Derek Lightfoot, Associate Member
B Com, FAICD, FCA, Chair of Capricorn Enterprise. Derek was the Managing Director of Tropical Pines Pty Ltd until July 2019. He was the Deputy Chairman of Growcom for a period of six years until August 2019 and is a member of the Queensland Small Business Council. Derek has been a member of the Biosecurity Queensland Ministerial Advisory Council. Derek has had a broad business background working with organisations such as KPMG, Bank of Queensland, Brisbane City Council, The Rock and Tropical Pines. He has also been a board member of the Australian Securitisation Forum, the Chairman of Australian Bay Lobster Producers Limited and was a member of the Rockhampton City Council Audit Committee.
Max Hogan, Ergon Energy / Energy Queensland
MBA. With over 30 years’ experience the Electricity Distribution industry, Max is a determined and highly motivated senior manager with extensive experience and proven delivery in all operational facets of the Electricity Distribution Supply & construction Industry. Max’s current role is the Energy Queensland/ Ergon Energy Operations General Manager Southern region. Max has been successful in driving sustainable change through practices of strong engagement, communication and sustainable and innovative decision making, thus ensuring positive business and stakeholder outcomes whilst delivering a safe, productive and positive environment. Max holds extensive leadership experience in disaster management and response activities, with Max undertaking the key Emergency manager role for Energy Queensland/ Ergon Energy for the 2023 severe TC Jasper and subsequent flood event in the Cairns & Far North area, 2024 TC Jasper in the Townsville area, 2019 Townsville/ Herbert area Flood response, 2017 TC Debbie in the Mackay/ Whitsunday area and 2015 severe TC Marcia in the Capricorn coast area.
Max has a vested interest in the community and understands the need to support local projects and businesses in communities; aiming to assist in building sustainable community resilience and capability.
Helen Schweikert, Cap Coast Home Loans
Dip Finance, Dip Financial Planning. Helen has an established business in Yeppoon, Cap Coast Home Loans, assisting clients with their personal and financial goals with 25 years' experience in the Banking and Finance sector. Helen has been involved in various community events and organisations including chairman of The Yeppoon Red Shield Appeal, previously on the Board of the Women's Health Centre and Business Women's Organisation. Helen is also the chairman of a body corporate group in Yeppoon. Helen likes to spend her time getting involved and supporting Community events and is very passionate and excited about what Central Queensland's future prospects hold for generations to come.
Christopher Harris, C.T. Harris & Company, Chartered Accountants
Fellow Institute of Chartered Accounts, Member CPA, Registered Tax Agent, Bachelor of Commerce. Chris has been an accountant since 1998 and has nine years as a partner in an accounting firm before founding C.T. Harris & Company in July 2010. He has been a qualified financial planner since 2002, when he started advising clients of Harris Financial Planning, a business he continues to run today.
Cr Rhodes Watson | Livingstone Shire Council
Cr Rhodes Watson has been a Councillor of Livingstone Shire Council since March 2021. Rhodes commenced his career as a cadet journalist and photographer, transitioning to chief photographer for the region’s daily newspaper. Rhodes also taught photography at CQUniversity, operated a signwriting business on the Capricorn Coast, managed a training college, and established and opened a new training college. With a strong focus on improving liveability in the region, Rhodes established a local solar bulk buy group and assisted in the establishment of a food relief group on the Capricorn Coast. Rhodes invented, patented and manufactured a portable roof rack system called Stik Rax to carry surfboards. To assist the removal of plastic bags from the environment, he designed a canvas bag with 7,500 manufactured and sold at cost which features every locality in Livingstone Shire.
Kim Harrington, CQUniversity
Graduate Certificate in Management, Bachelor of Adult & Vocational Education combined majors Adult and Vocational Teaching & Human Resources Development Honours. Kim has served as a member on many Boards and Committees during her extensive executive career to date throughout her roles incorporating local, state, national and international level positions. Kim is a recipient of the Queensland Government Women’s Leadership award, and she supports and encourages upcoming managers through coaching, mentoring, and acting as a sponsor within the workplace. Kim enhances her understanding and commitment to local industry engagement on current Board and Committees as Deputy Chair of Rockhampton Region Engagement Committee, a founding member of End Loneliness Inc., board member RDA Central & Western Queensland, a member of Board of College of Teachers Registration, together with previous Committee involvement including Study Rockhampton and Capricorn Enterprise Committee. With extensive executive educational and business development expertise Kim brings a niche understanding of our regions to Capricorn Enterprise.
