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. She 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 short term contract with the Queensland Small Business Commissioners Office during the COVID -19 pandemic. She currently holds a position on the Board of RDA Logan and Redlands and delivers mental health support to small business owners through the Beyond Blue NewAccess program. Terri has a passion for small business and in particular for micro businesses and sole traders.
Jill Patrick
Having worked at 96Five for over 14 years, my job as an Account Manager has become a real passion. Not only am I helping support the station I love through Sales sponsorships, I am also helping Brisbane businesses to grow and gain a strong brand awareness. My radio career began in Wellington, New Zealand in the early ’80s and lasted 13 years. Starting out as a Sales Executive, I moved on to manage sales teams for 3 different stations. I did have a break in the middle of this to join an Advertising Agency for 3 years. This gave great experience in Marketing using a range of Mediums. Before moving to Australia in 1998 with my husband and son, I was General Manager for a National letterbox drop publication. So if you are looking to discuss what 96Five may be able to do for your business, I am happy to have a chat to see if it is right for you! My husband and I love taking long walks around our neighbourhood with our husky Mia!
Geoff Webster
Geoff began as a TAFE Teacher in early 1998. In 2000, he also taught for one year with a private RTO. He is a Lead Vocational Teacher (LVT) at TAFE Queensland, Brisbane with the Business teaching team, a position he has held since 2009. From 2016 – 2019 and in 2013, Geoff spent 6 – 8 weeks per semester teaching the Diploma of Business and International Business in China (Qingyuan Polytechnic, Guangdong Province/SSPU, Pudong Province Shanghai). From 2010 to 2013, he was extensively involved in delivering the Diploma of International Business. In 2011, Geoff was the driving force behind the introduction of the Diploma of Business and Commerce Studies at MSIT. He delivered the Research, Statistics and International Business units for this diploma. Between 2004 and 2009, Geoff delivered the Certificate IV in Small Business Management program, both to full-time and part-time students. He also delivered units in other Diploma programs including Marketing, Business, Management and Justice Administration. Given his diverse industry experience background, Geoff has been able to deliver a wide range of units and therefore is sought after by various teaching teams.
Gita Hettiaratchi
Gita Hettiaratchi
I am a seasoned business professional with over 35 years of experience helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) thrive. As a small business owner for over 19 years, I operated a successful franchised business that provided outsourced business accounting services to a diverse range of industries, including hospitality, manufacturing, retail, building and construction, and professional services. My dedication to supporting SMEs extends far beyond accounting. As a mentor, I have worked closely with business owners and financial managers who were clients of our outsourced services, offering tailored guidance to help them navigate challenges and enhance both financial and operational performance. I have also contributed to the growth of many businesses through reputable programs such as the QLD Government’s DESBT Mentoring 4 Growth, CPA Australia, and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. My background in strategic consulting with a Big 4 accounting firm and my active role in the not-for-profit sector further enrich my experience and adaptability. Currently, I am honoured to serve as a board member for a not-for[1]profit and social enterprise organization, where I add governance and leadership expertise to my repertoire. I hold professional qualifications including Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), CPA Australia, and an MBA from the University of Queensland. Additionally, I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership through Coaching and Mentoring at QUT Brisbane and hold a Certified Advisor/Chair accreditation with the Advisory Board Centre. What I Bring to the Table: Page 1 of 3 • Depth of Experience: Extensive experience in business ownership, advisory, and mentoring. • Diverse Industry Insights: Comprehensive, hands-on knowledge across various sectors, equipping me to handle complex business challenges. • Commitment to Growth: A strong passion for guiding entrepreneurs and leaders to define and achieve success. Future Aspirations: I am dedicated to mentoring and advising established small businesses and startups with a clear growth ambition. My mission is to share the knowledge I’ve accumulated over my career to help others build successful, thriving businesses. Target Clients: Established SMEs and ambitious startups ready to take their next big step. Let’s connect and explore how I can support your business journey!
Adrian Tan
Adrian Tan
Adrian is a senior accountant with over 6 years’ experience specializing in accounting and tax with both Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser qualifications. I am focused on building client relations and servicing clients across a range of industries. My expertise in tax and business provides practical and client specific advice focused on tax and business strategies.
Grant Turner
Grant Turner
Grant is a passionate and driven real estate professional with almost 20 years of experience across the industry. His dedication has always been to provide his clients with the best possible experience on every transaction, and he approaches every deal with genuine, authentic energy. He prides himself on his enthusiasm to get stuff done and loves taking proactive action to get results. Grant is driven by the goal of providing the highest quality of service and the best possible outcome for my clientsand has a deep understanding of the industry, people, technology, and digital marketing which are all essential to success in today’s real estate market. Grant’s career in real estate began in 2006, working alongside some of the best agents in Australia, specialising in selling prestige properties across Brisbane. As the digital transformation of the industry began to gain momentum, he took the opportunity to get behind the scenes and work with realestate.com.au in 2012, where he held various leadership roles across the country. This allowed him to connect and learn from some of the most talented agents across the country. In 2020, his passion for technology drove him to help launch a new company, Little Hinges Virtual Tours, in the proptech space. Then, in 2021, REA purchased a minor share of a growing proptech company called Realtair, and a new opportunity opened up to help with this partnership. He launched a reseller arrangement and then coached, trained, and mentored both Realtair and realestate.com.au teams to drive sales around the country through an array of strategic sales initiatives. In 2023 he joined inspirational Ray White Commercial CSR team, led by industry guru and CEO of RWC CSR Julie Ryan. With an awesome team of support and a genuine passion, energy, and deep industry knowledge, Grant is sure to make a significant impact and add as much value as possible to the commercial industry.
Dustin Gray
Dustin Gray
With over 21 years of experience in digital technology and ecommerce, I am passionate about helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. As the Executive Director of PIXELBIRD™, I lead a team of forward-thinking professionals who specialize in creating transformative e-commerce solutions, AI integrations, and digital marketing strategies that drive revenue and foster sustainable growth. At PIXELBIRD™, we believe in more than just building websites —we craft digital ecosystems tailored to empower small and mid-sized businesses across retail, professional services, and manufacturing. Located in Brisbane’s Technology Park Precinct, we deliver innovative solutions designed to scale your business in the competitive global marketplace. Beyond PIXELBIRD™, I am dedicated to fostering community and innovation. I serve on the Marketing Committee for the Brisbane Southside Chamber of Commerce and have proudly been on the Board of Everyman’s Welfare Service for over a decade. Accredited by the Australian Department of Defence, Everyman’s supports members of the Australian Defence Force and their families, providing morale-boosting services on base and in the field. I am also the founder of a vibrant Skool Community, where I share insights, tools, and strategies to help businesses unlock the secrets behind our agency’s success. This platform empowers SMEs, Solopreneurs, and professionals to harness AI capabilities, master automation, and connect with experts to grow their businesses in this rapidly changing AI era. It’s a space designed to cultivate innovation, collaboration, and actionable growth. Page 1 of 4 Whether it’s through PIXELBIRD™, my Skool Community, or my roles in local and national organisations, my goal is to inspire transformation, deliver impactful solutions, and foster meaningful connections. Let’s connect to explore how we can drive your business forward in this dynamic AI-powered world.
Paul Lomas
Paul Lomas
With over 25 years’ experience working in emerging technologies with an emphasis on driving business growth I have a passion for helping businesses streamline operations and boost customer satisfaction to increase profits.
With a deep understanding of the complexities of today’s online marketing systems, I have successfully guided thousands of businesses through the challenges of digital transformation, ensuring they leverage technology to its fullest potential. My expertise spans cloud solutions, cybersecurity, data management, AI and IT consulting, always with a focus on creating tailored, scalable solutions that align with each company’s unique goals.
At PixelBird, my team and I have worked with a variety of clients, from startups to multinationals as well as local and Federal Government, with an emphasis on the medical, legal and real estate sectors, delivering impactful solutions that not only optimize operations but also enhance customer engagement. My strategic vision and hands-on approach have enabled companies to improve both their operational efficiency and bottom line, making me a trusted partner for businesses looking to innovate, grow, and delight their customers.
Whether it’s developing seamless marketing infrastructures, implementing cutting-edge technologies, or fine-tuning customer service processes my goal is always the same: to help businesses leverage systems as a powerful tool to drive success and create lasting value.
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.
