Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Celebrates Small Business Month And Looks To The Future

The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry brought together business leaders from across the region to celebrate Queensland Small Business Month. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently held its regular business breakfast briefing at Club Whitsunday, bringing together business leaders from across the region to celebrate Queensland Small Business Month and look ahead to the future in light of the federal budget and ongoing regional expansion.

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A highlight of the morning was a guest speaker panel featuring standout winners from the 2025 Whitsunday Business Awards. Panellists included Kellee Fogarty from Whitsunday Law, Elizabeth Hackett from Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach, and Sam Vanderpoel from Rolling with Vanderpoel.

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The panel shared insights into their business journeys, the challenges and opportunities facing local enterprises, and the importance of innovation, resilience and community support in a growing regional economy. Speakers also reflected on the value of the Whitsunday Business Awards in recognising excellence and inspiring other local operators.

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See more photos here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/chamber-of-commerce-breakfast-celebrates-small-business-month-and-looks-to-the-future

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1. Megan Taylor, Kellee Fogg, Fiona Erquiaga Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi  

2. Patrick Atkins – Airlie Beach Crew Clothing Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

3. Michael and Val Kimpton with Elizabeth Hackett Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

4. Executive Officer Dr Julia Evans and President Alan Milostic Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi  

5. Louise Sugrue, Leanne Abernathy, Annie Lloyd-Louis Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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