In partnership with the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce, Sunshine Coast News is featuring the chamber members who are driving our local economy forward.
From entrepreneurs and innovators to long-standing local legends, it’s a celebration of local enterprise, insight and connection – and a great way to get to know the people behind the businesses that help shape our region.
In the spotlight this week is Erin Barnes from A Human Edge, a local business that crafts, integrates and optimises HR and people/culture operations.
Where do you live? Maroochydore.
Can you tell us about your family? One husband and two teenage kids.
Favourite location on the Coast? We’re spoiled. Cotton Tree generally: on the sand, in the water, or pop-ins to The Boat Shed or Cotton Tree Beach Bar.
Which local person inspires you? Most weeks, I meet someone new who has so much that I can learn from. There are so many people we don’t see on social platforms, or even at events, who have their heads down, doing the right things just because it’s the right thing to do.
Favourite local business? Cotton Tree Beach Bar: great food, cocktails, coffee and service.
Best thing about living on the Sunshine Coast? We get to enjoy distinct seasons, yet with a mild climate, there is an all-year opportunity to be outdoors. With everything we need incredibly close, we have the best of both city convenience and natural beauty, surrounded by stunning beaches and hinterland. It’s a safe, welcoming community with a real sense of connection, like a regional town but with city benefits.
How long have you been a chamber member? About 18 months.
What’s the best thing about being a chamber member? Down-to-earth members who genuinely want to get to know and support people and businesses.
Favourite ChamberCast with the President and Pep? The topics of good business practices and human performance always grab my interest because they’re so nuanced and challenging. If I have to pick, I’d go with Roz White and Richard Thompson’s episodes.
Favourite chamber event? The Mark Bouris event: interesting and brought many groups together. I love the coffee catch-ups. They’re quick and easy to fit into a tight schedule, with high value – a great blend of meeting someone interesting and seeing familiar faces, too.
How can the Sunshine Coast be improved? We already have all the logical ingredients for growth: innovation, tourism and economic development. But these are strengthened when we keep human sustainability, community strength and collective purpose front of mind. By doing so, we not only accelerate progress but also avoid the dangers of echo chambers and vanity metrics, ensuring we don’t lose sight of the importance of community and contribution.
What excites you about the future of our region? It has the ingredients to maintain a strong tourism economy, while also becoming an innovation economy. We can still enjoy the things we love if we maintain the collaborative spirit and community contribution above individual gain while we build both.
Become a member of Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce by phoning 5370 1702 or visit maroochy.org.
