Local Leaders

Kellie Chalker-Hall grew up in Canberra and has lived in Tuggeranong for most of her life. Her qualifications are impressive, as was her 17-year career with Deloitte Access Economics. After she earned her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canberra and gained experience in various marketing positions, Kellie began working in marketing and sales with leading economist Chris Richardson,...

Fiona Ligertwood found her lifelong passion after a high school work experience placement in a dental practice. She studied in Perth, attaining her dental qualifications at Curtin University, and after marrying a military man, moved to Canberra around nine years ago. “As a high school student, like most 15-year-olds, I had no idea what career path I was intending on...

Ever since Andrew Ekert was a little kid, he had a passion for helping people through tricky situations. In high school, his love for music took up most of his time and he was determined to make a career out of it. "Music can be healing for people," he says. "You can put on your favourite song and forget about...

There has been more than a 60 per cent increase in cyber attacks on small-to-medium businesses during the past 12 months, according to Damien Samios from SOLVit. Damien is a local Canberran, who was raised in Lyneham, and he is the third generation of small business owners in his family, who is leading cyber defence for businesses in Canberra. SOLVit...

Podiatry, and podiatrists, are the health professionals you turn towards to treat anything to do with your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Podiatrists are trained in the treatment of ingrown toenails, pain caused by growth spurts and high impact sporting activity, diabetic feet, sports injuries, wound care and all kinds of conditions related to our feet, gait and posture. A...

What does it take to be rated among the top 50 real estate agents in Australia by Real Estate Business (REB)? Cameron Whitnall is one of them, and while he is proud of making the list, he's quite a humble guy. However, one thing is certain: he is a very good businessman who believes in giving back to the community....

Being a child of parents who are born overseas can often seem like a cultural juggling act. The desire to fit in at school while under pressure at home to continue the traditions and language of their parents can often create tension. Baker Deane & Nutt conveyancer Ida Lam was born and bred in Canberra, but the challenge for her...

Not many graduates set out to start a leading professional services firm, but that is exactly what Pat Quade and Anthony Wilson did back in 1999 when they started Synergy Group. Now the leading Canberra-based, Commonwealth-focused professional services firm employs more than 300 professionals to deliver consulting services across the government sectors. Pat says starting Synergy was a bold move...

When Toni Morrison is asked what she loves most about her job as an insurance broker at allinsure she hesitates, but only because there’s so much to love. Toni has been in the insurance broking industry for more than two decades and getting to the office every morning to help businesses with their insurance needs still floats her boat. “It’s...

On meeting Ross Norwood and Glen Dowse it's easy to see that this pair of award-winning architects has spent a lot of time together. But beneath the easy banter between them, a sharp-eyed dedication to both the practical and creative soon emerges. The founding partners of DNA Architects met at University of Canberra during a time, they say, when UC...

There is a well known saying among economists that recessions create opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs. So it is hardly surprising that one particular young Canberran has decided now is the time to make the move and set up a new business in the middle of a global pandemic. After finding success as a director for one of Canberra's big brand...

Henry Posch started Monaro Windows in 1988 and established the business's reputation for quality, service and manufacturing their own quality assured products in their Queanbeyan factory. The business thrived, and in 2014 Henry's son, Dan Posch, bought the business off his father and he continues to run a manufacturing plant at Queanbeyan, where they make their own products and employ...

When MJ Qail and Tam Bakr sat down for a coffee 12 years ago, they came up with a grand business idea. They launched Big Impact Media just before the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, against the advice of everyone they knew. The innovation and startup sector knows well that if your product is good enough, demand will be there...

Courtney Milne was a new mother when she discovered her baby, Taylor, had a medical condition which required repeat surgeries. Working at an accounting firm, she asked for an extension of her maternity leave, without pay, and was instead made redundant. With her husband leaving the army and financial uncertainty looming. Courtney had to make some drastic changes. Without the emotional...

Tate Harris is a personable, easy-to-talk-to guy. He grew up on a farm at Hall, where his grandmother and father now run one of Canberra's oldest and most respected kennels: the Dog'otel & Purrrfect Cattery. He remembers running around chasing chickens when he was three or four years old, and riding his 50cc PeeWee motorbike around the farm. When the...

Kirk Fonseca grew up in Mumbai, India’s financial capital and most populous city. An associate partner in professional services firm Rubik3, he came from an unlikely, yet ideal, grounding for the people-centred organisation. Mumbai heaves with a population of more than 20 million people in an area smaller than Canberra. In this sea of humanity, every step is for survival....