In partnership with the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce, Sunshine Coast News is featuring the group 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 Bathersby Legal director Brendan Bathersby, who provides expert legal support to businesses and individuals and is known for his practical and straightforward approach.
Where do you live? Maroochydore.
Can you tell us about your family? My wife is Lisa and our children are Jack (in Melbourne), Eloise and Camille, both still here on the Sunshine Coast.
Favourite location on the Coast? There are so many but I do enjoy 10 Toes Brewery in Sugar Road, Maroochydore – perhaps a bit too much.
Which local person inspires you? The Coast is blessed with so many inspiring people, but probably Min Swan is a stand-out. The support that she gives to local business organisations is remarkable and she had to totally remodel her business when Covid hit. Certainly, we couldn’t do what we do at the Maroochydore Chamber without her and her team at White House International.
Favourite local business? Bathersby Legal, of course!
Best thing about living on the Sunshine Coast? The people make this place great. And we seem to attract people who are enthusiastic and get things done.
How long have you been a Chamber member? I really can’t recall but I have been on the executive committee since 2009. Given that I have been working here on the Coast since 1992, we were probably members of the Chamber for most of that time but relatively dormant until I joined the executive.
What’s the best thing about being a Chamber member? The connections that we enable at our various events. As I often say, we all come from away and the task for each of us is to welcome newcomers. At events, our task is to find somebody who we don’t know, introduce ourselves, find out who they are and what they do and tell them who we are and what we do.
Favourite ChamberCast with the President and Pep? The one about Max Murphy who survived the Bali bombing. It was just extraordinary, to the point where Peppi Bueti and I just shut up and let him speak (keeping both of us quiet is a real challenge).
Favourite Chamber event? The Mark Bouris breakfast in February this year was probably the best event that we have done. That said, our regular Coffee + Connect events have amazing energy and enthusiasm.
How can the Sunshine Coast be improved? Infrastructure. We are choking on our own success. Without significant infrastructure improvement across the whole of the Coast, we will grind to a halt. That said, the council should be congratulated on the improvements done and those being planned. For example, the walkway between Alex Hill and Mooloolaba, the seawall improvements for Moffat Beach and Mooloolaba, and the planned improvement to Maud Street and Sugar Road.
Become a member of Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce by phoning 5370 1702 or visit maroochy.org.
