Our South West Advisory Committee

LJ Hooker Toowoomba Principal and group auctioneer Mike Stewart has been involved in real estate business consulting and project management in Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and across Australia for the last 25 years.

Having followed his mother Claire into the business in 1989, he is a second-generation real estate agent with his family involved in real estate in Toowoomba since the early 1960s. In 2015, Mike was awarded the top prize – the Sir Leslie Hooker Award – at LJ Hooker’s annual global conference. The award recognises outstanding contributions to the brand, fellow offices, the industry and community.

Julie Stewart is the Director of the retail team of LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba. With more than 35 years’ experience working in various fields of the real estate sector, Julie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, particularly in the retail leasing and management field. Julie has played an integral role in the development and redevelopment of several centres throughout Australia.

These include Townsville’s Stockland, Broadway on the Mall, Benowa Gardens, Town Hall Square, Kawana Home Central, The Ridge Shopping Centre and Rededge on James Street. Julie has also been involved in the management, redevelopment and leasing of Shopping Centres in both Australia and New Zealand with Woolworths, Lion Nathan, Leigh-ton’s, Valad, Charter Hall, Hallmark Properties and the Glebe Administration Board.

Ali Davenport is the CEO of TSBE (Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise) and brings to the advisory committee a unique mixture of leadership ability, knowledge of local businesses and media and marketing skills.

TSBE operates as an economic development organisation linking business with opportunity, which means Ali has an intimate knowledge of the growth opportunities that are on the horizon for our region and a strong connection to the local business community. Prior to joining TSBE Ali managed radio and television stations as well as newspapers and has in-depth knowledge of how to market products and services.

Barry O’Sullivan has more than 15 years of experience in all aspects of civil and property development.

As the founder of Town and Country Industries (forerunner to the Newlands Group), Barry has been fundamental in the growth, development and success of the Newlands Group. He has more than 15 years of experience in all aspects of property development and civil construction, primarily involved in managing and directing people and projects.

Blending his position as Director with the Business Development Manager role means Barry is ultimately responsible for developing innovative construction solutions and ensuring these solutions meet the changing needs of clients. Barry places strong emphasis and importance on the employment of Indigenous people, people with disabilities and staff safety and welfare.

Joe Stark has been the Group General Manager of the Craig Black Group of Companies for more than 18 years, with strong involvement in the Toowoomba and Western Downs communities due to the groups various business units. He is also a non-executive director of Wolff Group (Wolff Mining/Wolff Power).

The Craig Black Group was one of the founding entities in establishing the original Darling Downs Dozen fundraisers for RACQ LifeFlight Rescue on the darling downs. The Stark name has been in South Toowoomba for generations and Joe has supported RACQ LifeFlight Rescue for more than a decade while he worked for Black Toyota.

Wendy Roche is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Health Science. She is also a Fine Art Photographer and mentor with the Australian Photographic Society.

Wendy’s philanthropic endeavors include a position as Director of the Kofi Foundation, the Chair of Service and Advocacy with Zonta Toowoomba Garden City and Secretary to the Board of Sunrise Way. Wendy was inspired to join the Advisory Committee after RACQ LifeFlight Rescue airlifted her brother on several occasions.

Trudi is the Director of Regional Development for RDA Darling Downs and South West. She was previously the Economic Development Senior Officer for Western Downs Regional Council and the Member Services Manager for the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She is also the Member Services Manager for the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2015-2017.

Trudi has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism from the University of Queensland. Her passion is supporting regional and remote Queenslanders and sees her position on the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue South West Regional Advisory Committee as an avenue to ensuring those in need in rural areas have access to essential lifesaving services and medical care.

Gus Romero is the Director of Harvey Norman Toowoomba, one of the largest stores in Harvey Norman’s portfolio

Harvey Norman is renowned for being the number one retailer in Australia with an ever-expanding global footprint; Gus has a long and distinguished career within the company spanning over 20 years. He has developed stores throughout Australia, Ireland and has been for many years the Lead Proprietor for QLD; mentoring other Proprietors and assisting them in their business acumen. He currently sits on the National Steering Committees responsible for the strategic direction of Harvey Norman Computers and Commercial Divisions.

As a Corporate Partner of Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise, Gus enjoys collaborating with local businesses and shares the TSBE vision of creating opportunities for the region to prosper and grow.

After moving to the Darling Downs with his family in 2017, Gus is proud to call Toowoomba home and is passionate about supporting local charities and sporting associations in the region.

As a Save a Life Sponsor of Lifeflight, Gus is honoured to be part of the team and looks forward to its continued success as a critical and vital asset to the region. He is motivated to ensure Lifelflight as an organisation continues to expand its services in line with the growth of our region.

Gus is married to Cherie and has 3 sons Gus Jr, Will and Cooper. He spends his weekends with the family enjoying what the amazing region has to offer.