After almost three decades with Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant, International and Domestic Travel Consultant Jill Johansen still finds joy in helping clients bring their travel dreams to life.

A lifelong fascination with travel first inspired Jill to enter the industry in 1970, where she applied for roles as both a travel consultant and ground hostess.

“I thought if I was unable to travel all the time, I should plan and bring clients’ dreams to life,” she said.

Over the years, Jill has witnessed enormous changes across the travel industry, but says the excitement of travel has never faded.

“There have been so many memorable moments throughout my career,” she said.

“I never get tired of watching aircraft thundering down runways at airports and people watching. I always imagine where people are travelling to when you see all their happy faces.”

Jill said trust, loyalty and personalised service continue to set Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant apart.

“We treasure customer and staff loyalty as a priority always,” she said.

“Repeat business is everything and clients need to know that trust is everything.”

Having travelled extensively herself, Jill lists Africa, Antarctica, Greece and Malta among her favourite destinations, while seeing polar bears in the wild remains firmly on her bucket list!

‍

With Helloworld’s Daneal Rokic

After first joining Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant in 1993, Daneal Rokic is now celebrating more than 30 years in the travel industry.

Starting out working Thursday nights and Saturday mornings at the Mt Pleasant office, Ms Rokic later secured a full-time role in 1996 and has remained part of the Helloworld team ever since.

Her passion for travel first began as a teenager after being selected for Mackay City Council’s sister city exchange trip to Matsuura, Japan, in 1992.

“That travel experience opened my eyes to a new world,” Ms Rokic said.

“I knew I wanted to explore the world, and the travel industry was the perfect platform.”

Throughout her career, Ms Rokic has helped countless clients plan holidays around the globe while also creating unforgettable travel memories of her own.

One experience that has stayed with her was completing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in South America.

“It was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and to get to the end of walking for four days to view the incredible site at sunrise was something I will never forget,” she said.

Ms Rokic said the supportive team culture and family feel at Helloworld Travel Mackay & Mt Pleasant had played a major role in her long-standing career with the company.

She said destinations including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and New Zealand were currently among the most popular choices for travellers, and her hot travel tip? Air tags, air tags, air tags!

‍

Position: Manager 

Star Sign: Pieces 
 
Fav Movie: I love a good period drama 
 
Fav Colour: Green 
 
Fav Holiday destination: I have travelled all over the world but there is nowhere quite like home: Eungella, Cape Hillsborough, Whitsunday islands or any of Mackay’s beautiful beaches 
 
Fav Music: Very eclectic from Metallica to spice girls. I love it all 

 
Tell us something most people don't know about you? I love to learn about medicinal uses of plants. 

As General Manager of Greater Whitsunday Innovation, Kirra Tully is at the heart of driving digital growth across the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region. With a career that spans sustainability, events, and entrepreneurship, she has built a reputation for connecting people with ideas that spark a passion for change.

At GWI, she leads initiatives that help small businesses embrace AI, creates platforms for entrepreneurs, and brings national voices to the region. Kirra also serves as Mackay AI Chapter Director, advocating for safe and effective use of artificial intelligence.

And when she’s not immersed in tech, Kirra enjoys the simplicity of life.

She is a lover of Mackay’s natural beauty, often finding peace in exploring the outdoors with family or enjoying quality time at the beach. She has a broad taste in music, a fondness for stories that transport her to another era, and a curiosity for the healing properties of plants.

Passionate about her home and its people, Kirra continues to champion innovation that not only strengthens businesses but also enriches the community and the region she’s proud to call home.

‍

Position: Project Officer
Star Sign: Libra
Fav Movie: Loves all movies and genres, but can’t do anything zombie
Fav Colour: Teal
Fav Holiday destination: Would love to do a 2-month trek through Europe
Fav Music: Very much an all-rounder with music, but can’t get into screamo/hardcore metal or indie
Fav Quote: “Let them.”
Tell us something most people don’t know about you: I love fishing

Zoe Knight is a Project Officer at Greater Whitsunday Innovation, overseeing programs, events, and communications to support businesses and the community in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.

After growing up in Brisbane and spending time in the Isaac region, Zoe fell in love with the lifestyle and has called Mackay home for the past 11 years.

Nothing means more to Zoe than family. She and her partner raise a blended family of three children, finding joy in the chaos and laughter that comes with everyday life.

When she’s not spending time with family, Zoe also enjoys fishing, being creative, and staying active. This year, she joined the Women’s Hawks Softball Team, adding sport and camaraderie to her routine.

Her heart for community is also reflected in volunteering as an event coordinator with the Northview State School P&C Association, a role she says is greatly rewarding.

Even as she balances personal and community commitments, Zoe’s professional life quietly complements who she is. She thrives on connecting people and helping others feel confident navigating digital tools.

‍

FAST 5 FACTS
Star Sign: Cancer
Best Holiday Destination: Switzerland
Music You Love: Varied from Australian Rock to easy listening
What You Love to Watch: Dragon movies
Inspirational Quote: Everything is temporary – Buddhism.  
   • And a funny one from my Irish mother– how do you eat an elephant? – piece by piece in mouthfuls you can chew- this helped improve problem solving – deal with one challenge at a time, don’t eat the whole elephant or you will choke.

Sharon founded Personal Transitions to create services that listened, healed and empowered vulnerable children.  

Her change-making stems from her diverse careers and extensive studies in various sciences.  Her first job was a chef, cooking in Europe.  She combines this love of food (and eating) with her nursing, psychotherapy and Naturopathy career to treat the whole person, healthy body, healthy mind.

Sharon states that parents often say their child “finally feels understood”. Experiencing the sound of laughter replacing rage, sadness, and silence motivates her to continue expanding on what has now become her life's mission.

Her philosophy is simple yet revolutionary: “This is your healing process; you are the expert in your journey.” Let's get comfortably, uncomfortable while “turning life into living™”

If you could only recommend one health habit for better living, what would it be?
Be kind to yourself.  Would you berate your best friend the way you tell yourself off? Probably not, so become your own best friend - love the skin you're in!

What’s the most rewarding part of being a health expert in today’s world?
“turning life into living”™

‍

FAST 5 FACTS
   • Star Sign: Aquarius
   • Best Holiday Destination: Whitsundays
   • Music You Love: Most music, Dance, Pop, Chill
   • What You Love to Watch: Sports, AFL, NRL, Soccer (football), Rugby Union
   • Inspirational Quote: “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” Admiral William H. McRaven

From serving with the Royal Navy during the Iraq War to caring for patients in their homes, Simon McMahon’s journey is remarkable. As founder and Director of Pioneer Nursing Service, Simon combines grit, compassion, and a sense of purpose to reimagine community care.

The idea came during his time as a Nurse Unit Manager during the height of COVID. “I saw how many patients were unable to go home because community services couldn’t provide the staff needed to support them.” Simon recalls.

“We’re all about experience with heart — our team of support workers, nurses, and coordinators know their stuff and genuinely care. That mix of skill and compassion helps people live better, brighter lives.”

Determined to change things, Simon launched Pioneer Nursing Service to help people remain at home, safe, supported, and surrounded by family. Whether it’s hospital discharges, end-of-life care, or daily support, his team offers families peace of mind.

Outside of work, Simon enjoys sailing, kayaking, and beach walks with his two quirky rescue dogs. A proud member of the Walkerston-Pleystowe RSL, he also values time with family and friends.

What’s your go-to health advice for someone who’s just starting their wellness journey
Ask for help where needed, the NDIS, My Aged Care and Department of Veteran Affairs Community nursing programme can be very challenging to navigate by yourself.

‍

Adrienne Bradshaw, Founder, Get it Sorted Mackay

Fast Facts

Star Sign: Leo

Favourite Colour: Orange

Best Holiday Destination: Italy

Music you love: 70s, 80s, Fleetwood Mac

What you love to watch: Schitts Creek

Inspirational Quote:  You’re not a tree, move!

Before she was Mackay’s queen of calm and queen of the label maker, Adrienne Bradshaw was in scrubs and headsets working in nursing, then in media and PR. But it was her love for turning chaos into calm that led her to create Get It Sorted Mackay.

Adrienne has tackled more than 500 organising projects, from designer wardrobes to luxury homes and deceased estates. “If it’s a mess, I’m your girl,” she said. “Bonus points if there’s a label maker involved.”

By day, she’s the woman restoring order to people’s lives. By night, she’s in full mum-mode, juggling a whirlwind of sport drop-offs, lost keys, and strong coffee. In her downtime she likes to go op shopping or listening to a good podcast. Adrienne can’t stay away from her job, in her spare time she also loves rearranging her home for fun.

You’ll also find her sweating it out at boxing, cruising through a yoga flow, or firing shots on the netball court. But perhaps her greatest hidden talent is knowing what someone needs to hear when they feel overwhelmed.

Adrienne’s proudest adventure to date was building Get It Sorted and showing up for her clients whilst raising a family.

Want to bring calm to your chaos? Adrienne’s already rolling up her sleeves.

‍

Matthew J Fry, Admin and Machinery Operations, Whitpro

Star Sign: I would have to google it? 23/3/1998

Fav Movie: Hotrod (Andy Samburg movie)

Fav Colour: Blue, Green, everything in between

Best holiday destination: Japan, Snowboarding or anywhere with good food and cold weather

Music that you love: Anything Metal, Nu Metal, Metalcore, Post-hardcore – the sadder the better

Inspirational Quote: “Breathe, and feel the air in your lungs, Breathe, and see how far that you’ve come”

‍

If you think running a machinery and admin gig sounds dull, you’ve clearly never met Matt Fry. With a love for strategy games, storytelling, and sorting dirt, Matt’s story proves life doesn’t need to be flashy to be fascinating, it just needs to be real.

Born in Victoria but raised in the Whitsundays since he was a toddler, Matt is a familiar face at Whitpro, where he’s currently holding down the fort in admin and machinery operations. His journey began in the very same business, where he’s spent roughly six years knee-deep in dirt, while moving it, mixing it, and even giving “dirt advice”.

But outside of the work boots, Matt’s just as busy. You'll often find him spending time at his favourite love/hate venue – the gym, playing Dungeons & Dragons online every second weekend with his interstate mates, or visiting his stepdad Tim, and mother in Townsville University Hospital.

Family comes first for Matt. His stepdad had a serve injury seven months ago and he juggles visiting him and his mum in Townsville, whilst also meeting the demands of Whitpro.

Through bipolar battles, big life detours, and one particularly flaming forearm incident (don’t ask), Matt keeps showing up, for his family, his team, and his clients.

Q: Describe your personality in three words:

A: “Enthusiastic, hungry, nerd”

‍

Jason Barrett

From Get Turfed Pty Ltd

Star sign: Scorpio

Favourite colour: Blue

Love to watch: Comedies

Favourite music: All types

Quote or go-to mantra: “Nobody's coming” & “always”

‍

Meet Jason, the down-to-earth, dirt-under-the-fingernails founder of Get Turfed Pty Ltd, a family-run turf installation business that’s been greening up the Whitsundays and Mackay region since 2003.

If you’ve ever driven past a pristine Mackay lawn and thought, that grass is greener, chances are Jason and his crew had a hand (or shovel) in it.

With a background in farming and a flair for transformation, Jason thrives on turning dusty plots into vibrant green areas.

Whether it’s a backyard for a young family, a low-maintenance space for retirees, or a full-scale civil landscaping project, Jason and his team deliver the full package.

“From the first consultation right through to lawn care maintenance and everything in between.”

Their services include turf consultation, site preparation, weed spraying, irrigation installation, turf laying, fertilising, and follow-up care, tailored for both residential and commercial clients.

“No project is too big or too small. Be it a vast commercial expanse or an intimate residential lawn, we bring equal dedication to every job.”

And when he’s not laying lawns, Jason’s giving back, proudly sponsoring local sporting clubs, community charieties,  fun runs, and fundraising events.

Off the tools, you’ll find him at the gym, gardening at home, supporting his sponsored soccer teams, or hanging out with his cheeky granddaughter, and likely cracking a joke or two.

Three words to describe yourself:

Funny. Sexy. Honest.

www.getturfed.com.au

@Get Turfed

1300 887333

‍

Andrea Campain, Business Development Consultant, Aimbig Employment

Fast Facts

Star Sign: Libra

Favourite Colour: Olive Green

Best Holiday Destination: Florence

Music you love: David Grey

What you love to watch: Pay it Forward

Inspirational Quote: “You cant do everything, but you can do something – and to someone, that something is everything”

‍

Andrea is a fifth generation coal miner and it’s where she started her career also.

She started underground in 2001 and was one of the first few female underground coal miners in Australia, and it delighted her grandfather in the UK.

These days, Andrea has swapped the mine site for changing peoples lives through meaningful employment. As a Business Development Consultant with Aimbig Employment, she’s the powerhouse behind connecting employers with the right people.

“We’re genuinely people-driven and solutions-focused. We care—about people, about outcomes, and about making a difference.”

“I feel lucky every day, because, who wouldn’t want to be part of something that changes lives?”

When she’s not creating employment magic, Andrea is all heart. On Wednesdays she volunteers to buy, cook, and serve hot meals for people sleeping rough in Mackay. She loves helping in any way possible, big or small. From paying for somebody’s groceries, offering a lift to a mum and her kids caught walking in the rain, or writing plans to help someone bring their small business idea to life. She finds great purpose in those moments.

And at home you’ll see her with her tight-knit family, including stepkids, grandkids and a very needy Maltese Shih Tzu.

www.aimbigemployment.com.au

‍

Occupational Therapist and Owner at Empowering Kids Therapy, and Owner of Bright Patch Café Pty Ltd

Fast Facts

Star Sign: Cusp: Capricorn and Aquarius

Favourite Colour: Purple

Best Holiday Destination: Singapore

Music You Love: Taylor Swift, Pop Music and Musical Theatre

What You Love To Watch: Show - Home and Away / Movie - Wicked

Inspirational Quote:  “To create is to step into wonder, and to thrive is to invite others in.”

Jameela Walker is equal parts Occupational Therapist and business owner. She is the imaginative force behind the upcoming Empowering Kids Therapy clinic and the Bright Patch Café. Both will be vibrant spaces that celebrate inclusion, creativity and connection in the heart of the Whitsundays.

As a child, Jameela loved to act and dance, she performed with the SBS Children’s Choir and Orchestra, studied cello and drama, and dove headfirst into the world of performance with boundless enthusiasm. That love of the stage never really left; it simply transformed. These days, instead of centre stage, she shines behind the scenes, creating environments where kids and families can find their own spotlight.

“Empowering Kids Therapy is about supporting kids and families to be their best authentic selves through functional skill development by using an Occupational Therapy Lens,” Jameela said.

Empowering Kids Therapy clinic was born from Jameela’s personal passion and deep desire to make a difference. She wanted to empower children and families to celebrate their differences.  

Empowering Kids Therapy will boast an indoor and outdoor sensory gym where children can explore, play, and thrive, rain or shine.

But her creativity didn’t stop there.

If Empowering Kids is the heart, Bright Patch Café is the soul. Inspired by the playful spirit of Alice in Wonderland, the café is a family-friendly haven where good food meets feel-good vibes.  

“I wanted to create an inclusive space for the community to eat, play and thrive whilst enjoying a fun and bright atmosphere,” Jameela added.

She’s also no stranger to giving back, supporting causes close to her heart, including MND and cancer foundations, and lending a hand in the community whenever possible.

“I think of life as a bit of an adventure,” she reflects.  

“Building Empowering Kids Therapy and Bright Patch Café has been the most life-changing adventure of all.

“I wanted to craft a place where every family could step out of the ordinary and into a world where curiosity is celebrated, difference is beautiful, and everyone belongs.”

Bright Patch Café will open end of July / early August 2025 at 22 Main Street, Proserpine  and Empowering Kids Therapy clinic will open early next year or late 2025 at Bright Patch Café as an ‘extra’ in the back yard.

What’s your go-to coffee order?

“My coffee order is a barista’s nightmare: Cappuccino, warm, coconut milk, half strength and honey.”

What’s next for Bright Patch Café, and how does it align with your future and values?

“We will be hosting events and already have a number of prearranged bookings. We aim to connect Empowering Kids Therapy and Bright Patch Café as one for our junior hospitality program we may launch in 2026.”

‍

Fast Facts
Star Sign: Gemini
Fav Colour: Green
Fav Holiday Destination: Japan
Fav Music: A little bit of everything
Fav TV Show or Movie: I love a good documentary
Fav Quote: “If you could make something better for someone, why wouldn’t you?” – Cal Wilson
With a career spanning law, real estate, and disability support, Beryl Nielsen has mastered the art of organisation, adaptability, and keeping things running smoothly—even when life throws a curveball (or a surprise baby delivery!). As the Practice Manager at Ritu Rana Medical, she’s the glue that holds the fast-paced clinic together, ensuring everything flows seamlessly, no matter how unpredictable the day becomes.
Flexibility is key, she says, because what starts as a routine day can quickly turn into an action-packed one. But with a team that thrives under pressure and a leader like Dr. Rana who takes every twist in stride, Beryl ensures patients receive the best care—always with a smile. She might be a master of logistics, but she never takes herself too seriously!
Outside of work, Beryl embraces the great outdoors. Living on a few acres out of town with her husband, 9-year-old son, 18-year-old daughter, and their beloved staffy, life is a blend of family chaos, weekend camping trips, and beachside relaxation.
But her heart beats strongest for charity. For the past 15 years, Beryl has been passionately raising funds for Epilepsy Awareness, driven by the hope of one day seeing a cure.
And when it comes to adventure, Japan stole her heart. The food, the culture, the vibrant energy—it was a trip to remember, and she’s already dreaming of the next one!
What’s something interesting about you that not many people know?
"I like to bake all things sweet!"

Fast Facts

Star Sign: Aquarius
Fav Colour: Pink!
Fav Holiday Destination: Whitsunday Islands
Fav Music: Jessie Murph
Fav TV Show or Movie: I can’t choose just one!
Fav Quote: “Believe you can and you’re already halfway there”

At just 19, Edyn Paro took a bold leap and launched her own business—Boss Babes Beauty. Fast forward seven years, and she’s built a thriving empire, enhancing women’s beauty with high-quality lash services while mentoring young, ambitious women to follow in her footsteps.

“I’ve worked hard to make my dreams a reality,” she said. “Now, I love helping other young women become their own boss and start their journey in the lash industry.”

Outside of work, Edyn has a passion for combat sports and she now trains in Muay Thai to stay fit and focused. Strength and discipline aren’t just part of her workouts—they’re the foundation of her business success. When she’s not throwing punches in the gym she will be with her French Bulldog, who’s more a best mate than a pet. If she’s not in the salon or the gym, you’ll find her spending quality time with him.

For Edyn, success isn’t just about business, it’s about balance. Whether she’s unwinding with a coffee in hand, enjoying downtime with friends, or finding new ways to challenge herself, she embraces every moment with the same passion she puts into her work.

Her journey is proof that hard work and heart can turn dreams into reality.

‍

Fast Facts
Star Sign: Aquarius
Fav Colour: Green
Fav Holiday Destination: Tasmania. We just went down there for Christmas and loved every minute of it. The food, the walking, the scenery...
Fav Music: Depends on my mood but very into Heidi Rojas at the moment.
Fav TV Show or Movie: Zombie genre in general. Bonus points for things blowing up. 

‍
Fav Quote: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” JRR Tolkien
A midwife on a mission to revolutionise maternity care in Mackay, Chris Raines founded Generation Her—a service designed to give women the personalised, compassionate support they deserve at every stage of their reproductive journey.
As a private midwife, Chris provides everything from family planning and pre-conception support to pregnancy, postnatal care, breastfeeding guidance, and birth debriefing. With the ability to write prescriptions, order tests, and refer to specialists, she ensures women receive comprehensive, individualised care—not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
Her philosophy? When women thrive, society thrives. That belief extends beyond the clinic. Chris is passionate about health and wellbeing, balancing modern medicine with lifestyle choices. She walks daily, follows a vegetarian diet, and even brews her own calming herbal tea to keep stress in check.
Outside of work, celebrations are serious business. Whether it’s Christmas, birthdays, or International Midwives Day, Chris plans well in advance—Christmas shopping starts in June, and no event is complete without cake.
Adventure is also in her DNA. Having travelled from Cape York to Kangaroo Island, she’s lived in almost every state, first as a solo traveller and now with her family. At home, she, her husband and two children share their lives with two rescue pets—Evie the dog and Pandora the cat, both cherished members of their “adopt, don’t shop” household.
Whether she’s supporting women birthing babies or organising midwifery conferences, Chris Raines is all about supporting women, one thoughtful step at a time.

What’s something interesting about you that not many people know?
“I have a compulsive urge to grow herbs.”

‍

Fast Facts

Star Sign: ARIES
Fav Colour: Royal Blue.
Fav Holiday Destination: The Whitsundays or Gold Coast.
Fav Music: I’m so alternative but I love anything that’s catchy and fun!
Fav TV Show or Movie: Those corny real estate series on Netflix.
Fav Quote: A person that never made a mistake, never made anything.

If you think steel and fitness have nothing in common, think again—because Simone Aitken proves they’re both about strength, resilience, and breaking barriers. As the Owner of East Coast Steel Supplies, Simone isn’t just running a business she redefines what it means to be a powerhouse in a male-dominated industry.

Simone’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive are as strong as the steel she supplies. She prides herself in being 100% locally owned and operated, and she’s also a hands-on expert in the reinforcement steel industry.

She aims to deliver high-quality products with convenience and expertise all while breaking the gender stereotype. Her fearless mindset is what saw her leap into business ownership, her proudest achievement yet.

But Simone isn’t all business, in Mackay she’s known as a fitness trainer, she’s a wife, and a mum to three busy kids. When she’s not ensuring Mackay’s construction projects stay on track, you’ll find her chasing adventure with her family. From football and gymnastics to beach days and exploring local waterholes, she’s all about making memories and leading by example.

From reinforcing steel to reinforcing self-belief, Simone Aitken is proof that strength comes in many forms and she’s just getting started.

Describe yourself with three fast facts?

Entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, wife and mother of three.

‍