Mackay Foundation

Directors

The Mackay Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, representing a cross section of the regions’ business and community groups.

Bryan Loft

Chairman and Director since 2003

Bryan has been involved in the printing industry for the past 22 years and is the Managing Director of the National Press Group.  Bryan is an avid supporter of the Mackay community and has been heavily involved in the Mackay Show Society of which he has been President for the past six years.

 

Stephen Lowry CFP DFP AIMM

Deputy Chair and Founding Director

Steve is a partner at Alman Partners and has over 20 years experience in the financial planning profession and business management field.  Steve has previously held the roles of Secretary of the Financial Planning Association – Mackay Chapter & Secretary of Port of Mackay Rotary Club.

 

Scott Alman CFP DFP FPA Fellow

Founding Director

Scott founded Alman Partners in 1985 and continues to head operations. Scott's strategic planning has underpinned the company's overall direction, and his problem solving innovations for clients set the firm apart from its competitors. Scott was one of the first generation of Certified Financial Planners (CFP) in Australia and has been a pioneer within the profession, particularly in the area of fee for service advice and education.  In 2008, Scott was selected as the winner of the Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Awards, in recognition of his work with The Mackay Foundation and the development of a financial literacy program for children and adults. Scott is also a life member of the Slade Point Rugby Union Club.

Nick Bennett Dip Bus, Dip Bus & Workplace Coaching, PCC, FAIPF

Director since 2010

After working as a leadership coach and management consultant across regional Australia, Nick created Minds Aligned to use his extensive practical  experience in training and facilitation, business development, recruitment, marketing and sales to assist others develop their leadership and business skills.  Nick is currently on the board of Mackay Tourism Ltd and Hepatitis Council Qld.

Ray Braithwaite OAM FCA, CPA, Chartered Secretary, JP

Director since 2011

Ray grew up in Mackay and was a Chartered Accountant from 1957 til 1983.  He was also an Alderman with the Mackay City Council, a director of the Mackay Port Authority and was the Member for Dawson for twenty years.  Ray served as the Federal director of the National Party of Australia and also Queensland State Treasurer.  He is currently a director of Charles Porter and Sons Pty Ltd and Good Shepherd Lodge Inc.  He has also been involved in many community groups including Jaycees, Rotary, Toastmasters and Scouts.

Andrew Coates B Com B Law (Hon)

Founding Director

Andrew has been practicing as a solicitor for the past 25 years helping to found McKays Solicitors in 1985.  He is the current Chairman of the partnership and practices extensively advising on a vast array of commercial transactions and relationships and in the field of estate and succession planning.  He was a board member of the Whitsunday Anglican School and is a director of the Stan and Maureen Duke Foundation.  He holds membership with the Mackay District Law Association, the Australian Institute of Management and the Mackay Chamber of Commerce.

Craig Fraser B Bus FCPA GAICD

Director since 2011

Craig came to Mackay in 1974 with his wife Linda. He joined Brown and Bird Accountants in 1976, becoming a partner in 1985. He will retire from full time work in 2011.  His early years of community service were with a service and self-development organisation, Jaycees. He is an active member of the Anglican Church, and provides volunteer services to Anglicare. Craig has developed an interest in Corporate Governance, through his 21 years of volunteer service as a Board member and Chairman of Whitsunday Anglican
School, retiring from that role in 2008.

Wayne James B.Bus (USQ) CPA J.P. (Qual)

Founding Director

Wayne has more than twenty years experience in public practice and founded his own accounting business in 1997, Strategic Accountants.  He is a past treasurer of Mackay & District Rugby League and a Justice of the Peace (Qualified).

 

Cr Col Meng

Director since 2008

Appointed Mayor of Mackay in April 2008, Cr Meng is a well known local identity. A qualified Motor Mechanic/ Diesel Fitter, Cr Meng was self employed from 1974- 2007, as owner/ operator of three companies, (Meng Tyre Sales, Meng mechanical Repairs, Meng Retreading) employing some 80 staff in total. Cr Meng has been past President of the Mackay Chamber of Commerce, Mackay Golf Club and was Chairman of the Mackay Regional Consultative Committee for seven years.

Nola Sneyd B of Soc Work (Hons), B of Com Welfare, Registered Nurse.

Director since 2008

Nola is the Manager of the George Street Neighborhood Centre Association Inc & Shakespeare Child & Family Centre.  Nola has worked across both the Government and Non Government Sector for the last 24 years in rural and regional Queensland and New Sales Wales. This experience includes working for Queensland Health in various roles, CQIT Tafe and as a rural media correspondent. Nola currently sits on the Management Committee for the Smith Family “Lets Read” program and the Mackay Women's Centre.  Nola has professional membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers and the Queensland Nursing Council.

Caroline Wallace

Director since 2010

Caroline is a partner at Out of the Blue Marketing and brings a wealth of marketing and communications experience. Caroline offers a considered perspective to the varying needs of her diverse clientele built from a variety of both corporate and consumer industries. With a keen knowledge in both new and traditional marketing, Caroline enjoys the unique challenges of this field and the high quality outcomes it represents for our clients.  Caroline is a Professional Member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and excited by the thriving business climate in Mackay and the opportunities it presents.