Martin’s mantras are “there is no such word as can’t” and “don’t ask your staff to do something you wouldn’t do yourself”.

Martin’s qualifications include Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and ISO 9001 Auditor. Martin is a Duntroon Graduate and served the Australian Army for 9 years specialising in logistics. Martin’s private sector appointments have been in manufacturing, security printing for the finance sector, warehousing and distribution and as a Funeral Director and Celebrant.

Martin’s parents moved to Gympie in the late 1980’s and he has travelled annually to the region.  Martin moved to Gympie in 2015 with his wife commencing work at Gympie Funerals.

Martin’s voluntary work in Gympie began in 2017.  Martin was appointed Treasurer of the RSL Club in 2018 and the President of the RSL Sub Branch in 2019.  Martin oversaw the amalgamation of the two entities (Club and Sub Branch) in 2019 and the $8 million renovation of the licenced facility in 2020.

Martin is currently employed as the Group Manager of the Gympie RSL and fosters the Mission – Proft for Purpose.

Martin is committed to supporting volunteer organisations in the Gympie Region, advocating on Veteran matters and humbled to represent business interests as part of the Chamber of Commerce Board.

“Good business strength and success in any region translates into improved employment opportunities and a stronger local economy, which benefits everyone”. – Sharlene Makin

Sharlene decided to create a life with her family in Gympie after moving from South Australia some 20 years ago. After creating a list of criteria for their new home, Sharlene and her husband chose Gympie as it ticked all the boxes. Not knowing many people when they made the move, it didn’t take long to ingrain themselves in the community both professionally and personally.

In what she loves about Gympie, Sharlene says you can’t beat the friendly country town atmosphere, while still having sufficient access to all the essential services that make life easier.

In work, Sharlene is the CEO of Roadcraft Driver Education, which has been operating in Gympie since 1980. In more recent times the organisation has experienced a multitude of success and growth, holding the contract to deliver driver training to Queensland Ambulance Service since 2012, and winning the Not-for-Profit Business of the Year in 2024.

Bringing her skillset to the Gympie Chamber of Commerce, Sharlene offers over 35 years’ experience in varying industries as both owner and employee, plus a wealth of experience volunteering for other not-for-profit organisations over her entire adult life.

Sharlene is passionate about bringing a business mindset and growth attitude to the Chamber.

“Business should always be a win-win-win situation where the business owners win, the customers win and the employees win. If you’re unsure whether everyone’s a winner in your business, reverse the situation and ask yourself, ‘Would it still be acceptable?’”

Dan is the Branch Manager of The Gympie Credit Union (GCU), which is member owned & was started in 1968 in Gympie. The GCU joined with Warwick Credit Union in 2018.

Dan has moved from Warwick to Gympie for this role in Jan 2024 after coming up monthly for a year. He convinced his partner of the merits of Gympie and they now have a home and started a life here. His partner is a much needed doctor & is practicing with The Medical Centre of Gympie opposite the Police Station.

Dan has been in finance most of his life with a short term, a number of years ago, as a funeral director which brought a deeper understanding of the needs of people.

Dan is passionate about helping people get to a solution and removing impediments and he sees the Chamber of Commerce as a valuable group in this community and is proud to now be a part of it.

He has worked around much of QLD and has seen many business groups and Chamber of Commerces, and the town of Gympie should be very happy with what he has seen of the calibre of this board over the last 2 years. He aims to continue these good works.