State of our Region
Each year the Mayor presents on the State of our Region.
It's time to connect, reflect and celebrate our region's many outstanding achievements over the past year, despite many challenges.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson is joined by a number of community representatives, updating us on the region’s progress and showcasing priorities for the year ahead.
Agnes Jain
Agnes is a member of Council’s Youth Council program which fosters young people’s skills in decision-making processes, communication and program development skills. Providing a platform to highlight issues, exchange ideas, interact and learn from Sunshine Coast civic leaders.
Sienna Bell
Sienna is a member of Council’s Youth Council program which fosters young people’s skills in decision-making processes, communication and program development skills. Providing a platform to highlight issues, exchange ideas, interact and learn from Sunshine Coast civic leaders.
Ali Khan
Passionate about tourism, Ali is the owner and operator of Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, a multi-award-winning boutique accommodation provider in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with eight villas nestled in the rainforest on the borders of Kondalilla National Park. In 2022 Narrows Escape launched two private plunge villas and a five-night Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk package to showcase the region.
Jonathan Leishman, Helen Grant and Jason Grant
Founders and Directors of Barns Lane Farm, Jason, Helen and Jonathan, are passionate about creating a unique, local sustainable tourism attraction and meeting place that connects sun, surf and sand with the Sunshine Coast’s world-class hinterland producers. Barns Lane Farm looks to strengthen local vibes through food, heart, happiness and to showcase the region’s people, produce and innovation. Incorporating a diverse range of offerings including a produce hall, nursery, brewery, dining precinct, community gardens, educational experiences, and event lawn.
Bevan Kearsley
Bevan is passionate about access and inclusion in our society and works as the Spinal Life Australia , Access and Advocacy Officer. Bevan has come out from retirement to continue raising awareness of the benefits of equitable access for people with disabilities to businesses and government. In 2021 Bevan rode his Wheelchair Scooter around Queensland to raise awareness of equitable access and show the benefits of inclusive tourism. Bevan intends to take the Wheelchair Scooter on the road around the rest of Australia in the near future.
Dane Cross
Dane is Spinal Life Australia’s Senior Advisor – Access and Advocacy. Dane is passionate about access and inclusion for people of all abilities across all aspects of community. Dane delivers training and advice to business and government on achieving equitable access for people with disability. Leading by example, Dane is involved in the community, working full-time, and enjoying the best in Accessible Tourism, both here on the Sunshine Coast and abroad. Dane played a key role in Council’s Mobility Mapping Project in 2022.
Mark Ellis
Sunshine Coast’s 2022 Citizen of the Year, Mark Ellis, is a dedicated advocate and community worker, fighting homelessness on the Sunshine Coast. At the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, Mark coordinated the 2019-21 One Roof Program which provides a range of support and services to almost 10,000 vulnerable people. Mark collaborated with Sunny Street to launch their first medical outreach clinic, which seeks to provide free medical assistance to the vulnerable. Mark also helped raise $200,000 for the region’s first sleep bus for men, women and children.
Moksha and Akhil
Hear from participants in Council’s Migrant Learn to Swim and Beach Safe program, a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council and Royal Life Saving Society of Queensland, designed to build confidence and water safety skills for migrants.
Teisha Jenkins
Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Teisha is a Sunshine Coast local and mother to a beautiful two-year-old girl and is passionate about keeping the community safe through her service as a lifeguard. Teisha has been lifeguarding for almost 10 years, spending most of her career at Mooloolaba Beach.
Will Shrapnel
Will, founder of aerospace tech business HeliMods, has demonstrated the amazing global potential of high value work delivered from the Sunshine Coast. Will recognises the importance for our community to understand the fundamental value of sustainability within our region and that we can all play a role. In 2019, Will was appointed the Chair of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Reference Group, and more recently the Chair of the Biosphere Community Advisory Group.
Past State of our Region brochures
2021 State of our Region[2780KB]
2020 State of our Region [697KB]
2019 State of our Region[4679KB]
2018 State of our Region[7338KB]
2017 State of our Region[4192KB]