It’s AGM time again, with Dan stepping down as President we all now need to consider who our next President will be. Over the last few months I have been approached by several members to become our next President. I have since been nominated for the role and I have accepted the opportunity to present myself for this privilege, commitment and responsibility.

I believe that our next President needs to be able to continue the excellent work accomplished by Dan and our committee for the last two years. This person needs to have the ability and experience to lead our Chamber into the next growth and development phase of our islands, helping our island businesses navigate and adapt with the challenges we face ahead, together.

During the last 10 years I have been in business on the islands and as a part of our Chamber, I have managed to build strong relations with Redlands Council, as well as our State and Federal politicians, on all sides of politics. It is through these relationships that we will gain influence for the betterment of our islands. Below are some examples of the relationships I have built and how I have been able to help our island businesses and community:

• Dan Golin – Dan has been an incredible leader for our Chamber these last two years. With Dan’s passions for the islands and business community, I do expect that Dan will continue to be supportive of our next committee. Dan and I have an excellent working relationship which will enable and benefit the transition between Presidents and facilitate the changeover between committees.
• Andrew Lamming – Andrew and I were able to work together to have the second Mobile tower built at the southern end of Russell Island, which is now the island’s Optus Tower.
• Henry Pike – When Henry was in opposition we were able to meet with the State Shadow Police Minister, which resulted in both Russell and Macleay islands having an additional two Police positions allocated to each island. Recently while working with Henry, I have also had the recent opportunity to meet with Senator Jacinta Price and Andrew Hastie MP.
• Kim Richards – Kim and I worked together helping business on the island manage and navigate through the early several months of Covid. During this time, I also worked with Redland Council to ensure there was free internet access at the Russell Island REC Hall.
• Rebecca Young – Rebecca and I were both Presidents of our respective Chambers of Commerce at the same time. We have each attended meetings at both Chambers (Redland and SMBI), as well as taking the time to meet and build a collective engagement with Colin Battersby the long serving President to The Straddie Chamber of commerce, to be able to show our unity when meeting with Council and other government bodies.
• Ben Renwick (Sealink) – I initially set up the SMBI Chamber and Sealink meetings with their former General Manager Heather Trueman. Through these earlier meetings I have had the opportunity to build a strong partnership with Ben as he took over his new role as GM for Sealink.
• Shane Rendalls – As a former President of the SMBI Chamber of Commerce and as being our local Division 5 Councillor, Shane is an outstanding advocate for our Islands. Shane and I have a longstanding working relationship, we have collaborated on many subject matters affecting the SMBI. This relationship and communication is extremely important for our island progression.
• Louise Rusan – When Louise became the CEO Redland Council earlier this year, we quickly established a working relationship shortly after Cyclone Alfred, discussing the toilets and replacement of septic at the Russell Island REC Hall. This relationship has opened the opportunity for discussions directly with Louise regarding our Economic Study and our island needs specifically; zoning (industrial), roads, traffic management, parking, tourism and sewerage, as well as non for profits competing with island businesses. I have recently driven Louise around Macleay and Russell Island, showing and discussing the above. This relationship is opening the door to meetings with Redland Council senior executives, providing the opportunity to discuss our island’s at a senior operational level at RCC, giving us the Chamber the input and influence into decisions being made by council which will affect our future island lifestyle.
• Jos Mitchel – Jos and I have met several times in the last two years, discussing our island infrastructure needs, as well as our strong population growth as reflected in our recent economic study.
• David Crisafulli – During the devastating house fires on Russell Island, I had the opportunity to meet the then State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, who I have now met with on a few occasions through Rebecca and Dan on the mainland and on the islands, again discussing our population growth and opportunities available to our islands.
• Police – During the last 10 years in business, being based in our CBD I have worked closely with our island businesses and local QLD Police, assisting with their investigations to maintain our island lifestyle. The most recent being an investigation into counterfeit $50 notes on the islands, resulting in an arrest.
• Media – Through my time with the SMBI Chamber as well as my role as a Real Estate Agent and the location of my office, I have often had the opportunity to discuss and promote the positive aspects of life on the islands. My Russell Island office has often been the meeting place for the media when they arrive. During the last 10 years I have been involved in several articles about our island on 7, 9, 2 and The Courier Mail, promoting our island in a positive light, helping our island growth.

I do understand the time and work involved in being President, being available for our members as well as meeting with other stakeholders. Our next President needs an excellent working relationship not just with our local politicians, but also with the senior operational level of Council, to be able to help influence decisions. I do have the experience in the position previously, I am respected in our island business and political community and I am passionate about our island’s business growth, for our community as a whole. I am also humble enough to know that the decision of who our next President will be, is yours to make.

I look forward to the continued positive business and community growth for the SMBI and leading our Chamber in 2026.

Respectfully yours,

Chris McGregor