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ABOUT Caloundra Chamber

The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce is a modern, active organisation driving economic growth, community connection, and regional advocacy.

We are more than a traditional Chamber, we create opportunities, activate the local economy and ensure Caloundra has a powerful voice at every level of government.

Over more than a decade, we have grown into one of Queensland’s most active regional Chambers, with over 300 members, a professional employed team, and a direct role in generating over $20 million in annual economic activity for the Caloundra region.

The Caloundra Street Fair
Every Sunday in Bulcock Street, the Caloundra Street Fair is the heartbeat of our local economy. With 120–130 stallholders each week, it supports over 200 local jobs and generates a minimum of $20 million in annual economic activity. More than 50 local retailers trade alongside the market each Sunday, with many reporting it as their strongest trading day of the week.

Events & Community Activation
Beyond the Street Fair, we deliver monthly Twilight Markets and major community events throughout the year, bringing thousands of visitors into the CBD, supporting small businesses, creatives, and food operators, and strengthening Caloundra’s reputation as a vibrant destination.

Advocacy & Investment
We work closely with local, state, and federal government to advocate for infrastructure, funding, and the long-term growth of the Caloundra region; including roads, cycleways, the development of Bulcock Street, and the growth of Aura. We are also investing in modern digital platforms and CRM systems to ensure local businesses are visible and competitive in an AI-driven world.

Why Membership Matters
The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce exists to support, represent, and grow the local business community and this is only possible through strong membership. By joining, you’re strengthening Caloundra’s economic future, contributing to events and activations that drive visitation, and becoming part of a connected, proactive community of 300+ local businesses.
We’re also seeking corporate partners and sponsors who want to give back – through event partnerships, sponsorship, and service support.

OUR TEAM

Our members are fortunate to have a professional employed team and a board of respected local business leaders to ensure they are provided with high quality connection, inspiration and advocacy opportunities.

Dan
Rachel Smith
General Manager

Rachel Smith is an accomplished commercial leader with extensive experience in driving business success through strategic planning and marketing, high-performing team management, and stakeholder engagement. She has specialised in commercially focused roles, demonstrating strong leadership in managing teams across sales, marketing, and revenue functions. Rachel has a proven track record in complex contract negotiations and execution, ensuring profitable and sustainable business outcomes.

She has been instrumental in brand development, deployment, and awareness strategies, enhancing customer experience and driving long-term sustainable growth.

martin
Dan Vinson
Commercial Manager, Markets, Membership and Partnerships

Dan brings more than 15 years of strategic business development and commercial leadership experience across retail, FMCG and customer-driven industries. With a strong foundation in retail operations and national account management, Dan has delivered significant growth across major networks including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Coles Liquor, Endeavour Drinks Group and independent trade channels. Many will know Dan as the early face of Sunshine & Sons, where he helped lay the commercial foundations for the brand’s long-term success.

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Pam Arellano
Market Coordinator

Pam is an experienced market coordinator who excels at customer service and is well known to all our market vendors.

Rachel
Martin Duncan
Activation & Engagement

Contractor for Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, Caloundra Markets and Taste Caloundra –  Activator and community engagements

OUR BOARD
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Michael Shadforth
President

An accomplished leader with a deep commitment to the Sunshine Coast, has been at the helm of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce for over a decade. Under his leadership, the Chamber has grown into one of the largest and most successful in Queensland, recently surpassing 400 members. Mike is dedicated to fostering connections, driving business growth, and promoting sustainable community development. His vision continues to shape Caloundra into a thriving economic hub, as seen through initiatives like the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective and the Chamber’s focus on mental well-being for business owners.

With a background in real estate and a passion for community engagement, Mike’s leadership is characterized by his focus on fostering meaningful connections, driving positive outcomes, and empowering others. He is committed to action-oriented results, using his extensive knowledge and experience to guide businesses toward sustainable growth. Mike’s empathetic approach and dedication to leadership have made a lasting impact on the Caloundra region, inspiring those around him to work together for a brighter, more prosperous future.

RWC Northern Corridor Group

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Rebecca Wilson
Committee Member

Rebecca Wilson is a Director and business owner at Griffiths Parry Lawyers and Notary, and a committee member of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce. She has extensive experience in family law and is an accredited Mediator and Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, with a strong professional focus on negotiation, dispute resolution and governance.

As a local business owner and mother of two raising her family in the Caloundra community, Rebecca is passionate about supporting a strong and sustainable local business environment. She brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the Chamber committee, using her legal and mediation expertise to help manage risk, support effective decision-making and advocate for outcomes that benefit both Chamber members and the broader business community. 

BEAU
Beau Salter
Committee Member

Beau is Founder and Manager of Besal, a multi skilled Development and Construction company with a focus on high quality and durable buildings with liveability and functionality.  Beau is passionate about ensuring Caloundra grows in a sustainable way that ensures preservation of our natural assets and lifestyle while providing the services and facilities we need for businesses to thrive now and into the future.

besal.com.au

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Amy Bennett
Committee Member

A passionate and professional, I’m driven by a genuine commitment to people, property and community. Since 2016, I’ve been helping Sunshine Coast property owners and buyers navigate key life transitions with clarity, confidence and care. As a lifelong local, I know the region’s streets, communities and lifestyle opportunities intimately, and I use that insight — along with strong business networks — to deliver results that go beyond the transaction.

I combine old-school values with innovative, strategic marketing, blending social media reach with targeted campaigns to connect the right people with the right property. My pink hair makes me easy to spot, but it’s my authenticity, empathy and collaborative approach that leave a lasting impression.

I specialise in assisting older clients to downsize and move from family homes into lifestyle villas or aged care, ensuring the process is as smooth and supportive as possible. At my core, I value connection, collaboration and giving back, proudly promoting the Sunshine Coast, supporting local business and championing the lifestyle we are so lucky to enjoy.

Amy Bennett – Real Estate Agent in Caloundra | Harcourts Property Centre Caloundra

 

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Keely Abbot
Committee Member

A dynamic professional with a BSc and an MBA. As a key member of Kinetic, where she manages the Sunshine Coast, Keely has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to business development. Having moved to Queensland in April, my first community interaction was with the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.

Keely’s passion for supporting small businesses stems from her upbringing in a family-owned business. Her extensive experience in leadership roles at Kinetic and Aldi, coupled with her dedication to people management, positions her as a valuable asset to the Chamber. She is particularly interested in leveraging her background to contribute to the growth and development of the local community.

An advocate for youth representation, Keely aims to bridge the gap between the Chamber and younger community members, work on initiatives such as networking events and mentorship programs, and support digital innovation for local businesses. Her commitment to fostering community engagement includes promoting sports and recreational activities, reflecting her enthusiasm for AFL and her community work in public transport.

Keely envisions bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the Chamber, with a focus on sustainable practices and impactful youth initiatives.

Sunshine Coast | Kinetic (wearekinetic.com)

josie-collins
Josie Collins
Committee Member

Josie Collins is a CPA certified commercial analyst at HeliMods. HeliMods | Helicopter Modification Specialists is at the forefront of delivering innovative special-mission system configurations into aircraft operated globally.

Josie is a proud Gomeroi Yinna, a community leader and was recognised as the 2023 Sunshine Coast Young Business Woman of the Year, making waves in finance and advocacy.

Josie has a passion for empowering emerging generations to be actively involved in their communities and is an advocate for youth inclusion, education and a meaningful voice in shaping the future of our region.

Since relocating to Caloundra in 2019 from regional New South Wales, Josie has been inspired by the thriving businesses and broad opportunities in the area. She is actively involved with the Chamber, working to support and drive Caloundra’s growth into the future.