About the Isaac Business Chamber

Mission:

The Isaac Business Chamber is dedicated to fostering a thriving and resilient business community.  We do this by:

  • Enhancing opportunities by supporting a dynamic business ecosystem through facilitating strategic partnerships while advocating economic growth and prosperity.

  • Facilitating regular networking workshops and forums that welcome new and existing members to connect, collaborate, share expertise, and explore new possibilities.

  • Engaging with the community, NFP organisations and all levels of government.

  • Providing an inclusive and unbiased environment.

Vision:

To attract and promote a resilient business community through advocacy and open and innovative collaboration, while promoting social wellbeing and enhancing opportunities for the Isaac region.

Our People

  • Trudi Liekefett

    PRESIDENT

    Trudi Liekefett brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Isaac Business Chamber, with 25 years of service to all tiers of government, academia, and the private sector.

    A born and bred Isaac local, her roots run as deep as her commitment to fostering growth and resilience in the community she is proud to call home. Beyond her role as a catalyst for regional development, Trudi’s experience extends into the realm of non-profits, where she has shaped the future as an executive committee member of numerous organisations.

    Trudi is an accomplished leader with a business improvement focus and demonstrated expertise in both people and operational management. Her experience is supported by tertiary and postgraduate qualifications in communications, training, and business administration.

  • Nathan Corbett

    VICE PRESIDENT / TREASURER

    Director of Onsite Training Australia

    Seasoned professional in the Oil, Gas, Mining, Rail and Construction sectors, stands at the forefront of strategic training innovation. With 15 years of experience in roles spanning risk, compliance, training, and safety, Nathan has contributed to projects with industry leaders like Rio Tinto, Vale, BMA, and BHP. Beyond his professional endeavours, Nathan is a dedicated firefighter, husband, and father of four. His commitment to leadership development is showcased through his "Leading Our Lives" initiative for students and his business, Onsite Training Australia, where he champions the mantra "Changing Industry One Quality Trainer / Leader at a Time." Nathan's work is not just about advancing careers but shaping the future of industry leadership.

  • Eileen Duncan

    SECRETARY

    Eileen is a retired accountant with over 50 years of experience in the accounting and business field. She has been involved with the creation of small, medium, large, and international companies, banks, and legal firms. Her work has taken her worldwide and she has consulted to partnerships and companies from creation and in some cases to insolvency. Eileen has done many company x-rays and company restructures. She was also involved with two trade missions to China and her clients have sold products to the American army and the world at large. Eileen has always volunteered to the many sporting clubs her children have participated in and the last volunteer position was running the Middlemount Golf Club for 4 years. Eileen is a founding committee member of the Isaac Business Chamber.

  • Lou Power

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Managing Director/Principal Consultant/Trainer/Assessor Power Learning.

    Mum of three adult children, Mama of five, GMa of four. Lou has lived in Clermont for 14 years after being in the Far North of QLD for 7 years and considers each day a new experience to develop and benefit from new challenges. Community is very important to Lou and she welcomes the opportunity to be involved in the development and implementation of the Isaac Business Chamber.

    Lou has a 42-year career in administration, office management, business management, community services, trainer/advisor, hospitality, construction, and resources.

    Lou has developed training packages for Registered Training Organisations, sits on the board of Clermont Community Housing, is the local community champion for CQOSS. directing the day-to-day business functions and working face to face in the field.

  • Carolyn Fritz

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Owner, Moranbah Discount Tyres and Mechanical.

    Carolyn has lived in Mackay, Airlie Beach, and Moranbah for the past 30 years, and understands the economic needs of the region. Her commitment towards economic development is also demonstrated through her established business, Moranbah Discount Tyres and Mechanical, which has grown to 38 employees. Economic development success of the MIW region for Carolyn is about investing in local employment, allowing families to live and grow. It is also about creating a stable economic platform that is immune to the boom/bust cycle of the mining industry. From her time in business, Carolyn believes diversification is essential and that it is vital that there are strategies in place for innovation to ensure evolution of workforces of the future. Carolyn places great importance on having support and strategies in place for the community to shop local and to develop recruitment to maintain our low unemployment rate.

  • Brianna Baggow

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Isaac Tourism Development Officer, Freelance Journalist, Professional Grant Writer.

    A lifelong Moranbah resident, Brianna Baggow has dedicated over a decade to nurturing the economic and cultural fabric of the Isaac region. As the current Isaac Tourism Development Officer with Mackay Isaac Tourism and Coalface Journalist , she wields her deep local knowledge and professional expertise to champion small business and not-for-profit organisation growth. Brianna's passion for fostering local enterprise is matched by her commitment to mentoring and training, ensuring that the region's workforce and leadership are well-equipped for the challenges of tomorrow. Her role as a Grant Assessor and contributor to the Grant Advisory Committee at the Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) underscores her dedication to advancing community-driven projects through strategic funding and support.

  • Leann Priestley

    BUSINESS SUPPORT & FACILITATION OFFICER – GREATER WHITSUNDAY ALLIANCE (GW3)

    Leann has resided in the Isaac Region for over 23 years. With a strong foundation in the financial industry, Leann has a deep understanding of governance, project management, strategic planning, and operational support. Leann’s role is pivotal to bridging the boundaries between communities and small businesses in the Isaac. As a dedicated Business Support Officer, Leann brings a wealth of experience in providing comprehensive administrative and operational support to ensure the seamless functioning of business activities.

Ready to become a member?