Board of Management

Laura brings a wealth of experience in the business realm, particularly in membership organizations within the university sector in both Australia and Britain. With a solid foundation in the Tourism Industry spanning two decades in Australia, she has honed her sills as a critical thinker and problem solver. Laura possesses excellent communication skills, proving to be highly effective in fostering collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building. Her expertise extends to Government Relations, Business and Strategic planning, Event Marketing and Management, Membership Management, and Nonprofit organisations.

Laura holds academic credentials, including a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration. She is also a distinguished Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In addition to her role as President of our Chamber, Laura serves as a Board Member on prominent entities such as the Gold Coast Eisteddfod, the Light Rail Business Advisory Group, and as a member of the Club Holidays Australia Limited Compliance Committee. Her extensive committee roles include a remarkable 12 tenure as Chair of the Surfers Paradise Alliance, A City of Gold Coast controlled entity. Furthermore, Laura has contributed significantly to the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, serving for 12 years and assuming the role of Chair of their Associations Council.

Sarah Colgate is a business, management and marketing consultant. She is the former General Manager and Managing Director of Aquaduck Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast, Southern Cross Tours and the Tours & Attractions Group.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry, Sarah provides marketing, business growth strategy, sales training and experience development to businesses locally and across Australia.

Sarah is a board member at Destination Gold Coast, is on Skal International Gold Coast committee and is passionate about collaboration and representing micro, small and medium-sized businesses.

Martin Hall has been actively devoted to the Queensland Bus industry since 2009 where he started as Supervisor. Moving through the ranks he became General Manager at Hornibrook Bus Lines. He was then appointed the role of leading The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018, urban transport uplift during his tenure as GM for the then Surfside Bus Lines. Following this role Martin became the General Manager at Clarks Logan City Bus Service, GM Bus Stop Sales & Service and Chief Commercial Officer at the BusTech Group. Martin has recently returned to Kinetic overseeing all bus operations in SEQ and Northern NSW.

Not only is Martin the Vice Chair of the Gold Coast Community Fund, he is a member of The Institute of Transport and Logistics he also is a Justice of the Peace. Martin is a big supporter of community and philanthropic causes. He frequently rides the bus network and enjoys getting to the basics whenever possible.

With an undergraduate degree in Agriculture and a Post-Grad in Housing and Community, buses seemed the next obvious career path! Martin looks forward to being part of the continued success of the Chamber movement.

Andrew is the Director of Shields Legal specialising in commmercial litigation ande construction law. Hehas been practising law since 1997 as well as being a Senior Counsel at one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. Andrew is also an Adjudicator in Queensland, registered with the QBCC and in the Northern Territory and has made numerous significant contributions to the Building Industry Fairness Act.

Andrew has great experience in all areas of law that impact the timeshare industry and other related industries inclusive of the hospitality and marketing. Andrew has worked on registered managed investment schemes, advising on Australian Financial Services licensing and and ensuring clients are in compliance with the Australian Credit Licence requirements.

Geoff Missen has been an accomplished entrerpenuer for 20 years. He moved to the Gold Coast from Melbourne in 1997 and has actively integrated himself and his business into our community, and is passionate about supporting initiatives that promote positive change in our city. Specialising in business advisory, Geoff is an active board member, serving on several boards in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

He is a member of the Institute of the Chartered Accountants Australia. Geof is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Additionally, Geof has over 3 decades of experience as a CAANZ Business Valuation Specialist and Forensic Accounting Specialist.

Kelly is the CFO and General Manager at LMG Digital Media, a creative and video production company that specialises in producing video content for pre & post events, internal training videos and corporate promotions.

Kelly has lived on the Gold Coast for over 30 years and worked heavily in the tourism sector before moving into the creative video space. She is a partner in LMG Digital Media as well as Global Operations & Logistics Manager for Ignition Institute – an international strategy execution firm.

Peta works as the Marketing Manager at The Oasis Broadbeach with over 25 years of industry experience. Peta delivers exceptional results in Marketing, Sales and Account Management with her extensive expertise working with Shopping Centres, Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Events Queensland, and, Gold Coast City Council. Peta delivers exemplary results in Marketing, Sales and, Account Management with extensive experience working with Shopping Centres, Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Events Queensland, and Gold Coast City Council. Peta grew up in Surfers Paradise and is passionate about creating a strong calendar of events for locals and tourists.

Leo is currently Director Relationships at specialist SME lender Judo Bank. Leo has had a 30 year career in Banking and Finance previously at GE, CBA and BOQ. In this time he has always worked with small and medium sized businesses assisting them in achieving their goals. Leo has become more a trusted advisor to his clients than a Banker. He is a great supporter of SME’s on the Gold Coast.

His industry specialisation includes Management and Letting Rights, Pubs, Child Care, commercial property investors and assisting clients with Self-Managed Super Funds.

Leo has an Honors Degree from London Metropolitan University majoring in Politics. He moved to Australia in 1990 and has called the Gold Coast home (on and off) since 2005 and is also a small business owner himself – his family owning a Boost Juice franchise in Coomera which is run by his son.

Ryan is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Group at Minter Ellison Gold Coast. Ryan is passionate about raising the profile of Gold Coast based businesses and the great work they do. Prior to moving to the Gold Coast, Ryan worked for various Brisbane based local and international law firms.

Ryan has over 14 years’ experience in helping clients resolve and manage complex commercial litigation and risk, particularly disputes concerning property, construction and engineering, professional negligence, supplier disputes, defamation, and franchising. Ryan is also a former committee member of the Building Dispute Practitioners Society Queensland and is a member of the Gold Coast District Law Association.

Matt Heanen is a leading Australian businessman with over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality sector.
As a Director of Hallmark Group for the last five years, Matt and his team employ over 160 staff and own 11 restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs. This Inclues Retro’s Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise, Finn McCool’s Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise, Lefty’s Music Hall, Lost Kingdom Nightclub, Asylum, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria Pacific Fair, The Cavill Hotel, The Spotted Cow and The Lord Alfred Hotel.

As a Gold Coast resident for the past 13 years, Matt is actively involved in the community and has previously held several positions, including President of the Gold Coast Backpackers Association. Prior to Hallmark Group, Matt also owned and operated two backpackers resorts on the Gold Coast.

Matt is passionate about the success of the best city in the Sunshine State and looks forward to serving as a board member for the Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Matt is eager to promote the Gold Coast as the ultimate destination for business development and is excited to foster continuous economic growth for residents.

Mark is a renowned expert in the property industry, specializing in Asset Services. With a strong background as the CEO and Founder of the Koste Group, Mark is passionate about property and helping others enhance their investments.

With over 25 years of experience as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Registered Tax Agent, Mark has worked for top property advisers worldwide, including Ernst & Young, BP, Caltex, Land, and CBRE.

Since returning to Australia in 2012, Mark has established multiple companies under The Koste Group. These businesses aim to support and add value to clients’ property assets through proactive planning and the use of specialised software called Capal. Mark also operates two offices in the Philippines, assisting small businesses in achieving growth by providing affordable resources.

Mark is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with RICS and a Committee Member of the AIQS. As a Board member of the Gold Coast Chamber, he focuses on supporting the growing property group members through events and advocacy efforts.

With Mark’s extensive expertise and dedication to the property industry, he plays a pivotal role in helping Gold Coast Chamber members thrive in the ever-evolving property sector.

President of the Gold Coast Junior Chamber of Commerce

Star is a solicitor admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland who practices in dispute resolution and insolvency at Minter Ellison on the Gold Coast. Star assists individuals and international and Gold Coast businesses to resolve their disputes in the most commercial way possible. Star graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with honours from Bond University.

Growing up as a born and bred Gold Coaster, Star wants to see local businesses thrive and the City continue to grow economically. This is Star’s seventh year serving as a Committee Member of the Gold Coast Junior Chamber of Commerce. Star previously held the position of Memberships Director and has long been the first point of contact for all members and is here to help current and new members interact with the Chamber. Star previously served as Vice President and is excited to continue to serve as the President of the GCJCC.

In her personal time, you’ll find Star at a local café enjoying a long black or making the most of the Gold Coast’s beaches!