A year of renewal, connection and looking forward for Caloundra.
The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to the future of Caloundra, with members coming together for the Chamber’s 2026 Annual General Meeting Wednesday morning 30th September 2026.
The AGM marked an important point for the organisation following a significant year of change, renewal and rebuilding, while setting a clear direction for the year ahead.
President Michael Shadforth reflected on the journey of the past 12 months – a period that required the Chamber to reassess its purpose, strengthen its foundations and reconnect with what matters most: its members, the local business community and Caloundra.
That work has created renewed energy across the Chamber, with the Committee focused on three key areas moving forward: connection and advocacy, education and networking.
For the Chamber, advocacy starts with conversation – listening to members, understanding the issues affecting local businesses and ensuring those conversations reach the people and organisations who can help create meaningful outcomes for Caloundra.
Education also presents a significant opportunity. By bringing great minds, new ideas and quality learning opportunities to Caloundra, the Chamber aims to give local businesses access to knowledge and expertise they may not otherwise be able to access individually – creating opportunities to learn, share and grow together.
General Manager Rachel Smith also reflected on the considerable work undertaken behind the scenes over the past 9 months to strengthen the organisation and prepare it for its next phase.
This has included transforming the systems supporting the Caloundra Markets, upgrading digital infrastructure, developing Taste Caloundra, improving membership processes, strengthening governance, pursuing new funding opportunities and rebuilding relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
The Chamber’s commitment extends beyond supporting individual businesses.
It is about delivering great events, supporting community initiatives, strengthening the Caloundra Markets, bringing people into the CBD and helping create a Caloundra that locals are proud to call their own.
2026 Caloundra Chamber Committee
The Chamber also confirmed its Committee for the year ahead:
- President – Michael Shadforth
- Secretary – Rebecca Wilson (re-appointment)
- Treasurer – Ian Kilner (new appointment)
- Committee Member – Beau Saulter
- Committee Member – Clive Pickering
- Committee Member – Keely Abbott (re-appointment)
- Committee Member – Will Shrapnel
- Committee Member – Amy Bennett
- Committee Member – Kim McCosker (new appointment)
- Young Chamber Mentoring Member – Josie Collins
Together with the Chamber team, the Committee will continue working with members, government, industry, community organisations and key stakeholders to ensure Caloundra’s business community has a strong voice in the future of the region.
There is a bigger conversation ahead about the future of our city.
How do we continue to strengthen our CBD? How do we support our retailers and hospitality businesses? How do we create experiences that bring people back to Caloundra? And as our region grows, how do we ensure our local business community has a genuine voice in shaping what comes next?
Those conversations are already beginning and the Shaping Caloundra event on 21st October will help to support inclusivity and communication.
There is plenty of work ahead, but the 2026 AGM reinforced the momentum created over the past 12 months and the opportunity now in front of Caloundra.
The Chamber thanks its continuing Committee members, partners, sponsors, members and everyone who has contributed their time, ideas and energy throughout the year.
We are excited about what comes next.
For business. For community. For Caloundra.