To create a collaborative business community inspired to connect, learn, and grow.
Since 1868, Queensland chambers of commerce have made it their business to represent, protect and nourish Queensland businesses in every way possible.
We’ve advocated on behalf of our members to make business more efficient, with our lobbyists and media experts pressuring to change policy, enact legislation and reduce red tape at all levels of government.
We’ve listened to our members so that we can speak on their behalf, with our influence and persistence making sure everyone’s voice gets heard.
We’ve promoted training and education to make our members more competitive, with industry-certified professionals and courses up-skilling workforces and enhancing business performance.
To get the most out of being a member, please consider how you can support your Chamber and volunteer your services to help our small business community thrive.
The Chamber of Commerce is run by an elected executive committee which is elected each year at our annual general meeting held every September. Being involved at this level of the organisation presents you with many opportunities to contribute and make a difference. It can also provide you with the opportunity to develop new skills and deepen relationships with others within our community.
Our Vision
To create a collaborative business community inspired to connect, learn, and grow.
Our Mission
To connect businesses and business owners, to provide opportunities to learn with and learn from our fellow business owners, to provide opportunities for business to collaborate with and support other businesses, and to advocate and influence change for business at all levels of Government.
Our Constitution
Our goal is to provide local businesses with as much support as possible, and to help businesses connect and grow alongside others in the Southside area.
As our guiding document, our constitution provides the framework that enables us to best serve our members. You can read it by clicking on the link below:
Presidents Honour Roll
- Geoff Curtis (1991 – 1998) 7 years
- Greg Jackson (1998 – 2001) 3 years
- Geoff Wilson (2001 – 2003) 2 years
- Brian Coleman (2003 – 2005) 2 years
- Kevin Farquhar (2005 – 2007) 2 years
- Mike Sunderland (2007 – 2008) 1 year
- Brian Vaughan (2008 – 2009) 1 year
- Ian Daniels (2009 – 2010) 1 year
- Neil Stenhouse (2010 – 2011) 1 year
- Neil Brown (2011 – 2014) 3 years
- C.C. Chiong (2014 – 2016) 2 years
- Kath Lewis (2016 – 2019) 3 years
- Elizabeth Fairon (2020 - 2022) 2 years
Our Committee
Terri Cooper
Coming from 10 years in the music industry, in 2001 Terri launched Terri Cooper Networking Events, running events throughout SEQ. Terri successfully built the business into a strong and recognisable brand, assisting many small business owners along the way. Terri closed this business in 2016 to accept a role with Brisbane City Council. Terri has also been a strong advocate and spokesperson for small business with radio spots on 4BC and ABC radio, as well as being invited on to the SBS Insight Program. During this period she also held a position on the Board of Bravehearts for six and a half years and was also heavily involved with the security industry.
In January 2017 Terri took on the role of Small Business Liaison Manager for the City of Brisbane, working with both Brisbane Marketing (Brisbane EDA) and Brisbane City Council successfully raising the profile of the initiatives and support available for small business. In early 2021 Terri accepted a role within Queensland Government, further supporting small business, followed by a contract providing mental health coaching to small business owners through the Beyond Blue New Access program. Terri now holds the position of Small Business and Regional Engagement Manager with Business Chamber Queensland.
Terri has a passion for small business and in particular for micro businesses and sole traders.
Jill Patrick
Jill Patrick has more than 10 years working as an Account Manager for Family Radio 96Five,
and just loves it! However she has worked in Media for over 25, mainly in radio sales and management, but also with an advertising agency. She has run a nationally distributed publication in NZ for 3 years. So it means her broad range of experiences can be used to plan successful marketing programs for your business.
She came to Australia from New Zealand with her husband and son in 1998 and has always
lived in Upper Mount Gravatt. Her community is very important to her and she is an active
member of the St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church Executive. Jill joined the Brisbane
Southside Chamber in 2018 and she is passionate about B2B and helping clients to
formulate strategies to grow their own business.
Geoff Webster
Geoff has been teaching within the Adult and Vocational Education system at TAFE in Business, Management and Marketing since 1998. Prior to that, all of his early working life was spent in private industry.
Geoff’s professional experience includes over 15 years in the building industry, 4 years in the medical and scientific field and over 10 years as a Marketing and Management Consultant. He also was a business owner in the manufacturing sector for over 3 years. Other industries that he also has experience in include sports facility marketing, property and hospitality. His level of involvement within these areas varied from sales and marketing, office administration, staff supervision, project management, training, business management and consulting.
Geoff has been a member of the Southside Chamber of Commerce since 1992 and on the Executive Committee from 2006. From 2008-2010, Geoff was the SSCC representative at the Business Chamber Queensland (BCQ) Regional Council. As well, he is an international business entrepreneur with overseas property investments. In 2013, he commenced a PHD in Marketing through the University of Southern Queensland.
Sam Dewar
Sam is a director at Marsh Tincknell Chartered Accountants. He has been working as a Public Practice accountant for over 10 years and looks after a wide variety of clients across a diverse range of industries, including building & construction, retail, mining, real estate, and agriculture.
Sam believes in working collaboratively with his clients on a regular basis and providing a personal touch, which he feels is essential for an effective business relationship and client growth.
Sam also has a keen interest in helping businesses with their strategic planning and development, as well as providing advice on taxation and business structuring.
When not behind his desk or on-site with a client, Sam likes to hit the road with his wife and sons to take a break from the hustle and bustle. He enjoys almost all outdoor recreational activities, particularly boating, camping and fishing to name a few. Just don’t ask about his secret fishing spots – unless you’re prepared to trade a few of yours!
Michael Sunderland
Real Estate Agent Mt Gravatt since August 1994 and still going. On the way studied and earned a Diploma of Business Management, thanks to the Southside Chamber of Commerce. In his more senior years he was awarded the distinction of becoming A Fellow of the REIQ.
Mark Bell
Mark is the owner and manager of DesksETC a long-established custom cabinetmaking business in Mansfield.
Prior to purchasing the DesksETC business in 2016, Mark spent 20 years consulting to the mining and metals industry, specialising in steel and its raw materials. He has worked for major companies and investors in the space, including overseas pension fund managers, private equity and international banks providing industry expertise and insights. In addition, he managed technical due diligence teams in M&A situations with tight timescales.
Previously, Mark worked in manufacturing industry in the UK as well as a period as a service station franchisee. So, he understands SME challenges from both sides of the table!
Many years ago, he received a BA in History from Oxford University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
Married with two grown up daughters, Mark enjoys industrial history, rowing and anything to do with boats!
Jules Smibert
Jules is employed with International Trade Management Pty Ltd as a global supply chain specialist.
With over 30 years of experience in international logistics, customer service, supply chain solutions, purchasing, and operations, he helps businesses engaged in importing or exporting to find the best transport solutions whether airfreight or sea freight, and anything from small parcels to standard containers, out-of-gauge containers, break-bulk, and roll-on / roll-off (RORO) cargoes. He can also assist with information on export grants, tariff concessions, Tradex scheme and free trade agreements.
In his spare time, he is a rescue boat skipper at Volunteer Marine Rescue, Southport.
Ross Bischoff
A multi-award winner with over 30 years of experience working in the Brisbane Southside area, Ross is among the top professionals in the real estate industry. Achieving outstanding results for his clients is something that clearly comes naturally to Ross Bischoff.
Previously known for his 18 years of service with Remax, in 2019 moving into Harcourts Property Centre to take advantage of their client focused, forward thinking approach.
A highly skilled negotiator and utmost professional, Ross shares the vision of delivering an unparalleled level of service and achieving record-breaking results. Ross’ clients are consistently rewarded by his energetic style, strategic approach and unwavering determination, as well as his ability to listen to and respond to his clients’ individual circumstances and goals.
Ross’ open and honest communication style ensures that he is able to form good relationships quickly and that his clients are kept informed every step of the way. His testimonials speak volumes about his clients’ appreciation of their experience with, and results achieved by Ross, so it comes as no surprise that he has developed a loyal following of delighted clients and referral business, many of whom have bought and sold with Ross multiple times over the years.
Ross prides himself on his continuing work with past clients as well as consistently establishing new relationships, call Ross Bischoff today for any real estate needs.
Life Members
Geoff Webster
At the 2018 Annual General Meeting of the Southside Chamber of Commerce, long-time member Geoff Webster was honoured with Life-time membership. Only one other member has ever received this honour since the Chamber was established in 1991.
Geoff’s association with the Southside Chamber of Commerce began in 1992 when he attended a number of chamber events held at QEII stadium. His contact with the chamber at that time was periodic.
It wasn’t until 1997, when as the Vice-President of the Mount Gravatt Show Society, Geoff became closely involved with the workings of the Southside Chamber of Commerce as part of the Mount Gravatt Central Main Street Committee. It was there he met Geoff Wilson, one of the driving forces behind the Main Street Committee. After the Mount Gravatt Central Main Street renovations were completed, Geoff kept in touch with Geoff Wilson, who as then chamber President (2001 – 2003) encouraged him to become a more active with the chamber. Geoff rejoined the Southside Chamber of Commerce in 2006 and at the 2007 AGM, nominated for the vacant committee position of Secretary. Since 2007, Geoff has been on the SSCC Executive Committee as Secretary. From 2008 – 2010, Geoff was also the SSCC representative at the Business Chamber Queensland (BCQ) Regional Council.
Geoff is held in high esteem by chamber members and continues to be a chamber stalwart encouraging his fellow TAFE teachers to become more actively involved in their local chambers of commerce.
Kerry O’Neill
LIFE MEMBER
(2014)
Kerry O’Neill
As a Committee Member, Kerry served the Southside Chamber of Commerce for over 8 years (2009-2016) as the resident event and function Master of Ceremonies. He was always quick with a joke. In 2014, Kerry received the Life Member honour for his services to the chamber.
Kerry O’Neill has been the owner of Right Price Property, an independent real estate agency based in Marsden, Logan City since early 2010. Before the venture into real estate, Kerry had a successful legal career as the Principal of O’Neills Business Lawyers which he founded in April 1998.
O’Neills Business Lawyers was established as a boutique practice to provide personalised, practical, value for money legal services across a range of legal matters for both business and “mums and dads”. Kerry would say that the law is about people, problem prevention and problem solving. His mantra was “Success Together”. Kerry’s approach was a holistic one to provide all clients with well rounded, legally sound, realistic and practical, commonsense advice explained in simple English. Prior to O’Neills Business Lawyers, Kerry was in a partnership practice for 17 years. Kerry’s legal and business experience over 35 years was broad and extensive.
