Meet The Mentors

Director, Townsville Enterprise 

Ms Danaher was responsible for developing and executing renewables projects such as the Sun Metals solar farm, the largest industrial consumer-owned solar farm in Australia and more recently investigate hydrogen production as a new fuel source for domestic replacement of diesel and possible longterm export opportunities. Ms Danaher holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Marine Biology, Bachelor of Business (Accounting), and is a Certified Practising Accountant with CPA Australia.

Chief Officer, Pickerings Automotive Group

Allison is an Experienced Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working across a range of Commencing in banking, Allison gained a deep understanding of financial management over a 15-year career, progressing through the roles of Personal, Private, Business, and Agribusiness Banking. 

Leaving the banking world, she leveraged this understanding to shift into the hospitality sector. Assisting in the growth of a local franchise into a booming food and beverage company across North Queensland was one of Allison’s key achievements in her career so far. 

To broaden her skills and keep life interesting, came the shift that saw Allison seek further opportunities, moving into the challenging motor industry to assist in the management of Australia’s 2nd largest privately owned automotive sales, rental, and finance business - Pickerings. Commencing as Brendan Pickering’s EA was the best way for her to learn the industry in the seat next to a local leader with a lifetime of experience. Being in the front seat and mentored this way enabled her to progress through the ranks quickly to General Manager and now, Chief Operating Officer. As COO and with over 800 staff across Queensland and the Northern Territory, the opportunities to work with a broad group of talented individuals with different skills sets, backgrounds and drivers is very exciting. Responsible for network development, Human Resource Management, and operational oversight of the Pickering Automotive Group is a challenging and interesting role that changes and evolves daily. 

Allison’s success, however, lies in the creation of a team committed to a common goal. Establishing a set of values adopted by the entire company is one of her key objectives, noting that a team can achieve more than any individual. It is this notion that has seen her success continue and will underpin the ongoing culture of Pickerings Group of Companies. 

Outside her current role, Allison serves on an advisory committee for James Cook University, Finance and Risk Committee for Townsville Enterprise, served for over 7 years on the Board of Beef Australia and recently signed on to assist where she can with Volunteering NQ, she also assists in ongoing business development and growth for a range of local businesses, and has an extensive network spanning across the country. Her headstrong nature and ability to build relationships have enabled her to mobilize across a range of roles and industries, ensuring success in whatever challenge she undertakes. 

Managing Director, Hurst Constructions QLD

Jarrod Hurst is well-known in the construction industry for his honest and direct communication style, which he pairs with his wealth of industry knowledge and passion for delivering strategic outcomes. Jarrod was a graduate of the Townsville Enterprise Emerging Leaders Program in 2016. He is a qualified carpenter and joiner and sees ongoing professional and personal development as key drivers for success. Jarrod has recently become a father and is keen to take part in the 2024 Townsville Enterprise Future Leaders Program as a mentor, continuing to give back to the community.  

Chief Executive Officer, Townsville Enterprise

As Chief Executive Officer of Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL), Claudia Brumme-Smith works with local stakeholders to drive economic growth, infrastructure investment, visitor economy and improve liveability for the Townsville North Queensland region. Claudia works with the five Local Government Areas to deliver this agenda, made up of Townsville, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, the Burdekin and Palm Island.   

Claudia has a wealth of experience across private industry and government, as well as well-established local and state-wide business networks and has worked internationally for large global companies such as Proctor and Gamble, L’Oreal, Novartis and Johnson & Johnson in marketing, business development and management before taking the local natural cosmetic company Larissa Bright Australia into Asia, ensuring major business and export growth for this homegrown small business. Claudia's deep knowledge of Townsville North Queensland’s diverse industries, supply chain management, critical infrastructure investment and economic development in general makes her invaluable to the region’s peak economic development and destination management organisation.   

Claudia’s capabilities have been recognised through a number of awards including Top 20 Business Leaders under 40 in Queensland (Courier Mail Queensland Business Monthly Magazine 2016); winner of the Townsville Australian Institute of Management Young Manager Award; Townsville Young Chamber of Commerce Young Employee Award; and North Queensland Emerging Export Award.
 
Claudia holds a double Bachelor degree in International Management and Business with honours from universities in Germany, the US, and Spain. In 2019 Claudia graduated from Harvard Business School with a Leadership Diploma. She is fluent in German, English, French and Spanish.   

Chief Officer, The Cure Starts Now Australia

Eleni is the CEO of The Cure Starts Now Australia a Not-For-Profit Foundation that funds and advocates for research into childhood brain cancer. As a well-established member of the community with an extensive small business background Eleni Co- founded and became the president of the first Young Chamber of Commerce in Townsville, she was an invited member of The Strand Redevelopment committee and also started the Palmer Street Traders association where she held the role of the president for several years. As the Director of the Townsville North Queensland Emerging Leaders program Eleni guided a team to establish The Bishop Michael Putney Fellowship in 2016 with a team of Townsville’s Emerging Leaders to raise funds for research into youth suicide in elite sports and beyond. Eleni has worked with and supported many local charities throughout her business career, as well as working in federal politics, Community engagement roles, marketing and corporate sponsorship, she is actively involved in her community and works in many advisory roles within the community that work on the livability and economic health of the city, she also holds a position as a founding Board Director of The Tropical Brain and Mind Foundation. 

Jenny Hill was born and educated in Melbourne, Victoria, and graduated from LaTrobe University with a Bachelor of Science in 1981. The following year she moved to Townsville with her fiancé who was enlisted in the Australian Army. Jenny Hill has 23 years’ experience as a scientist with mining companies, the Department of Primary Industries, James Cook University and Townsville Hospital. She has also completed a Masters of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University, which included management, economics and accounting. In 1982 she joined the Army Reserve, first serving in the Royal Corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME), maintaining and recovering defence vehicles. In 1987, she graduated from the Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) as a General Service Officer (GSO). Jenny Hill has over 20 years’ service in local government. In 2012, she was elected the first female mayor of Townsville. 

Managing Director, Colliers Townsville

Demonstrating vision and innovation, Peter established Townsville’s first dedicated commercial and industrial real estate agency in 1997. He went on to take a controlling interest in the company and in 2004 joined forces with Colliers, bringing the world-renowned brand to North Queensland. 

Peter is a third-generation local with over 27 years’ experience in local commercial and industrial real estate. 

Peter has exhibited strong leadership skills at the helm of Colliers Townsville and celebrated 25 years of the company in 2021, having maintained its position at the forefront of commercial and industrial real estate in the region over this time. He has led the agency through strong growth to a team of 22 staff, a leading role in the North Queensland community, and involvement in closing some of Townsville’s largest property deals. 

Peter is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable people in commercial and industrial property in the Townsville region and respected for his professionalism, high-level negotiation skills, integrity and commitment to his clients, staff and community. 

Interim Chief Transformation Officer, Queensland Country Bank

Shawn has been with Queensland Country since October 2001 where he started out on a traineeship through Torgas at the Aitkenvale Branch. In early 2005 Shawn moved into the Credit Department to take on the role of Loans Securitisation Officer which he held for approximately two years. In mid-2007 Shawn moved into the Assistant Credit Manager role which he held for 18 months and then into the Credit Manager role which he held until February 2015. In February 2015 Shawn was appointed to the position of General Manager Support Service, a role which he had been relieving in for the last 18 months. 

In September 2015 Shawn moved into a secondment role of General Manager Business Transformation to project manage the migration to the Data Action Core Banking system, before moving into the role of Executive Manager Corporate Services. 

Franchisee Owner, McDonald’s PARCORP Group

Paul is the Owner / Operator of a group of McDonald’s Franchises in the Townsville Region, inc Ayr and Ingham. Paul started his McDonald’s journey in NQ, with the acquisition of McDonald’s Ayr in 2002. Over the past 21 years he has grown his portfolio of Restaurants to 8 and is one of the largest McDonald’s Franchise owners in QLD. 

 Paul has held numerous Franchisee Leadership positions across the McDonald’s system. He has property and financial interests across North Queensland and has over 20 years of diverse experience across multiple business disciplines and is actively involved in the community. 

Paul has been involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia for over 18 years as an elected Director in 2004, including 10 years as Chairman. 

Chief Excecutive Officer, The Ville Resort-Casino

Michael is originally from regional South Australia with a career
in hospitality and gaming. North Queensland has been home
for the last decade. Michael is also a Director on the Townsville
Enterprise Board.

Business Consultant, Grey and Grey

Roxanne is a business consultant who has worked with organisations in Australia and globally to clarify and achieve their objectives. Her experience in facilitating strategic discussions, conceptualising ideas, and motivating her clients to accomplish their goals is what motivates her. Roxanne holds a Master of Business Administration from JCU, is a Certified Practising Marketer and has been recognised as a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute, where she is often called upon to judge the national awards. She is currently studying a Master of Business Psychology at UQ. 

Roxanne’s pragmatic and passionate communication style is what encourages her clients to continue working with her year after year. She isn’t afraid to say no and will often do so! Her integrity and professionalism coupled with her strong personal values have been the foundation of her career. Roxanne is married with 2 children, who she enjoys travelling with when not working. She is a loyal Cowboys supporter and proud Queenslander. 

Regional Editor, News Corp Queensland

Craig Warhurst has been in the media industry for more than 25 years, starting out as a photographer in 1998 and working his way up to be editor of The Gympie Times.

Since then Craig has had stints as editor at the Bundaberg News Mail, Sunshine Coast Daily, Townsville Bulletin and the Hobart Mercury. 

Craig is now News Corp's Queensland Regional Editor overseeing all the regional newspapers and websites from Cairns to the Gold Coast. 

Senior Associate, Keir Steele Waldon Lawyers

Jess graduated James Cook University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Laws
and Economics and shortly thereafter commenced a legal career at the
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Jess has also worked closely
with not for profit legal organisations, including establishing Legal Aid
Queensland’s Civil Law Service in Townsville and managing the QPILCH
Legal Clinic which provides legal assistance for the homeless and those
experiencing mental illness.

Chair, TAFE Queensland

Jane is a corporate lawyer and professional company director, with executive and board experience across a number of sectors, including mining, health, technology, sport, education and training and the arts. Her career as a practicing lawyer has focused on corporate and commercial law, governance, intellectual property and infrastructure. 

Jane is a highly respected board director, with current roles as Chair of TAFE Queensland, Deputy Chair of The Australian Festival of Chamber Music, non-industry Board Member of Racing Queensland, non-executive director of QCN, a Queensland Government-owned telecommunications start-up venture, and independent non-executive director of True North Copper Limited, a junior mining and exploration company. She is also a Conduct Commissioner for Cricket Australia and a Foundation Member of the National Sports Tribunal. 

Jane recently resigned from the Board of Netball Australia, having served for 3 years as an elected non-executive director, She previously led Netball Queensland as board chair for 5 years. 

Chair, Townsville Enterprise

Kevin Gill’s background has been as an aviation professional. Commencing with Air New Zealand in
1992 he has held executive roles in general management, strategy, commercial, finance and ICT. In
1999 he joined MacAir (Qantas commercial partner), leading its expansion during the previous
mining boom and more recently was COO for Queensland Airports Limited’s regional businesses.
He is a CA, GAICD and had his first direct Board engagement role in 1996 as Company Secretary of
Air New Zealand Link in his capacity as Manager Finance.
Kevin is currently the Chair of Townsville Enterprise, North Queensland’s peak Economic
Development Organisation, Regional Tourism Organisation and Convention Bureau. A position he
has held since 2012