Mentor Ingrid Gorissen
Who I am?I am Ingrid Gorissen, Interior Designer and co-owner of Vivere Homes. I work in residential design and construction, focusing on boutique, high-quality homes and apartments. I thrive on blending client experience, architectural interpretation, and design communication, and I am involved in both the creative and operational side of the business. What I do?I guide clients through custom home and boutique projects, from early ideas to design, selections, documentation, and construction. I focus on understanding family dynamics, lifestyle, and budget to explore design solutions that truly suit each client. I also manage day-to-day operations: coordinating multiple projects, scheduling, and keeping workflows smooth. My goal is to turn our clients ideas and lifestyle wishes into practical, buildable results while keeping communication clear and personal. My strengths?I excel at communication, design creation and/or translation, scope clarity, and expectation management. I simplify complex building and design choices into actionable steps that clients and teams can understand and feel confident about. Quality control, realistic scheduling, and alignment across clients and teams are priorities for me. Industry background?I have years of experience in mid- to high-end residential building and award-winning projects, including custom homes and boutique apartments. At Vivere Homes, we work with a dedicated team of carpenters aligned specifically with our projects, maintaining quality and consistency. My background combines design, construction knowledge, contracts, consultant coordination, team leadership, and marketing communication. Mentorship approach?I would support mentees in a practical, grounded way, bringing structure and clarity while remaining flexible. I would focus on real situations, communication, expectation management, project organisation, and protecting quality without losing momentum. My goal is to help mentees grow in both confidence and skill. Who I work best with?Curious, motivated mentees who are open to feedback, and eager to improve how they communicate, organise, and deliver quality work would benefit most from working with me. A personal note?After migrating from another country, I learned many parts of our business the hard way. Those challenges weren’t easy, but they strengthened me and gave me insights I wish I would have earlier. I am passionate about sharing what I have learned so others can avoid common pitfalls, grow confidently, and lead with clarity. Beyond business, I truly believe the spaces we create shape how people feel and live. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a project come together with integrity, creativity, and a genuine sense of connection—spaces that truly create happiness for the people who live in them.
Mentor Cameron Sonter
Who I amMy name is Cameron. I am a Senior Town Planner at Urban Planet in the Hervey Bay office and a member of the Planning Institute of Australia. I work across residential, commercial, and industrial development projects throughout the region. What I doI provide strategic town planning advice and manage development applications from concept through to approval. My focus is on finding responsive, efficient, and creative planning solutions that help projects move forward with clarity and confidence. I work closely with developers, consultants, and property professionals to navigate planning frameworks and achieve practical outcomes. My strengthsI bring strong knowledge of local government processes, clear communication, and a solutions-focused mindset. I understand how councils assess applications and I help clients anticipate challenges early. I am known for being approachable, responsive, and committed to progressing projects without unnecessary delay. My industry backgroundI grew up in Moreton Bay and moved to the Fraser Coast in 2018 to pursue my career in town planning. I established my career foundations at Fraser Coast Regional Council before transitioning into private practice. Since then, I have worked on a broad range of projects from the Sunshine Coast to Gladstone and beyond, gaining experience across residential subdivisions, commercial developments, and industrial projects. How I support a menteeI support mentees by sharing practical insight into how planning decisions are made and how to approach projects strategically. I help break down the development process into clear stages and explain who does what and when. I encourage proactive thinking, strong stakeholder communication, and a clear understanding of risk and opportunity. Who I work best withI work best with mentees who are interested in development, property, or local government and want to better understand the planning system. Those who are curious, open to feedback, and eager to understand the bigger picture of how projects come together will gain the most from working with me. A personal noteI moved to the Fraser Coast because I saw opportunity in a regional coastal town ready to grow. I value community, long-term planning, and contributing to sustainable development outcomes that benefit the region for years to come.
Mentor Peter Bennet
Who I am?My name is Peter Bennet. I am a Mortgage Broker with Australian Financial Planning Group (AFPG) and a proud Hervey Bay local. I specialise in residential, investment, business, and Self Managed Superfund lending, helping people secure finance to achieve their property ownership and investment goals. What I do?At Praescius, I work with solo buyers, families, business owners, and investors to facilitate lending across residential and commercial finance. I focus on making the lending process clear, structured, and as stress free as possible. I am known for my enthusiastic and open minded approach, and for my strong understanding of the local property market. My strengths?I bring strong listening skills and a calm, practical approach to every situation. I take the time to understand each person’s goals, then map out clear steps to achieve them. I am experienced in interpreting lending policy and legislation and translating it into straightforward advice. I focus on outcomes and long term results. My industry background?I have over 12 years of experience in mortgage and finance broking and hold a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking. I am a previous winner of the Yellow Brick Road Regional Award for Queensland and NT. Before moving into lending, I spent 29 years in the Queensland Police Service, which developed my leadership, resilience, and ability to work with people from all walks of life. How I support a mentee?I support mentees by listening closely to their goals and helping them gain clarity and direction. I share practical insights from both policing and lending, and I help break down compliance and process into manageable steps. I encourage steady progress, accountability, and confidence in decision making. Who I work best with?I work best with mentees who are motivated, open to feedback, and ready to take action. I am well suited to those entering lending, property, or finance who want practical guidance and real world perspective. A personal note?I am a proud father of four and grandfather of five. I value integrity, service, and community. I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle in Hervey Bay and previously volunteered for nine years with the Hervey Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
Mentor David Buckley
Who I am?My name is David Buckley. I am the Managing Partner at Bell Dixon Butler Lawyers, practising in property and commercial law. I came to Hervey Bay in 1975, went through school here and left for Uni in 1988. Wanting to live 2 streets from the beach and be part of the town I loved growing up, I came back in mid 1999 with Eve. From there came marriage, kids, some fantastic property work, stints with various community organisations and a storied 20 year cricketing career. What I do?For property, business and commercial matters I fix problems, get deals done and steward the legal side of projects. I also do career development for lawyers as a side hustle. My strengths?Depth of knowledge in my field. Experience – I’ve been doing this a while. I translate legal jargon into normal english. Thinking outside the prison of a lawyers mind. My industry background?I completed my Bachelor of Laws at The University of Queensland before working in Brisbane CBD firms including Gadens Lawyers and Nicol Robinson Halletts. I cut my teeth on the Devine Cathedral Place project in Fortitude Valley I joined Bell Dixon Butler in 2001, became a Partner in 2008, and have served as Managing Partner since 2009. I have also served on boards and committees including the Urban Development Institute of Australia Fraser Coast branch, Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce, and the Fraser Coast Anglican College Governing Council. How I support a mentee?Talk to me, what is going on/how can I help? From there is a journey we take together. Mentees teach themselves – self learn. My role is to offer tools, perspective, information. When it works well, windows are opened in the mind and I learn more than the Mentee. Who I work best with?Business people and professionals. A personal note?I have an unhealthy interest in the Brisbane Lions, ancient Rome and using the gym to reverse the aging process – and I still think there is a place in the Australian cricket side for someone who bowls right arm nude darts.
Mentor Kim Carter
1. Who you are?Kim Carter is the Principal of Carter Cooper Realty and a leading residential property expert in the Hervey Bay market, with over 24 years of industry experience. 2. What you do?As Principal of Carter Cooper Realty, Kim leads the business while continuing to specialise in residential sales. She balances running a high-performing real estate office with actively listing and selling homes, while also supporting, guiding and developing the agents within her team. She is known for delivering consistent results across all market conditions and for maintaining a strong client-first approach alongside effective team leadership. 3. Your strengths?Kim brings practical, real-world skills to mentoring including: 4. Your industry background?With more than two decades in real estate, Kim has achieved record results throughout the Hervey Bay region. She is ranked #2 in Australia in the 2026 REB Dealmakers ranking, has been RateMyAgent Agent of the Year – Hervey Bay for nine consecutive years and was named 2025 REIQ Residential Salesperson of the Year for Settled Commissions. She has served as REIQ Zone Chair for the Fraser Coast since 2019 and is an Executive Committee Member of the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association, reflecting her leadership within the industry. 5. How you support a mentee?Kim mentors with a practical, honest, and supportive approach. She focuses on building confidence, strong work habits and consistent performance rather than quick wins. Mentees can expect real-world guidance, accountability and strategies they can apply immediately in their business. 6. Who you work best with?Kim works best with driven, coachable individuals who are committed to improving, open to feedback and willing to put in consistent effort. She particularly enjoys supporting agents who want to build long-term, referral-based businesses rather than chasing short-term results. 7. A personal note?Deeply connected to the Hervey Bay community, Kim values integrity, loyalty, and relationships – both in business and in life.
Mentor Maggie Brennan
Who you are?Maggie Brennan – Hervey Bay Commercial Property Management (HBCPM), with a professional background in auditing. My core expertise is a strong focus on financial and commercial literacy. Alongside my professional role, I’m a group fitness instructor at World Gym teaching two Les Mills programs: Body Pump and Body Combat. I also currently serve as Treasurer of the Fraser Coast Anglican College (FCAC) P&F and Secretary of the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association (FCPIA). What you do?I lead and manage a growing commercial property portfolio across Hervey Bay, working closely with landlords, tenants, solicitors and contractors. I’m known for a hands on, relationship driven approach to property management. I believe it’s important for tenants to genuinely know who their property manager is and to feel supported, heard, and valued. Most days I describe my role as a matchmaker, aligning the right tenant with the right space so businesses and properties can thrive together. I also enjoy actively supporting and promoting the businesses within our managed portfolio, celebrating their growth and contributing to strong, connected commercial communities. Prior to property, I spent over 15 years in public practice auditing and accounting and also owned and operated a hospitality business, giving me a firsthand understanding of business from both sides of the ledger. Your strengths?I place strong value on meaningful conversations and believe there is always something new to learn and share with one another – often through reflection and shared experience. Your industry background?My career spans auditing, accounting, small business ownership, and commercial property management. Key highlights include: This diverse background allows me to deeply understand the pressures faced by business owners, professionals, and families. How you support a mentee?My mentoring approach is practical, honest, and encouraging. I support mentees by sharing real world lessons from my own experiences, not just theory. I aim to be a sounding board, a guide, and a steady support, helping someone build confidence, clarity, and capability as they grow. Who you work best with?I work best with mentees who are navigating a career transition, stepping into leadership, or facing a business challenge. I aim to offer both encouragement and accountability. A personal note?Outside of work, I’m a wife and mum of two, with a deep passion for our community and region. I was born and bred on the Fraser Coast, leaving only briefly to study at QUT in Brisbane before returning to start my career & raise my family. Life experience has shaped my perspective (both professionally and personally) and I value integrity, gratitude, and meaningful connections. I believe success is built through resilience and the support of others along the way.
Mentor Glen Winney
1. Who you are? I’m Glen Winney J.P., Managing Director of Win Group and President of the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association. I specialise in the “end-to-end” property space—planning, delivering and selling projects across the Fraser Coast, with a strong focus on commercial property and development outcomes. 2. What you do? I lead Win Group’s integrated businesses across project marketing, development and construction—working on land estates, apartments, house & land, office and industrial assets, plus subdivision and project delivery. I’ve been based in Hervey Bay for over four decades and have built a career spanning carpentry, construction, real estate, project management and investment. 3. Your strengths? My strengths are project management, time management and problem solving—keeping teams focused on what matters, hitting timeframes, controlling budgets, and removing bottlenecks before they become expensive. As Managing Director, I’m hands-on with delivery, but I also stay 12–24 months ahead strategically, so the business is positioned for what’s coming next. 4. Your industry background? My career started as a carpentry apprentice (qualified Carpenter & Joiner), before moving through insurance/financial planning, then into real estate and development. I’ve led and owned multiple property and construction ventures, including senior roles and long-term ownership of building and property businesses—along with leadership roles in the regional industry. Qualifications-wise, I’m a licensed builder (low rise / medium rise / site supervisor) and licensed real estate agent, hold a Diploma in Project Management and Diploma in Company Directorship, and I’m a Justice of the Peace (Qualified). Across the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive a range of industry recognition—including multiple Queensland Master Builders Association awards and real estate awards, and recognition for business performance. 5. How you support a mentee? My approach starts with “begin with the end in mind.” I want to understand what the mentee is aiming for—career direction, goals, timelines, and what success looks like for them. From there, I help map a practical path: priorities, capability gaps, decision-making frameworks, and steps that build momentum. Sometimes the best value I can add is helping someone avoid the mistakes I made—saving them time, money, and years of frustration. 6. Who you work best with? I work best with mentees who are self-starters—curious, coachable, hungry to learn, and willing to do the work. I’m not the right fit for anyone looking for shortcuts. Sustainable success is built on consistency, capability and reputation. 7. A personal note? I’m passionate about the future of Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast. I care about creating a stronger region for the next generation, and I live by a few simple values: your word is your bond, play the long game, and never take a shortcut that damages trust or reputation. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, travel, history, jet-skiing, and good food and wine.