General News
14 March, 2026
Future change makers
THE Cairns Chamber of Commerce announced its 2026 Emerging Leaders Program at a civic morning tea last Saturday.
Chamber CEO Patricia O’Neill officially unveiled the 17-strong group which would “mark the beginning of another inspiring journey for the region’s future changemakers”.
Ms O’Neill was joined by Cairns’ dignitaries and community leaders, including Mayor Amy Eden and JCU Lecturer in Economics, Diana Castorina.
Together they celebrated the group which represented “a diverse range of industries and perspectives, united by their passion for shaping the future of Cairns”.
Ms O’Neill said the Chamber had been overwhelmed with applications for this year’s program, not only in numbers but in the outstanding calibre.
“The Cairns Chamber of Commerce looks forward to supporting this talented group as they develop their leadership journeys and contribute to the continued growth of the Cairns region,” Ms O’Neill said.
This year’s 2026 Emerging Leaders include: Ali Burke, Alyssa Marino, Amy Schultz, Carla Berrill, Charlotte Ellis, Harry Dagleish, Haydn van Nek, Jessica Hampton, Jorgie Cook, Joshua McLeish, Krystal Pollock, Lachlan Massey, Matthew Pollock, Roisin McCormack, Sandra McKirdy, Shane Poulton, and Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliar.
