In 2019, Patrick Bluett and his wife Christine left Cairns behind to embrace the laid-back lifestyle of Mission Beach, with Patrick stepping into the role of Executive Officer for Cassowary Coast Tourism. After more than 25 years in the tourism industry, he saw an exciting opportunity to help grow one of Queensland’s most beautiful but under-promoted regions.

Thanks to Patrick’s strong industry connections, Cassowary Coast Tourism has seen a notable rise in exposure and recognition over the past five years.

Not long after arriving, Patrick began building his local network—one relaxed conversation at a time on the veranda of the Mission Beach Tavern. It was during one of these casual chats that he was invited to join the MBCA committee, and he’s been an active contributor ever since.

Alongside his MBCA role, Patrick also serves on advisory groups with Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland, and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Economic Leadership Committee.

Evelyn Swarbrick has called Mission Beach home for over 13 years, embracing the region’s beauty and strong community spirit. Before settling in Mission Beach, she lived in Cairns and built a successful 25-year career in the banking industry, working with major institutions such as Suncorp, ANZ, Westpac, and Bendigo Bank.

After transitioning out of banking, Evelyn and her husband opened a Bed and Breakfast in Mission Beach, which they ran for over five years. This venture was a rewarding experience, allowing them to meet and host many wonderful guests while sharing their love for the area.

Now retired, Evelyn is passionate about giving back to the community and does so through her role as Secretary/Treasurer/ Membership Officer of the Mission Beach Community Association. She takes great pride in supporting local initiatives and working alongside fellow committee members to help strengthen and promote the Mission Beach community.

Ron Sirolli has proudly called Mission Beach home since 2002, after relocating from Cairns. He spent 18 years in Wongaling Beach before settling in Mission Beach (North Mission, as the locals call it), where he has built strong connections within the community.

With a deep passion for the marine industry, Ron has spent much of his career working at sea as a skipper/master of various vessels. His extensive experience led him to establish his own business, Boat Licence Training, where he now provides boat and jet ski licence training for locals and visitors alike. Being permanently based in Mission Beach has allowed him to reconnect with the region he loves and contribute to its growth.

Ron is a dedicated community member and serves on several local committees, including the Mission Beach Community Association (MBCA), Mission Beach Boating Association (MBBA), and the Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC), where he works to support and advocate for the marine and broader community.

Wanda Lowe arrived on Dunk Island in 1972, where she met her Irishman, Sean. By 1975, they settled at Garners Beach to create a home and raise their children, Liam and Nancy. With a background in Fashion Design from Prahran College of Technology, Wanda’s creative flair shaped a varied career across hospitality, retail, and design.

From running Little Clams children's clothing to managing popular local restaurants, including Tam O'Shanter Resort, Sean’s Restaurant, Clumps, and Diggers Creek, Wanda has been at the heart of Mission Beach’s food and tourism scene.

In 1990, she turned her focus to interiors, purchasing Northern Interiors, now Mission Beach Interiors, where her design expertise continues today.

A passionate community advocate, Wanda is a Life Member of both the Mission Beach Surf Life Saving Club and Mission Arts, and has been recognised with local awards for her contribution to business and community. Not to mention swimming from Dunk Island to Mission Beach to raise funds for the Surf Club—just for a bet! A long-time MBCA committee member, Wanda’s love for Mission Beach is as vibrant as ever.

Lynn Jahnke has proudly called Mission Beach home for over 20 years, bringing with her a wealth of experience in retail management, product development, and entrepreneurship. At just 18, she turned down offers from Oxford and Cambridge to join the prestigious Marks & Spencer graduate program, setting the stage for an impressive career.

After immigrating to Australia in 1975, Lynn became Myer’s national handbag buyer, later co-founding Essential Additions in 1989, a successful direct retail handbag business. Her entrepreneurial spirit then led her to co-found Charley’s Chocolate in 2012, where she promoted both the brand and Mission Beach through chocolate tours, TV, and radio appearances.

Following a major life transition in 2022, Lynn joined the MBCA Committee to advocate for the local community and co-produces the weekly MBCA newsletter with Angela Lohrey.

In her free time Lynn loves playing Petanque, is the Mission Beach Petanque Club Secretary, enjoys reading, movies, music, beach walks and exploring her newfound passion for South America.

Angela Lohrey may be a new face in Mission Beach, but she’s embraced the local lifestyle with open arms! Originally from Tasmania, she moved to Brisbane as a late teen to study Interior Design and has built an exciting career across design, hospitality, social media/marketing, natural health, and business and event management.

One of her career highlights? Collaborating with original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, to establish an Elvis Presley Museum on the Gold Coast—a truly unique experience!

Now, Angela is passionate about giving back to the community. She joined the MBCA Committee to help promote Mission Beach, ensuring locals and tourists alike can enjoy all it has to offer. Along with Lynn Jahnke, she co-produces the weekly MBCA newsletter and is the Social Media Co-ordinator.

When she’s not working, Angela loves road-tripping with her husband, diving into various creative projects, enhancing her online skills, listening to music, reading, and cheering on her AFL team in winter.

Originally from Geelong, Victoria, Bill Mathers moved to Mission Beach in 2019 to enjoy retirement in paradise. His career includes five years in administration at Lysaght’s (BHP) Westernport Hastings and 40 impressive years with Victoria Police, where he spent 18 years in operational policing and 22 years in management, representing the force on community and government committees.

While working, Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Police Studies and Associate Diplomas in Police Studies and Public Sector Management.

Now actively involved in the community, he is a member of the Mission Beach Community Association and Assistant Wine Master for the Mission Beach & Burgundy Club. He also dedicated 20 years to the Lions Club of Geelong and Barwon Youth, serving as Chairman for seven years and earning a Life Fellowship in 2019.

Bill enjoys fishing, bushwalking, travel, food and wine, photography, and sports, having played AFL, cricket, and basketball in his younger years.

With a diverse and exciting career that began in Australian Customs and expanded into wholesale liquor, island guesthouses, and boutique resort management, Brian Kinderman has gained a wealth of experience across different industries. Over the years, he and his wife Lyn visited Mission Beach many times, always knowing it was where they wanted to settle. In 2023 they finally made the move, turning their dream into reality.

Now semi-retired, Brian loves embracing the relaxed coastal lifestyle, enjoying the beach, local community, and catching up with friends. He stays connected to the hospitality industry by taking on relief management roles for hotels and resorts across Mission Beach, Cairns, and Trinity Beach, keeping his passion for hospitality alive.

As a proud member of the Mission Beach Community Association and now serving as a committee member, Brian is thrilled to have the chance to give back to the community and work alongside others to support the growth and prosperity of Mission Beach.