Innovation
Bundaberg ecosystem map
The connection points within Bundaberg’s ecosystem are collectively working to inspire a culture of innovation
and the goal of making Bundaberg the #1 regional centre for innovation.
In 2019 Bundaberg appointed its first Chief Entrepreneur, Michael Norton, to further map and help build the regions innovation eco system.
Industry Leaders
Below is a selection of some of Bundaberg’s leading industry leaders.
They are able to provide advice on migrating to the region and the opportunities on offer in their respective fields.
Mayor of Bundaberg, Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey
Mayor of Bundaberg Regional Council
"The Bundaberg Region is considered the food bowl capital of Australia with unique growing capabilities, reliable water supply and all-year production reliability. Importantly there is room for our region to grow and expand in to exciting new industries with momentum already being experienced in the areas of Ag Tech, Food Tech, Specialised Health and Medical services, Bio fuels and the defence sector. From families to professionals and everyone in between the region offers enviable lifestyle opportunities from the country to the coast. It’s the perfect place to live with a growing number of high value jobs on offer and a safe, secure and relaxed environment in which to enjoy."
Education
Luke Sinclair
Associate Vice-Chancellor, Central Queensland University
“Bundaberg has positioned itself as a University city, with amazing potential to change lives through education. The links and partnerships between education, industry, community and government will lay a foundation for future success”
Education
Steve Howard
Business Development Manager, TAFE QLD
“Skills are essential to ensuring the future success of any region. That’s why TAFE Queensland works closely with local industry to ensure our students receive the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills they need to fulfil the region’s needs”.
Education
Philip Brown
Professor of Horticultural Science, CQU
“Bundaberg is the largest and most diverse fruit and vegetable production region in Australia, and is the perfect location for a horticultural researcher to be based”.
Health
Alan Cooper
CEO, Friendly Society Private Hospital
“The combined strengths of both the private and public sectors help to ensure Bundaberg residents receive the majority of health care needs in their own community.”
Agriculture
Peter Greensill
Co Owner and Director, Greensill Farming
"Bundaberg is an ideal location for those looking to work in agriculture. It offers the perfect growing ingredients – nutrient rich soil, access to water and a temperate climate which allows us to supply our valued clients domestically and abroad 52 weeks of the year."
Agriculture
Bree Grima
Managing Director, Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers Cooperative Limited (BFVG)
"Bundaberg is the food bowl of Australia! This region grows and markets a wide and diverse range of fruits, vegetables, herbs and nut commodities and has an extensive range of value-add products many of which are world renowned."
Food and Beverage Processing
Jack Milbank
Director, Bargara Brewing Company
“We choose the Bundaberg region as the headquarters for our Ag-Tech, Brewing and Biologics businesses because it is the food and beverage production capital of Australia.”
Food and Beverage Processing
Rick Prosser
Owner, Kalki Moon
“Bundaberg has a fantastic tourism industry and emerging food & beverage trail which highlights growing artisan producers”.
Food and Beverage Processing
David De Paoli
Owner and Managing Director, Austchilli Group
"Bundaberg has been an excellent location for our agricultural and horticultural agribusinesses to undertake innovation and become a leader in the food manufacturing industry worldwide.”
Food and Beverage Processing
John Mclean
Managing Director, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks
“The Bundaberg region is rich with fertile soil, perfect for growing the best quality, real ingredients that form the basis of our brews”.
Property and Development
Bill Moorhead
Moorhead Family Communities
“Bundaberg is such a solid consistent performer in the property sector. We have had very few down-turns in the 30 years that I have been developing property in both the residential and rural markets in the Bundaberg Region. Combine that predictable market with a low rental vacancy rate of 1% and steadily climbing real estate prices, Bundy is a great place to build new communities.”
Property and Development
Nathan Freeman
Chair of UDIA Bundaberg
“Affordability and lifestyle are just two of the many reasons developers are choosing Bundaberg for their next development project”.
Small Business Enterprises
Marcus McCormack
Manager, Bundaberg Business Enterprise Centre
“The Bundaberg region offers enormous opportunity as place to invest and do business. We are supported by a strong small business sector which provides local access to high quality products and services”
Small Business Enterprises
Tim Sayre
President, Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce
“Bundaberg offers a unique opportunity to live in a regional city that offers both lifestyle and work advantages. The diverse array of business opportunities in the region makes it an ideal place also for those looking for a new challenge in a supportive community environment.”
Tourism
Katherine Reid
General Manager, Bundaberg Tourism
“The Bundaberg region’s tourism industry is an engaged and proactive collective, with clear sense of passion and commitment to delivering extraordinary visitor experiences.”
Arts and Culture
Trudie Leigo
Independent Curator, TrudieLeigo Projects
“Bundaberg offers exciting opportunities for arts workers to connect with vibrant cultural opportunities locally, nationally and overseas without the expense and hassle of living in the city”
Arts and Culture
Shelley Pisani
The Ideas Distillery
“Our region has a history of innovation. At the very core of that is creative thinking and a thriving arts and cultural sector that nurtures and drives it.”
