Bowen Women Put Regional Business On The Map

Bowen Chamber President Alex Pike, owner of Meraki Whitsunday Amanda Brockbank, owner of Fiorella Florals Lily Blain, owner of Bird’s Fish Bar Chloe Baur, WRC and WCC&I Liaison Jo Shepherd and Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Rachael Smith  

‍

By Rachael Smith

‍

Three inspiring local business women took to the stage at the Larrikin Hotel on Tuesday evening, highlighting the importance of striving towards your dreams and sharing what success looks like in regional business.

‍

Hosted by former Bowen Chamber President, Joanne Shepherd, the panel presentation saw Lily Blain from Fiorella Florals, Chloe Baur from Bird’s Fish Bar and Amanda Brockbank from Meraki Café share their stories following their recent success at the Queensland Best of Business Awards.

‍

Fiorella Florist won Queensland’s Best Florist in the Queensland Day Awards this year, Meraki was awarded second place for the Best Café in Queensland and Bird’s Fish Bar took home 1^st place in 2025, followed by runner-up this year for Best Fish and Chip Shop.

‍

Joanne Shepherd congratulated all three women and shared how impressive it was to have three businesswomen who are also state-wide winners residing in the same town.  

‍

Each woman shared their personal story which outlined individual challenges and gave an insight into what it takes to run a business in a regional community.

‍

This was followed by an update from newly elected Bowen Chamber President Alex Pike who took the audience through a new-look Chamber plan for the future which focuses on collaboration and inclusivity.

He also announced his fellow board members: Glenda Robertson (Secretary), Vineeth Siripuram (Treasurer), Barney Menzie (BCE Liaison), Jo Shepherd (WRC and WCC&I Liaison), Mark Steen (Events), John Barnes (Policy Review).

‍

Next up, Paul Hanlon, Whitsunday Regional Council Manager of Investment Attraction and Growth provided an in-depth look at future growth in the region and planning over the next decade, giving an insight into projected population growth.

‍

Mayor Ry Collins and his wife Mel were present on the evening and Chamber announced that Ry would be speaking at the forthcoming October event.

‍

All Bowen businesses are encouraged to become members and attend the newly revitalised monthly meetings. The next one is due to take place at the Larrikin Hotel on Tuesday 13^th October.  

‍