and an incredible woman.

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Patricia O’Callaghan | CEO of Destination Gold Coast

Destination Gold Coast is a key asset to the success of tourism on the Southern GC and an advocacy body that continues support and represent the tourism industry across the city. Patricia O’Callaghan brings a breath of fresh air to the position and an air of passion and optimism following a tough year for the industry. This young and eager leader has launched into her role, working closely with stakeholders to rebuild a broken visitor economy.

Patricia comes from humble beginnings, serving the region of Mt Isa as the GM of the Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce. Serving from 2007 to 2011, Patricia used her time to address employment issues, develop regional economic development strategies and create tourism opportunities for the region. Her success in the role meant she could rise to the role of General Manager for Tourism and Events with Townsville Enterprise where she served for 9 years, stepping up as CEO from 2015 to 2020. Here Patricia oversaw impressive economic development and visitation outcomes for North Queensland as well as economic growth and infrastructure investment.

Patricia was appointed to the role of CEO of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation (Destination Gold Coast) in early 2021 and is already delivering for the region. A dynamo for the industry and an asset for the city.

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Hilary Jacobs | Centre Manager at The Pines Elanora, President of SGC Chamber of Commerce

We might be a little bias in saying, none the less we’re proud to say, Hilary Jacobs is a bold and fearless advocate for the southern GC (we use the term fearless conservatively). Hilary’s time in centre management dates back to 1999, where she managed Savills The Moor Sheffield CBD for four years before moving to Canberra to manage two stores and 30 stand alone properties from 2004 to 2005.

Hilary soon moved to AMP Capital Investors in 2009 where she developed and implemented a comprehensive Retailer Engagement Program and was the key point of contact for retailers to engage with Centre Management. In her time here she served as a voluntary member of the Queanbeyan Development Board (alongside John Barilaro the now Deputy Premier of NSW). Hilary took on the role of Centre Manager for The Pines Elanora in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. Under her leadership, the Pines Elanora is the only shopping centre on the Southern Gold Coast with all three major supermarkets under one roof.

Hilary was elected as President for the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce (Then Creek to Creek, soon to be Southern GC Chamber of Commerce) in 2015 and have overseen its gradual growth as one of the most active chambers on the Gold Coast. Her leadership saw $2, 750 for training programs, a space on the Light Rail Business Advisory Group, the sponsorship of Australian Business week and the identity of the chamber as a trusted small business advocate solidified. Hilary is a force to be reckoned with as she continues to #ChooseToChallenge.

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Laura Gerber MP | Member for Currumbin, Shadow Assistant Minister for Justice, Youth, the Night-time Economy, and Cultural Development.

Laura Gerber has done it tough and proved every step of the way that she is not a woman to be forgotten. Working to assist her community, Laura graduated from Southern Cross University with a Bachelor of Laws, landing a position with Attwood Marshall Lawyers as a fierce advocate and trial lawyer.

Serving three years here, Laura took a change of pace and accepted a role in 2011 with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as a legal officer. Here Laura prosecuted cases including fraud, people smuggling, drug importation, sexual servitude, on-line child sexual exploitation, terrorism, tax fraud, money laundering, offences against the corporation’s legislation and a range of regulatory offences. Following a successful career with the DPP Laura moved to the Office of the Health Ombudsman where she promoted high standards of professional conduct and practice in the delivery of Health Services across Queensland, including monitoring and promoting; safe and competent practices of health service providers.

Laura stood for the state seat of Currumbin in March 2020, facing a bitter fought and tough by-election but emerging the elected MP for Currumbin. Laura championed local causes for several months before having the gear up and jump into another general election in October 2020. Against the odds, Laura won again and was appointed as Shadow Assistant Minister for Justice, Youth, the Night-time Economy and Cultural Development. With a bold and ambitious approach, Laura has never shied away from a challenge. As recent as yesterday, in the name of clean up Australia day, Laura renewed her scuba license and strapped on the tanks to clean the bottom of Currumbin Creek. Don’t mess with this local MP, she doesn’t muck about.

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Peta Newton | Executive Director with SEE Group

With a host of educational accolades, Peta is another example of the quiet achiever but a woman to be admired. Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Human Resources Management/Personal Administration and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) as well as a Grad Cert in Employment Relations it’s of no surprise that Peta knows what she’s doing when it comes to people.

Having humble beginings reaching back to 2000 as the Restaurant Manager for Competitive Foods Australia and moving to Training Manger in 2005 to 2007, Peta has become the Executive Director People & Compliance at SEE Civil Pty Ltd. Having more than 12 years’ experience, working in a range of roles across SEE Group’s operations, Peta was appointed to her current role as Executive Director in 2019, following several years as the group’s People and Culture Manager. In her time Peta has overseen a high-performing inclusive culture, cultural change with SEE Group’s businesses and has created a positive employee experience.

Known to be passionate and focused, Peta is an empowering example for young women across the construction and engineering industries.

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Jo-Anne Smith | CEO of One Step Further Education & Training and Vice President for the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Jo-Anne Smith stands out on this list, her focus and dedication remain on the success of the next generation. She continues to be an advocate for the importance of pushing your education and a proud advocate for the region’s small businesses. Jo-Anne is a doer, someone who never stops and always puts her heart and soul into service.

Jo is the current Chief executive officer at One Step Further, a privately owned Registered Training Organisation that provides quality training and professional development for individuals to guarantee growth and sustainability in and across all industries. Established in 1994, Jo has overseen the professional development of some of the city’s business and industry leaders as she leads one of the most trusted coaching and development training organisations on the Gold Coast.

As a local, she volunteers her time as the Vice President of the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce and has been a key influence in working with Southern Cross University, members training opportunities and a key advocate for community matter during board discussions.

Jo knows the Southern Gold Coast like the back of her hand because Jo is a key player in the Southern Gold Coasts continued success.

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Anne Stovin | CEO of Currumbin RSL

Overseeing leadership and strategic management and planning for the Currumbin RSL Group, Ignite Education Registered Training Organisation, Dune Cafe, Veteran Support Centre and Club 8 Casino is not a small fete. 

Anne Stovin is more than a woman who chose to challenge, she’s a pillar in the southern GC community and is respected by all generations. Anne started her journey on the GC in 1996, as the Business Development Manager and Hospitality and Tourism Trainer. Coordinating Functions and training hospitality was just the beginning, as Anne would soon become the CEO of Currumbin RSL and commence 18-hour workdays, one of the most consequential ANZAC ceremonies on the southern GC (attracting 1300 people), relaunching their new sports bar and introducing a series of environmental initiatives. Amassing 22 years with the Currumbin RSL.

In that time, Anne has served voluntarily as a Board Member at Southern Cross University and is a gold member with the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce. Anne has paved the way for southern GC businesses to embrace community, enhance their environmental consciousness and be a responsible local business.  Anne Stovin should be watched, you could learn a lot.