Community
23 March, 2025
Young leaders of region
THE Far North’s movers and shakers of the future have been selected as part of Cairns Chamber of Commerce’s ‘emerging leaders program’.
Fifteen people aged between 18-40 will take part in the program designed to develop globally relevant and locally connected leaders that supports the future economic, social, and environmental prosperity of Far North Queensland.
“Shortlisting this year’s delegates from our large pool of applicants was no easy task, but I am extremely excited about the exceptional group we have selected,” said chamber chief executive officer Patricia O’Neill.
“This cohort represents a diverse array of industry sectors, educational backgrounds, knowledge and experience,” she said.
Program manager Alannah Giuffrida said what made the applicants stand out was their “passion, drive and community ethos”.
“They demonstrated a desire to create impact and positive change, not just within themselves or their current workplaces, but across the broader Far North Queensland region,” she said.
Former delegate and 2025 program manager Claire Simmons described her experience in 2023 as “transformative.”
“The exposure to local industry leaders, the chance to tackle real-world challenges and the invaluable connections I made all had a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth” she said.
“But most importantly, the program helped me realise how much potential there is in the region and how much of a difference we can make together.”
The program consists of six industry days, which include site familiarisations, keynote presentations, fireside chats and panel discussions.
The delegates are: APEC Projects senior project manager and superintendent Adrian Nowak, Cairns Regional Council licensing and compliance executive manager Amy Patterson, The CaPTA Group digital and media manager Barbara Vichova, AFL Cairns football operations manager Brad Channon, Access Community Housing Company communications and fundraising officer Bronte Phillips, Grant Thornton Cairns senior associate Bruce Coe, Cairns Airport media and communications manager Caitlin Francis, Piccolo Cucina assistant manager Callum O’Brien, ADhesive Communications production manager Dan Formby, Grant Thornton Cairns senior manager Daniel Ross, Cairns Regional Council planning lead Dylan Thomas, Ngirri owner and director Gavin Singleton, Cairns Regional Council business improvement and engagement officer Josh Geraghty, Cairns Orthopaedic Clinic business and practice manager Renee Blackmore and John Holland senior project engineer Rowan Giddens.
