Meet the team
Brooke Fossey
Chief Executive Officer
Brooke commenced with Regional Business HQ in November 2020 and brings more than 20 years’ experience in business planning, marketing and tendering to the organisation.
Brooke brings extensive experience in government and private enterprise, with a strong background in business development, communication, engagement and marketing activities as well as managing tenders and bids. With experience across the infrastructure, construction, energy and government sectors, she provides valuable insight to help our clients succeed by implementing targeted strategies tailored to key stakeholders across a range of industries.
Brooke’s Qualifications include:
Executive Leadership training
IAP2 Certificate in Public Participation
GRI Sustainability Reporting Process certification
Graduate Certificate of Public Policy and Governance
Bachelor of Business Management
David Wise
Business Advisor
David commenced with Regional Business HQ in August 2022 as Generator Community Manager and Agtech Coordinator and is now our resident Business Advisor providing a lot of our client services and training.
Prior to joining RBHQ, David operated his own communications, events and training business for approximately 11 years. Through this business , David worked on a number of projects with Regional Business HQ and was previously a tenant in our Quay St premises making him an easy fit with our team.
Throughout his career, David’s business experience has also included a range of other industries including professional services, media, retail, wholesale, agribusiness, hospitality, tourism and banking.
When he is not at RBHQ David likes to spend time with family and stay active through rowing and going to the gym. He also loves playing guitar but claims he wouldn’t go so far as to call it a skill!
David’s Qualifications:
Nationally Accredited Mediator
Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences (currently studying)
Bachelor of Communications, Public Relations (DNC)
Bachelor of Business, Human Resources & Marketing
Georgia Burgess
Operations Manager
Georgia Burgess is an accomplished human resources professional, with a passion for organisational development and partnering with businesses to ensure appropriate workforce strategies are effectively implemented to support business strategy and optimise organisational performance.
Georgia has worked across the for profit, not for profit and services sectors, including Bundaberg Regional Council, Friendly Society Private Hospital, Queensland Government, CUB, HSBC and Coca-Cola Enterprises, among others.
Georgia partners with business leaders to identify organisational needs and designs practical solutions to support organisational performance outcomes. With a passion for organisational development, Georgia is adept at project and change management, business transformation, process design, employee engagement, learning and development, leadership development, coaching and recruitment and selection.
Georgia’s qualifications include:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Science, Innovation and Service Management
DISC Accredited
Articulate Storyline Expert
Prosci Change Management Accredited
Danny Key
Community Manager – Generator Gympie
Danny Key brings over 15 years of high-level business management experience to his role as Community Manager at The Generator Gympie.
Known for his commercial acumen, clear communication, and ability to build lasting relationships, Danny is dedicated to growing the culture, brand, and success of the organisation.
Danny works closely with members to foster a thriving, connected community, ensuring The Generator remains a hub for innovation, collaboration, and business growth.
Trish Mears
Business Advisor
Trish is a seasoned business strategist with deep expertise in communications, marketing, and community engagement.
With a career spanning advertising, commercial radio, local government, and healthcare, she brings proven experience in guiding businesses through growth, change, and crisis.
Kristy Callaghan
Finance Administrator – Bundaberg
Kristy commenced with Regional Business HQ as a trainee receptionist in 2000 and in 2003 was promoted to Centre Administrator. Kristy has more than 20 years administration and financial experience and supports the financial and administrative functions of the organisation. Kristy is also a point of contact for our conference centre and provides support to tenants of our small business incubator.
Kristy’s qualifications include:
Certificate lll in Business (Office Administration)
Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping)
Eden Williams
Administration Officer
Eden, born and raised in the Kilkivan and Gympie area, began her career in the hospitality industry, where she honed her customer service skills. In 2019, she joined the Regional Business HQ team as an Administration Officer, bringing her business administration experience to the role.
As the friendly first point of contact in the Gympie office, Eden is always ready to provide information about The Generator Gympie and Business Advisory services to clients and visitors.
Over the past five years, Eden has continued to hone her skills and develop her expertise in business administration. With eight years of business administration experience under her belt, she is a dedicated professional who takes great pride in her work. Her exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail ensures that projects are completed to a high standard and delivered on time.
Eden’s qualifications include:
Certificate II and III in Business
Certificate III in Hospitality
Bella Kerr
Administration Support Officer/ Receptionist
Bella brings over two years of administration experience and joined the RBHQ team in 2025 as an Administration Support Officer/Receptionist. She is the first point of contact for any questions or concerns at the Bundaberg office.
Passionate about supporting her community, Bella has received awards from the Lions Club, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, and the Jamie Olsen Ingenium Program. She holds a bronze level Duke of Edinburgh Award, previously worked as a Human Resource Manager in the Junior Advisory Group at Burnett Mary Regional Group, and was actively involved with Kepnock State High Schools’ Environmental Group from 2020–2022.
Bella’s qualifications include:
Certificate IV in Health Administration
Certificate II in Tourism
CPR Certificate
Board of directors
Tony Castro
Chairperson/ Company Secetary
Tony was born and bred in Bundaberg and owned a sugar cane farm as part of a family company which was sold in November 2017. Tony is a member on the Management Committee of The Waves as secretary and has held that position for the past 28 years. He also has a position on the Club’s corporate governance sub-committee. Tony was appointed to the Bundaberg Region Sport & Recreation Advisory Group by the Bundaberg Regional Council since November 2011. The role of this advisory group is to assist the Council with its strategic planning and development of sporting and recreational facilities within its regional boundaries.
Other commitments include being a director of Clubs Queensland, Bridges Health & Community Care and Queensland Thunder Netball Club (Sunshine Coast).
Brant Duff
Director
Brant has been a serving Director since 2015. Brant is a commercial real estate agent with Four Walls Realty and begun his real estate career in 2006 with Ray White after gaining experience in customer service, managerial and sales roles. Although committed to real estate, Brant enjoys time away with his family and actively volunteers in the community.
Brant’s qualifications include:
Registered Real Estate Salesperson
Sotera Trevaskis
Director
With over 20 years experience across economic development, agribusiness, and government, Sotera brings a powerful mix of insight, leadership, and passion to our team.
Sotera holds qualifications in Politics and Government, Public Policy and Project Management, giving her a rare ability to blend big-picture strategy with hands-on know-how.
What truly sets Sotera apart? Her deep commitment to regional communities.
Kelly Dwyer
Director
Kelly joined the Board in 2021. She was born in Bundaberg and joined Charltons Lawyers in 2017. Kelly became a Partner of the firm in January 2019. Kelly graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with dual degrees in Law and Business.
Kelly was admitted as a solicitor in 2009. In 2013, she returned to study and completed a Graduate Diploma in property valuation and is an Associate member of the Australian Property Institute as a Certified Property Practitioner (Law).
Kelly primarily practises in the area of commercial law advising small to medium sized business, acting in property transactions, sale and acquisition of businesses and commercial leasing.
Stuart Bonnett
Director
Stuart Bonnett brings to his role extensive experience in business development, community engagement, and account management. He has a proven track record of creating environments that are conducive to long-term business success. His specialised strengths include working with project teams, marketing, community engagement and public relations to achieve positive outcomes.
Stuart holds qualifications in Hospital and Health Services Management, Human Resources and Business Management.
Having served on various boards, Stuart brings a valuable contribution to Regional Business HQ. As a not-for-profit organisation his perspective on community-focused projects and strategic initiatives that benefit both our organisation, and the wider regional economy are of immense value.
Tanya Howard
Director
Tanya joined the Board in 2023 and is Manager of Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Ltd. Tanya has been employed by Bundaberg CANEGROWERS for over 20 years and oversees the financial, accounting and administrative matters of Bundaberg CANEGROWERS Ltd, Bundaberg Sugar Services Limited, Bundaberg Regional Irrigators Group, Grain in Cane Cooperative and Bundaberg Ag-Food and Fibre Alliance Ltd.
Born in Bundaberg, Tanya is active in the community through her roles with Sandy Hook Ski Club and Bundaberg Hockey Association.
Tanya’s qualifications include:
• Bachelor of Accounting
• Registered BAS Agent
• Commissioner for Declarations