Scott has lived in the Gympie district all his life and was educated at the Federal State School, then attended his secondary schooling at Pomona State High School. He is a third generational resident; his grandparents owned the dairy farm which he grew up on with his two brothers, his mother still lives on the farm today. Scott and his wife have now purchased the farm and run a commercial beef herd.

In business Scott runs Sutton Building Solutions, a local commercial building company, and also Australian Civil and Drainage.

Scott completed his apprenticeship as a carpenter/Joiner, after which he tried his hand in a few different industries, but kept coming back to the building trade.

Initially, he sub-contracted to a number of local builders in town. After running and managing many projects for other builders, he completed the necessary courses to gain his Builder’s License, before making a move to go out on his own in 2003. He started his business with himself and an apprentice and has grown it to what it is today. Scott has since completed his Advanced Diploma in Building and Management.

Scott says he’s passionate about the industry because every job is different and comes with its own set of complexities and challenges. “These complexities certainly challenge you personally and make you expand your thoughts so you can complete each and every project successfully. I felt that by becoming a business owner, I could look back over each and every project with a sense of achievement.”

Sutton Building Solutions has been nominated for a safety award for the BER project (Federal Government funded project) in 2010 and has also won a safety award with QGC in 2017.

Scott loves Gympie because it’s a great community based town and he enjoys the lifestyle. He says “Gympie is close enough to our capital city, the coast and the South Burnett, but Gympie itself still has a country town feel.”

Scott is actively involved in other volunteer roles. He is the Chairman of the Traveston Rural Fire Brigade and an active member of the Traveston Progress Association. During Scott’s time in Apex, he was heavily involved in the Gympie Music Muster, Santa Fair and Gold Rush, and still volunteers his time at the Gympie Music Muster each year. He is also actively involved in Gympie Junior Rugby League.

Scott joined the Chamber Board because he wanted the chance to meet and be involved with, like-minded business people who are also passionate about the area and the business community as a whole.

His number one piece of advice for a local / small business owner is to “Never give up”. His greatest strength is the ability to be able to work through challenges that arise in the industry or on the job site and come up with an acceptable outcome which works for the project and team as a whole.

Born and raised in Anderleigh on a 600-acre cattle farm, I have a deep-rooted connection to Gympie. Balancing farm work and multiple jobs during high school gave me firsthand insight into our local employment landscape, instilling resilience and a strong work ethic that continues to drive me today.

I hold a Communications degree from the University of the Sunshine Coast, where I earned a scholarship for academic excellence and won an industry award for storytelling campaigns. These achievements set the stage for a career focused on helping businesses grow through strategic advertising, creative business development and community engagement.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with businesses and industry leaders to develop innovative strategies that drive results. A career highlight was co-organising the Mid West Aboriginal Business Forum in WA, bringing regional businesses together to strengthen networks and build connections with decision-makers including government ministers – an approach I’m passionate about applying here in Gympie.

As a 2024 Gympie Chamber of Commerce board member, I’ve volunteered to manage social media, implemented Coffee Connect events, and led initiatives that empower local businesses. My focus is on creating strong partnerships and opportunities that ensure the Chamber continues to deliver value to the region.

I am committed to working collaboratively as part of the board to give local businesses the tools and autonomy they need to shape Gympie’s economy. By working together, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the Gympie Region and the Wide Bay Burnett.

Fran is a dedicated advocate for mental health and community empowerment, residing in the beautiful Mary Valley since 2013. After her husband purchased a charming farm, she lovingly refers to as the “Fertile Farm,” Fran quickly fell in love with Gympie and its warm, welcoming community.

In 2015, she purchased a beehive as a heartfelt gift for her husband, whose late father was an apiarist. This small gesture unexpectedly blossomed into a thriving family business alongside her husband and daughter.

With a deep passion for mental health, Fran took on the role of Mental Health Recovery Facilitator with STEPS Group Australia. In this position, she tirelessly works to change the narrative surrounding mental health, create better opportunities, and educate herself, her clients, and the community. She takes pride in her ability to advocate for and empower individuals who need support.

In 2024, Fran had the honour of speaking at the Rural Mental Health Conference, where she highlighted the resilience of our community and the proactive spirit that drives us to create opportunities and collaborate in the face of adversity.

Proudly calling Gympie her home, Fran remains committed to ensuring that our community has access to the best possible opportunities for growth and well-being.