Whitsunday Business Conference

With 30 years’ (and counting) award-winning TV, radio, print and online experience, and simultaneously 15 years of founding and managing a successful media/comms agency I am looking to offer benefit to the Chamber and the region.

Our organisation (Cozalive Media) has created, built, and managed everything from local bespoke PR campaigns to multi-million dollar national media moments delivering millions of dollars in media value. We work with stakeholders to create strategy and then execute as required, nimble, flexible, adaptable and with connectivity, cohesion, cut-through, and contacts!

My own experience is both off-air and on-air and includes covering five Olympic Games and four Commonwealth Games, World Cups, TDF’s, AFL, NRL and I still present and work media for the Australian F1 Grand Prix Corporation and the Australian Open Tennis, two huge global events.

Our media and presentation training is highly sought after by multi-national companies, sports organisations, government sector, corporates and individuals, NFP’s and many more.

As an ‘almost local’ of Airlie Beach I have the passion for the region, the lived experience and knowledge and the ability to educate Chamber members and enhance the general business media output in the area, increasing the overall Whitsundays profile – ‘A rising tide floats all boats’

Rachel Hay is an Associate Professor of Marketing at James Cook University and an experienced academic leader working at the intersection of business strategy, digital transformation, and behaviour change.

Her work spans research, executive education, and industry engagement, with a strong focus on how organisations adopt technology to improve decision making, productivity, and workforce sustainability, particularly in regional and small to medium business contexts.

Naomi Porter, a PhD@Work candidate at James Cook University and founder of Spread the Word Marketing.

With over 30 years of marketing experience across international, national and regional markets, Naomi is researching and working with regional SMEs on how to use AI without losing the human insight, customer focus and strategic thinking that deliver real marketing results.

Mick Spencer is an Australian entrepreneur, investor and Executive Chairman of Blue Sky Drinks Co., where he leads the growth of a portfolio of premium beverage brands and long-term strategic ventures.

As co-founder of Gravity Drinks Co., Mick has built and scaled nationally recognised brands by identifying emerging consumer trends and executing with speed and clarity. His experience spans brand building, distribution, capital strategy and leading high-performance teams through rapid growth.

Mick is currently spearheading the Australian Agave Project in the Whitsundays — an ambitious agritourism and distillation venture transforming a 374-hectare property into a fully integrated farm, distillery and destination experience, while establishing a new Australian spirits category.

His approach is grounded, commercial and execution-focused — offering real-world lessons for founders, operators and regional business leaders looking to grow and differentiate.

Damien Dederer is Abbot Point Operations’ General Manager, responsible for the safe management and export performance of Queensland’s most northern coal port.

Damien’s career has spanned roles in education, power generation, manufacturing, mining, rail, and port operations across Queensland.

He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Masters of Accounting from Central Queensland University and a Bachelor of Teaching from the Queensland University of Technology.

Damien is focused on continuing Abbot Point Operations’ legacy of safe and responsible operations, with a strong emphasis on delivering for the Terminal’s leaseholders, customers and the local community. He is proud to lead a capable and committed workforce and sees leadership as working alongside his team to uphold high standards and consistent performance across the operation.

Damien grew up in Monto where he met his wife, Tanya. Together they have two daughters and a son. Damien spends his spare time working on his golf handicap on the Whitsunday’s stunning golf courses.

Michele Tocci is an international speaker, facilitator and business educator who helps leaders strengthen performance, retention and culture through practical, evidence-based communication.

With over 20 years’ experience across small business, corporate, government and vocational education settings, Michele brings a rare combination of commercial insight and behavioural science to her work.

As founder of Michele Tocci Training and a former Business and Management leader at Chisholm Institute, Michele has led teams, designed capability programs and coached managers operating under real commercial pressure. She has delivered leadership and management programs through the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, working with leaders across manufacturing, construction, professional services and frontline customer environments.

Michele’s work draws on neuroscience, emotional intelligence and communication science to help leaders respond effectively in the moments that matter most.

Her session, focuses on how everyday conversations shape trust, motivation and retention. Participants gain practical tools to reduce defensiveness, give feedback that drives performance, build connection under pressure and create psychologically safe workplaces where people feel valued and committed to staying.

Michele is known for being engaging, relatable and rigorously practical, delivering tools leaders can apply immediately to improve conversations, culture and results.

Gus is a chartered accountant, small business owner, business advisor, consultant and Chief Financial Officer.

He holds a degree in Commerce and Economics. His financial expertise and strong business acumen have gained him experience in a wide range of business, investment and management settings both in Australia and the UK.

Gus’ accounting, financing and legal background along with his strong leadership, strategic and analytical skills have seen him work with businesses, organisations and corporations of all sizes Industry experience within finance, tourism, property development, waste management, agriculture, education and technology.

With strengths in problem solving and finding creative, innovative business solutions, Gus has been directly involved in starting, developing, acquiring and investing in multiple businesses.

I’m Tolita Dukes, founder of 8 Seconds — and I work with business owners who are brilliant at what they do, but completely over trying to keep up with marketing.

Based in the Whitsundays, I’ve spent 26+ years across tourism, hospitality, and regional business, so I understand the realities — small teams, big expectations, and not enough hours in the day.

My approach blends practical marketing strategy with smart use of AI — not the hype, but the kind that genuinely saves time, reduces mental load, and helps businesses stay visible without burning out.

I’m also the creator of Customer Service Hero, because I believe the best marketing doesn’t start online — it starts with the experience you deliver every single day.

What I bring to the stage is real-world insight, relatable examples, and strategies that are simple enough to implement, but powerful enough to shift how businesses show up and grow.

No fluff. No overwhelm. Just clarity, confidence, and clever ways to make marketing finally feel manageable.

Melissa holds a degree in Marketing and founded, built, and sold VENYU a Specialist Venue Management and Events company in South Australia.

She’s received numerous Innovation awards for her business acumen and has managed high-profile events here in the Whitsundays, Sydney, South Australia, Western Australia and Dubai.

She has also held a senior position within Local Government as an Economic Growth Business Development Officer where she directly advised local businesses on strategies for growth, improvements, and further market exploration.

Melissa and her husband Daniel are now the owners of The Creek Whitsundays.