WINNER – Patrice Brown nominated by Advance Rockhampton
Patrice Brown has demonstrated her dedication and commitment as a leader for sustainable economic development through her strong voice for local content , work with First Nation groups and her various board and advisory roles including on the Qld Premier ’ s Business Advisory Council .
Growing up on a cattle property in Central Queensland gave Patrice an optimistic outlook , combined with a strong work ethic . A determination to see women succeed saw Patrice begin a career focused on pushing boundaries and becoming a leader and role model in traditionally male dominated industries .
Her passion for regional areas underpins the success of her business , CQG Consulting ( CQ Environmental Pty Ltd ), which is one of regional Qld ’ s largest environmental consultancies employing over 30 professionals .
training and business development opportunities for Darumbal People and local contractors that otherwise wouldn ’ t been possible , competing with foreign owned firms .
Patrice has worked tirelessly on behalf of regional Queensland for decades to grow and strengthen the economy . She has dedicated her time working pro-bono on not-for-profit economic development boards , environmental and business committees . She is an outstanding spokesperson for regional Australia , a strong advocate for protecting cultural and environmental values and continues to work with community groups and industry leaders in securing opportunities and promoting the benefits of investing in QLD .
CATEGORY 11 - THE PETER CHAFFEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD Recipients of the Peter Chaffey Leadership Award have had a significant impact on revitalising communities , and will have been at the forefront of developing and delivering projects that drive innovation and change . They have played a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development .
WINNER - Martin Darcy Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council the local community through strategy development , collaboration , tactical response and leadership . This has been delivered during a complex and challenging period of amalgamation and natural disaster .
Martin has led the Council ’ s Transformation and masterplan development and place focused strategy development to create both social and economic change to the Queanbeyan CBD .
He led the development of the Digital Economy and Smart Community Strategy repositioning Queanbeyan as a smart and innovative regional centre .
In an immediate and targeted response following drought and the 2019 / 20 bushfires , Martin and his team created the Treasure Trail campaign for economic recovery . This was recognised with the 2021 NSW LG Excellence Award for Supporting Local Enterprise .
For the last two years , Martin has worked diligently on progressing the economic development potential of the South Jerrabomberra Innovation Precinct , recently declared a Regional Jobs Precinct that will be a champion of innovation and jobs growth in SE NSW . Martin also leads regional advocacy through his role as Chair of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation Economic Development Working Group .
Martin is a deserving recipient of the Peter Chaffey Leadership Award and EDA congratulates him on this achievement .
Patrice established CQG in 2003 to fill a niche in the market to provide practical , value for money environmental , planning and engineering services for regional clients .
Patrice is an advocate for protecting environmental and cultural values through partnerships and ensuring First Nations people and local businesses have genuine opportunities to secure jobs and employment .
In 2019 , Patrice was instrumental in CQG forming a business partnership with the Darumbal People resulting in the creation of Tunuba Pty Ltd . Tunuba is a Central Queensland Indigenous business which has successfully achieved employment ,
Martin ’ s journey in economic development began as Service Manager Business and Innovation with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council ( QPRC ). He was charged with creating the new Economic Development branch in the freshly merged QPRC . He created and implemented a vision of economic change for revitalising
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