With Connie Leonforte From U Can Do It Driving School

Learning to drive is one of life’s first great milestones. It stirs nerves, sparks excitement, and awakens the thrill of independence. For many, it is a delicate balance of anticipation and responsibility. With Connie Leonforte, owner and driving instructor at U Can Do It Driving School, that balance becomes a journey of empowerment.

Connie has guided more than seven thousand lessons over the past six years, both young and mature, toward achieving the lifelong goal of gaining their driver’s licence. Her approach blends professionalism with compassion and hands-on guidance, ensuring that every learner not only succeeds, but thrives.

With her soft, steady voice and calm, collected presence, even the most nervous drivers feel tension ease and confidence grow with every turn of the wheel.

Her teaching transcends memorising rules or manoeuvres. Connie equips students with the awareness, control, and assurance to navigate the road safely and confidently, creating a foundation for a lifetime of skilled driving.

“I’ve streamlined my lessons, recognising the traits that hold learners back, so they can focus on what truly matters and build skills efficiently and confidently,” she explains.

Each lesson is uniquely tailored to the student behind the wheel. Quiet streets, progressive steps, and visual aids allow learners to practice without pressure, avoiding unnecessary detours or stressful mistakes.

Connie knows when to guide and when to let students take the wheel, turning every session into a practical roadmap for mastery. Her lessons are a blend of precision, patience, and real-world readiness, where competence and confidence are nurtured at every turn.

For Connie, professional excellence mirrors personal discipline.

“There is no line between professional and personal. How I conduct my home life and how I teach is one way… streamlined, flexible, and never compromising quality,” she says.

By prioritising balance, focus, and presence, she sets a standard that inspires even before the engine starts.

Connection and trust lie at the heart of her teaching.

“As soon as trust closes off, the learning stops. Students must know I am here to help, not judge. That instant connection is everything,” Connie explains.

From a nervous sixteen-year-old taking their first turns to an adult returning to the road after years away, she celebrates each breakthrough, every confident lane change, and every successful parallel park as a milestone in independence and resilience.

Quality and integrity define everything she does.

“It’s vital that you invest in quality learning… those one hundred hours will hold you steady for a lifetime.

“Getting your license is not the end goal; it’s only the beginning,” she says.

Carrying integrity through every phase of life, from hospitality and farm life to now building a successful driving school, Connie has turned challenges into opportunity.

Her students leave not just with a license, but with independence, a sense of professionalism, and a lasting example of integrity. With patience, precision, and a steady hand, Connie shows that every journey, whether on the road or through life, can be embraced with confidence, grace, and wholehearted purpose.

What advice would you give to a young woman in business? “Be 100% behind yourself. Believe in what you’re doing and put everything into it.”

ucandoitdrivingschool.com

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With Teegan Lazarus from Palm Bay Resort

Teegan Lazarus, Manager of Palm Bay Resort, began her hospitality career as a housekeeper, learning the industry from the inside-out as she climbed through the ranks.

Now, with her career having taken her around Australia, from Lord Howe Island to Purnululu National Park, to K’gari, Teegan has found home in the Whitsundays; with plenty of experience in tow. With pride she can tell her team that there isn’t a job on site she hasn’t done herself.

A career in the hotel industry began as a strategic life choice, bringing her out of pricey Sydney and into some of the most beautiful parts of the country. But it soon became her calling.

“I really fell in love with the energy of creating the perfect holiday for people.” Teegan explains.

“It’s not necessarily an easy job, requiring operational oversight, people management, crisis response, financial accountability, and more… but I feel so privileged in helping create someone's best memories.”

On top of creating a service culture that is deep rooted in warmth and care, Teegan strives to welcome locals to the Palm Bay family, organising regional deals and experiences as well as partnering with Whitsunday-based suppliers and businesses.

“Our locals are our bread and butter,” Teegan says, “they are always welcome to come and make the most of the tropical getaway on their doorstep.”

Next, for Teegan, is helping the business grow and improve, whilst maintaining the small, boutique luxury feel that makes it special.

“Being small, we have the opportunity to really be personal and intentional with our guests.” Teegan explains.

“Our team take the time to learn their names, understand their reason for visiting, and create a space where they can genuinely switch off. It’s about stillness, calmness and intention.”

Q: Tell us about your support network:

A: I’m lucky enough to live and work with my partner Dylan on the island, as well as having a loving family caring and wonderful service people: A firefighter, A teacher, a paramedic, an Australian federal police officer and an aircraft engineer! No pets just yet, although plenty of Wallabies and curlews around on the island to keep me busy...

palmbayresort.com.au

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With Allison Cunningham from Pinpoint Property

Behind the doors of Pinpoint Property is a team of thirteen women, bringing a powerful feminine touch to real estate.

United by a commitment to empowering one another, the team brings warmth and understanding to an industry often defined by competition — guiding clients through life’s biggest milestones without ever compromising on integrity.

Becoming a female-only team was completely unintentional, formed through a natural evolution of hiring the right people, but owner and licensee Allison Cunningham thinks it has only boosted their success.

“Some of our team are mothers, and we are all at different life stages, which helps us relate to all dynamics when it comes to selling, leasing or buying,” She explains.

“We are dealing with people during their most celebrated or heartbreaking events of buying, selling, separating or moving in together. We watch families grow and fall apart, inspect their homes quarterly, and are privy to their financial circumstances.

“This is a huge responsibility and reminder that we have a very personal role to play. I do feel that women do this really well, understanding the needs of clients and how best to assist them in even the most sensitive times.”

In a market where so many are struggling to either retain their homes or get into the property market, emotions are often running high – and the team take that responsibility with care, seeing themself as a force for good on the frontline of these issues.

They’re all about supporting people on their individual property journeys no matter how winding their road has been, offering a respectful client relationship to renters during their tenancy, making the complexities of buying simple for frazzled first-time buyers, and committing to ethical practices, like organising Christmas food drives for the less fortunate.

Allison and the team hope more women step into the world of real estate, advocating for the financial freedom and opportunities it can offer.

“With women striving for equality, real estate is one industry where we can seek equal pay for our skills whilst retaining our differences and celebrating what it is to be female," Allison states.

Her personal real estate experience reaches back into her teens, when she was routinely underestimated and overlooked.

“Starting out in real estate in my teens was a difficult task, with many considering me too young to be of any assistance,” She remembers.

"However, I have learnt that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Enthusiasm and hard work with a foundation of honesty are the core ingredients to success.

“I held the record for the highest residential sale in my first year of real estate and have continued to prove that those core values are the most respected things I can offer my clients.”

Under Allison’s judgement-free, supportive leadership, a team of confident sales professionals and caring property managers thrives.

The team are selective with the number of listings they personally take on to ensure their attention and focus on your home is the maximum it can be. This is key to what Allison calls the ‘Pinpoint Property Difference’.

“Selling or renting your home shouldn’t be stressful,” She says.

“It is an anxious time certainly, but by engaging with us you can be assured of a professional and systematic approach whereby you are never left in the dark.”

pinpointproperty.com.au

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With Savannah Geisler from Realm Studio

Founder and Creative Director of Realm Studio, Savannah Geisler, channels strategy and creative energy into building online homes for companies, crafting carefully designed websites that serve customers and drive traffic.

The venture was born as Savannah Leigh Design two years ago, evolving as Savannah found her niche and unlocked the business’s full potential. Now, rebranded as Realm Studio, Savannah has found her flow.

Dedicated to designing and developing high-performing sites on WordPress and Shopify, Savannah combines strategy and strong UX practices to create websites that feel clear, intuitive, and easy for visitors to navigate.

With a background in graphic design, Savannah brings a strong visual eye to every project, ensuring each website looks refined, intentional, and visually striking.

Born and raised in Mackay, Savannah knew she wanted to pursue a creative career but wouldn’t have guessed that would lead her into tech. Early on, her creativity mostly manifested through scrapbooking and journalling, although she did love customising her MySpace page.

While studying, Savannah worked with a marketing agency where she developed a strong foundation in branding and website design and saw how powerful a strategic online presence can be for a business. After having her first son, she launched what is now Realm Studio.

“It genuinely lights me up being able to create something so meaningful for a business,” Savannah says.

“I put so much care and intention into every project, and there’s nothing better than seeing a client fall in love with their website once it’s finished.

"Work is one of my biggest passions. I genuinely love what I do, so even outside of work hours I often find myself thinking about ideas, design, or creative projects. Otherwise, I’m usually in full mum mode, spending time with my boys and making the most of family time on the weekends.”

Savannah now has two beautiful boys, one who is nearly three and another who is six months old, along with two fur babies and a wonderful partner.

“My partner works away on a 7/7 roster, so balancing business and mum life can definitely be challenging at times," Savannah says.

“Running a business while raising two little ones has taught me a lot about patience, resilience, and making the most of the time I have. It can be busy, but I truly wouldn’t change it for the world. Being able to build something of my own while raising my boys makes the journey incredibly meaningful.”

The highlight of Savannah’s career has been working with a diverse range of businesses across Australia and seeing the real impact that her websites have had on their growth and online presence.

“In five years’ time, I’d love to see Realm Studio continuing to grow and evolving into its next chapter,” Savannah says.

“One of my goals is to have my own office space and to eventually share the business with a like-minded website designer who shares the same care and intention for the work.”

What advice would you give your younger self?

“For a long time, I thought I needed more experience, more qualifications, to validate that I was ready. The truth is you learn by doing.

“My message to young women dreaming big is to start before you’re ready. Back yourself, trust your instincts, and don’t shrink your ideas to make other people comfortable. There will always be challenges, but there is also so much freedom in creating a career that aligns with who you truly are.”

Describe your personality in three words:

Bubbly, minimalist, creative

realmstudio.com.au

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with Carla Healy, Principal of Raine & Horne Ayr

Carla Healy never expected to be a business owner. She'll even tell you that she was more than happy to remain a sales assistant.

But when things lined up for the Burdekin local to purchase Raine & Horne Ayr in 2024—the company she’d worked at for almost a decade up to that point—she took an uncharacteristic leap into the unknown.

For better, or for worse? Well, it would depend on when you asked her.

The purchase marked a momentous milestone, but where champagne should have flowed, tears did instead.

“I cried for the first week," recalls Carla.

“I thought, ‘what the hell have you done? What were you thinking? You're an agent. You're not a business owner.'”

She had no formal training. No bona fide experience in business ownership.

But she had one asset that overrode every one she lacked.

Sheer determination.

“I’m not a quitter—never have been,” she said.

“There were definitely days I wanted to in those times. A lot of times it crossed my mind…

But pride never let me.”

And with that attitude in her sails, there was nothing that could stand in the way of her subsequent success.

With each passing day, she became increasingly at home in the position.

“I remember one day towards the end of 2024, driving to work, pulling up to the office, looking at it, walking in and going, ‘Yeah. I do love what I do. You do love what you do, Carla—and it's only going to get better from here,” she said.

And that, it did.

In her near two year stint at the helm, Carla has led the office to levels it hadn't previously known. The branch was recognised with four different awards at the 2024 Queensland/Northern Rivers State Awards, and then a further six at this year’s iteration just last month.

Personally, Carla has hit milestones of her own—most notably Top Principal Number of Sales Transactions in the state, as well as becoming Ayr and Home Hill's top-rated real estate agent on RateMyAgent for the second year running and the Top Agent for Ayr, Home Hill and Brandon with RealEstate.Com.

But for all the tangible recognition, she derives the most pleasure from helping people make one of the most important decisions of their lives.

“You're fulfilling people's dreams,” she said.

"You’re matching the right person to the right property. People entrust you to sell or buy their most valuable asset—their home. Seeing them all happy, that’s all the reward needed.”

Although technically the owner and Team Principal, she never truly left her post as a sales agent, still attending to calls, appraisals, and handling clients directly—just as she did in her formative days at Andersen Real Estate before it franchised to Raine & Horne in 2019.

“I didn’t take the boss’s office—I’m one of them [the sales agents], just with a different title underneath me,” she says. “It still doesn’t click to this day—Principal/Owner.”

Behind the scenes, her husband Keith is her anchor, and, in her words, her “biggest fan.” Retired, he manages the home, allowing Carla to tackle the volatility of a real estate day head-on.

“He always believed I could when I didn’t," she said.

"For once, I listened."

As she continues to grow the business, she remains optimistic for the future.

“We've just started. We’ll keep powering on, doing what we're doing,” she said.

"I’m always of the opinion that if it’s working well, you don’t fix it!”

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With Kath Barker from Compass Realty Whitsundays

Kath Barker, a licensed real estate agent & auctioneer, established a career in real estate based on a love of people.

Two years ago, she imbued an ethos of care into the launch of her own company, Compass Realty Whitsundays, and now is helping people navigate huge life decisions as they buy and sell their dream homes.

“Property is never just about bricks and mortar,” Kath says.

“It’s about people, families, and the next chapter of their lives.”

With this in the forefront of her mind, Kath works attentively with clients from start to finish. As a solo operator, nothing is being handed off or passed around a team, nothing is overlooked, and customers are met with the attention they deserve every step of the way.

A background in building and construction gives Kath an extra layer of insight when it comes to property condition, potential and value, and she’s not afraid to be honest. Clear communication, strong negotiation, and genuine care are the pillars of Compass Realty.

Though the company achieves record sales and has access to a huge network of clients through a partnership with @realty, growth is measured so service is never compromised.

“Compass Realty Whitsundays is a boutique agency focused on quality over quantity.” Kath explains.

“I’m very intentional about not taking on too many listings so I can give each client the attention they deserve.

“I feel incredibly grateful to live and work in the Whitsundays. Supporting local homeowners, investors, and families through their property journey is something I never take for granted.”

In just two years, Compass Realty Whitsundays has built an impressive reputation, and Kath has quickly become embedded in the community.

“The Whitsundays has held a special place in my heart for decades.” She says.

“I actually lived here during the 80s and 90s aboard my dad’s yacht, so returning to the region felt very much like coming home.”

Describe your personality in three words:

Warm. Driven. Genuine.

atrealty.com.au/kathbarker/

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With Susan Sach, Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master, Holistic Life Coach and Healer

After more than three decades managing in other people’s businesses, stepping into her own was less a leap of faith and more a soul-calling for Susan “Susie” Sach. With a background spanning retail, hospitality, mining, engineering, administration and HR, Susie understands the pressure many women carry — the expectation to lead, perform and succeed, often at the expense of their own wellbeing.

“As an empath, being of service feels like purpose,” Susie shares. “But early conditioning can turn capable, heart-led people into work-horses, burying joy beneath responsibility and the need to prove our worth. In business especially, intuition and emotional intelligence are often sidelined.”

Her own turning point came after the unexpected death of her father. With no space left to grieve, Susie recognised she had been carrying years of unacknowledged, invisible stress. “It became clear — either I burned out completely, or I found new ways to heal and support myself.”

At 42, she began exploring meditation, breath work, guided imagery, energy healing and hypnosis, discovering how powerfully these modalities calm the nervous system and create lasting change. This personal journey led to formal Reiki training in 2018, becoming a Reiki Master Teacher, Access Bars Practitioner and, more recently, a qualified Hypnotherapist.

Today, through Love In Action Reiki & Hypnotherapy, Susie supports clients with personal empowerment, leadership and mindset, helping them release stress, anxiety and subconscious patterns that limit confidence and fulfilment. Her work combines traditional approaches with the deeper reality that stress and trauma are held across the physical, emotional and energetic bodies.

“My work is both gentle and profound,” she says. “When Reiki and hypnotherapy are combined, transformation happens — clearing energetic blockages while reshaping subconscious beliefs.”

Susie is also the author of Setting Boundaries With Love – An Empath’s Guide and Loom Of The Light Weavers, a trauma-informed spiritual novel. Both reflect her core message: success doesn’t have to cost your soul — and leadership can be loving.

To learn more or book a session, visit loveinactionreiki.com.au, connect via Facebook @loveinactionreiki or call on 0427 543 776

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With Kylie Allen From Shirtfront Solutions

Director of Shirtfront Solutions Kylie Allen was brought to the Whitsundays by love, after meeting her partner Kev whilst holidaying in the region in the year 2000.

Now she not only has a beautiful life and two grown boys, but a thriving Cannonvale-based business that she has nurtured and grown over seventeen years.

Specialising in garment design, Shirtfront Solutions now kits out professionals all over the region in branded uniforms, helping countless businesses invest in their image. Their in-house design team are on hand to create logos or designs, as well as working with existing branding to create physical products that boost exposure for companies, events and teams.

“For as long as I could remember I wanted to be a graphic designer,” Kylie says.

“I did numerous work experience stints while at school with newspapers, advertising agencies and small studios.

“I love design and making things stand out and look amazing; giving a business a new logo or design ideas is one of my favourite things to do.”

Over the years, Shirtfront’s offering has expanded as technologies changed, with the business branching out from screen printing into embroidery, so she can better serve the community’s needs. As they evolved, they saw demand grow, as more business owners invested in branded gear; advocating for their brands by becoming what Kylie calls ‘walking billboards’.

Outside of the business, Kylie spends her time gardening, and swimming, dreaming of one day creating her own studio where she can play with clay and literally potter around.

shirtfront.com.au

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With Rebecca Clark From The Food Junkie

Rebecca Clark, co-owner of Fish D’Vine and founder of The Food Junkie, is channelling 42 years of culinary experience into sharing her love of exceptional food.

Her latest venture brings her into homes and holiday rentals across the Whitsundays, delivering fun, creative cooking classes packed with expert tips and trade secrets that make gourmet cooking accessible.

Popular amongst families, couples, hen parties, and friend groups with a curiosity for cookery, Rebecca’s classes are tailored to each client and the food they enjoy. With a vast array of training, her repertoire covers a huge range of cuisines from Malaysian to Vietnamese, Spanish tapas to Greek mezze, or even sushi.

Fresh off the success of creating and operating restaurants Pescatori’s and Fish D’Vine alongside her business partner, Rebecca is expanding the Food Junkie brand, driven by her passion to push the Whitsundays food scene forward.

“There is so much on offer — from the Mackay region through to the Bowen Basin and right here in our local markets.” Rebecca explains.

“I proudly support local producers and suppliers, and the farmers markets. When I first arrived nearly 28 years ago, many specialty ingredients weren’t available. I’d bring cheeses, meats and international ingredients back from Melbourne. Today, we have access to wonderful ingredients right here.”

Originally from Melbourne, Rebecca spent nine years in Europe, working in kitchens in the UK as well as in France, Portugal and Spain.

All the secrets gleaned from her travels were brought home, and into her restaurants. But now, she’s ready to share them with anyone looking to learn. Also offering catering for events, Rebecca has her hands full.

But, when you’re doing what you truly love, that doesn’t matter.

“Food energises me,” Rebecca says, “and I feel incredibly lucky to share that passion.”

What qualities do you believe matter most for long-term success in business? And how do you nurture them?

Passion. Knowledge is powerful, but sharing it with enthusiasm makes it contagious. When I start talking about food, my voice changes — I go into a different zone. That energy has kept my business alive and evolving.

Describe your personality in three words

Bubbly. Determined. Excitable.

thefoodjunkie.com.au

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With Joanne Brown from Mackay Decluttering and Cleaning Services

Known for her kind nature, can-do attitude and deep understanding of life’s seasons, Joanne Brown is the heart behind Mackay Decluttering and Cleaning Services.

For more than five and a half years, Joanne has entered homes and businesses with one clear mission – to make life lighter for others. With a background in childcare and years of hands-on experience, she understands family life, busy schedules and the emotional weight clutter can carry. While she offers comprehensive cleaning services, it’s decluttering where her passion truly shines.

“Whatever my clients need – I’m here for them,” Joanne says.

With patience and compassion, she walks alongside her clients, never rushing and never judging.

“Reaching out for help can be a hard thing to do… but sometimes people just need a little kindness, understanding and a hand – and that’s where I come in,” she explains.

Whether a client prefers conversation or quiet focus, Joanne adapts.

“I like that one-on-one connection with people. I prefer to have that contact with the client, so I get to know them and what they like.”

Trustworthy and honest in every interaction, she works with integrity at the forefront.

“If they say, ‘I’m not ready,’ that’s fine. I’m definitely not pushy. I move at their pace and just encourage them along the way.”

Joanne hopes to expand in the future, but for now, her heart is exactly where it needs to be – walking alongside her clients, one home, one conversation and one fresh start at a time.

What qualities are most important to you as a woman in business?

“Respect, understanding, and definitely patience.”

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With Penny Maguire From Maguire Realty

After years of learning the industry from the ground up, Penny-Anne Maguire took a leap of faith that changed everything, launching her own agency and redefining success on her own terms. Now, she’s her own boss, and thriving.

Penny-Anne launched Maguire Realty in 2024, drawing on experience she gleaned throughout her career. In 2017, she took her first foray into real estate, training as a Property Manager Assistant in Mackay. Sooner than expected, Penny-Anne’s dedication and skills were recognised, and she progressed into the full role of Property Manager.

Years of hard work later, Penny-Anne realized she was ready to go solo. Refusing to be held back by what-ifs and buts, she took the plunge and launched Maguire Realty.

Now, her days are never the same, punctuated with challenges to solve – which she does with zeal. Since the launch, Penny-Anne’s passion for property has only grown, as has her business, through word of mouth, and her own dedication to expansion.

Along the way, she has built great, enduring relationships, a testament to the care behind her work. “I take pride in helping property owners protect their investments and ensuring tenants find well-maintained homes,” Penny-Anne says. It’s all about “helping people find their home.”

Penny-Anne is no stranger to the juggling act of business and family life, having a blended family of seven children, with a sixth grandchild due to arrive in just a few weeks. Yet, her vision for the business shows no signs of slowing. Maguire Realty’s main focus right now is property management across the Mackay, Pioneer Valley, and Sarina regions, but expansion is underway, as the business grows its residential sales portfolio, welcoming an ever-increasing number of clients.

Q: What brings you joy outside of your career?

A:  Spending time with my husband and family, enjoying quiet strolls along the beach and riverbanks. Weekends you’ll find me with family.  

Q: Could you describe yourself in three words?

A: Organized, dedicated, and caring. 

maguirerealty.com.au

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With Clare McAlipne from New Leaf Business Solutions

Clare McAlpine's business journey is just beginning – but she’s already built wisdom, confidence and a reputation for reshaping how companies operate.

Five months ago, drawing on experience in operations, administration and accounting, Clare launched New Leaf Business Solutions, a consultancy firm helping businesses create structure and clarity.

Combining practical strategy with empathy, she specialises in simplifying complexity, improving systems and streamlining operations so clients find organisation and control.

“My work focuses on the operational backbone of small business; the systems, structure, and processes that often go unnoticed but make the biggest difference,” Clare explains.  

“It sits at the intersection of people and systems. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s creating sustainable ways of working that support the business and the person behind it. My goal is to make things simpler, more aligned, and easier to manage long-term.”

The idea was born from the same pursuit of work/life balance that brought her family to Mackay from Sydney.

“After years of building experience across different roles, I reached a point where I wanted to use my skills in a way that felt purposeful and flexible, particularly as a mum,” she says.  

"One of the biggest milestones has been simply taking the leap, backing myself and turning an idea into something real.

“The highlights have been seeing the concept resonate, and watching my confidence grow alongside the business itself.

“What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. I’m building something intentionally, and I’m looking forward to growing it in a way that stays aligned with my values and the community I’m part of.”

What wisdom would you share with aspiring businesswomen?

There's no straight line to success. It’s messy, it takes time and requires resilience.  

Real success isn’t about job titles – it's about feeling aligned with your work and who you’re becoming.  

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Back yourself, keep learning, and say yes to the things that stretch you.

newleafbusinesssolutions.com

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Laura Hamilton – Founder, Elegance Lymphatic Care

Laura Hamilton truly embodies the phrase “be the change you want to see in the world.”

After navigating many years of her own complex health journey, Laura founded Elegance Lymphatic Care with a mission to improve access to specialised lymphatic support. Through her experience, she witnessed firsthand how overlooked lymphatic care can be within the Australian healthcare system.

“I know what it feels like to be passed from provider to provider with no real answers,” Laura says.

“I personally endured years of pain, swelling, misdiagnosis, and feeling unheard while trying to manage lipoedema and lymphatic dysfunction, eventually developing lymphoedema as well.”

Rather than allowing those challenges to define her, Laura used them as motivation to create something meaningful.

“I didn’t want others to endure what I did without support,” she explains.

“Every client matters. Every story matters. I’m deeply grateful for the trust our community places in us with their healthcare and education.”

“Now I get to watch people regain hope — seeing clients walk out feeling lighter, more comfortable, empowered, and finally understood.”

What started as a sole-operator clinic run entirely by Laura has grown significantly. Today, Elegance Lymphatic Care has expanded into a team of four staff members and continues to grow, reflecting the increasing demand for specialised lymphatic care within the region.

The clinic is ALA accredited, supporting clients across Mackay and surrounding regions, while also assisting people throughout Australia and New Zealand with compression garment supply. We also offer online consultations for assistance with Lipoedema and Lymphoedema Navigation.

Elegance Lymphatic Care provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support lymphatic health, recovery and long-term wellbeing. These include Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), compression garment fitting and supply, pneumatic compression therapy using Lympha Press systems, pre- and post-surgical oedema management, and advanced therapies such as low-level cold laser therapy, deep oscillation therapy and full spectrum infrared sauna therapy.

The clinic also provides wound management, scar therapy, rehabilitation support and medical navigation, helping clients access the services and programs they need to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Importantly, the clinic supports a wide range of people living with chronic conditions and complex health needs. Services extend to NDIS participants, aged-care clients, and people managing long-term conditions such as lymphoedema, lipoedema, cancer-related swelling, post-surgical recovery, neurological conditions, and injury-related oedema.

Laura has also become a respected voice in the field, recently being invited to speak at the Lipoedema Conference in Canberra and the Health Summit in Sydney.

Despite these achievements, it is the work within the clinic that means the most to her.

“The biggest milestone is the trust our clients place in us — and hearing them say, ‘I finally feel heard.’ That never gets old,” Laura says.

“What makes our clinic unique is lived experience paired with clinical knowledge. Both therapists wear compression daily. We don’t just understand these conditions professionally — we live them.”

“That creates a level of empathy, insight and practical understanding that clients deeply appreciate.”

Laura believes one of her greatest strengths lies in connecting with people and helping them understand their bodies.

“My strength is educating clients and creating realistic, whole-body treatment plans that support long-term outcomes — not just quick fixes,” she explains.

“We tell it as it is here. No hidden agendas, all cards on the table, so we can provide the best care possible.”

As Elegance Lymphatic Care continues to grow, Laura and her team remain deeply committed to expanding education and awareness around lymphatic health throughout North Queensland and beyond.

A strong focus of the clinic’s work is helping people understand the importance of early intervention, appropriate lymphatic care, and the correct fitting and use of compression garments — something Laura says is often overlooked in traditional healthcare pathways. By providing professional garment fitting, personalised guidance, and ongoing support, the team ensures clients receive solutions that are practical, comfortable, and truly suited to their individual needs.

Driven by a powerful combination of lived experience, clinical knowledge, and genuine compassion, Laura is helping shift the conversation around lymphatic care. Her work is not only supporting individuals living with lymphatic conditions but also raising awareness within the broader community and healthcare sector.

Through education, advocacy, and patient-centred care, Laura and her growing team are ensuring more people feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their health journey.

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With Kathryn Behan from Mackay Private Hospital

Kathryn Behan, General Manager of Mackay Private Hospital and the founder of boutique cosmetic aesthetics clinic Love the Way You Look, represents a new style of leadership; one that refuses to choose between strength and empathy.

She leads with ethical decision-making, accountability and care, balancing operational excellence with a genuine focus on people.

Kathryn’s background spans nursing, education and clinical leadership, giving her a comprehensive understanding of healthcare delivery from frontline practice through to executive management. This breadth of experience has shaped her passion for improving patient outcomes while building sustainable systems and strong, multidisciplinary teams.

Since assuming leadership at Mackay Private Hospital, Kathryn has overseen growth in service capability, governance maturity and organisational reputation. The expansion of day programs and allied health services has strengthened the hospital’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the Mackay community. Her priority is to ensure patients, referrers and the broader region are aware that her team is accessible, capable and ready to deliver contemporary, evidence-based care.

In parallel with her healthcare leadership role, Kathryn is also a qualified yoga teacher. The principles of mindfulness and balance drawn from this practice influence her leadership style, supporting calm decision-making and a considered, people-centred approach.

Kathryn believes effective leadership requires empathy alongside accountability. She recognises that personal challenges can impact professional performance and advocates for leadership that is supportive, respectful and solutions-focused. In her experience, psychologically safe workplaces foster stronger engagement, retention and better outcomes for both staff and patients.

When asked what advice she would offer to women pursuing leadership or business ownership, Kathryn’s response is simple and assured:

“There is no reason you cannot achieve your goals and ambitions. Be purpose driven and trust in your own abilities”

She also highlights the importance of a strong support network, expressing gratitude for her husband, Tom, and the people around her who help maintain balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Sustainable success, Kathryn believes, is built through perspective, connection and support.

Q: Describe your leadership style in three words

A: Driven. Grounded. Compassionate.

Q: What is a leadership non-negotiable for you?

A: “What I allow, I teach. Leaders must actively shape workplace culture by clearly setting expectations and addressing behaviours early—before they become embedded.”

mackayprivate.com.au

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An Award-Winning Specialist You Can Trust

She’s not the loudest in the room, but she carries a quiet confidence – one that has seen her win multiple real estate awards across the Pioneer Valley, and, more importantly, the lasting trust of her clients.

That woman is Robyn Agius.

Robyn has been recognised through the REA Excellence Awards, which measure key performance indicators including volume of properties sold, median sold price, median days advertised, ratings and reviews, total properties sold, and verified client feedback for Mirani, Gargett and Finch Hatton.

For Robyn, the recognition reflects a simple, wholehearted focus on her service to others.

“My client’s success is my priority and my work ethic reflects that,” she said.

“These awards are an acknowledgement of this and I feel quite humble and privileged to have been trusted to assist so many clients achieve their real estate goals over the years.”

Robyn believes her success stems from strong local knowledge and a genuine passion for the region. She credits her regional knowledge, passion for community, and attitude towards providing excellent service and honest, open communication for her achievements.

Having lived in Marian for more than two decades, Robyn opened her office at 337 Anzac Avenue Marian in 2024, allowing her to offer a personalised service across the Pioneer Valley and surrounding areas.

Her independent colleague, Shirlz Russell, supported by newest team member Jackie Houseman under the Area Specialist banner, assists clients across northern communities, while Mackell Caruana and Lauren Griinke work closely with Robyn to support clients from East Mackay and the Southern region, right through to the Upper Pioneer Valley.

For Robyn, it’s not awards or accolades that define success, rather it’s the trust of her clients, the integrity of her work, and the opportunity to give back to her community.

Despite her many accolades, Robyn remains grounded in the values that have shaped her.

“My mum has influenced me the most,” she said.

“She has a heart of service and integrity. She overcame all sorts of challenges, always pressing forward with phenomenal faith and courage.”

Robyn also believes in giving back to the community, which is why she regularly donates a generous amount from property sales to local schools and charities.

“I love what I do,” she said.

“That’s the beauty of a career in real estate. It can be whatever you want it to be, especially if you put your clients first.”

As part of her commitment to helping local women build long-term financial security, Robyn and Shirlz are hosting their next Women’s Wealth Creation Workshop on the 16th of May at Ocean International – a powerful one-day event focused on practical property-based wealth strategies.

Experts from around the country will guide attendees through superannuation, investing in property, retirement planning, and practical cashflow management, while a specialist will introduce an innovative budgeting app designed specifically for women. Attendees will also explore mindset strategies to overcome the beliefs that often hold women back from financial independence.

“This workshop isn’t about hype – it’s about education, clarity, and giving women the confidence to take action.”

Q: What advice would you give your younger self?

A: Be kind to yourself and invest in yourself first — by that I mean, always put aside savings from every pay, right from your first pay. Be consistent and determined. Make a wise, modest property purchase, keep it, and use the capital growth to build equity and wealth. What you do at the beginning can influence the rest of your life greatly.

robyna.areaspecialist.com.au

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