Name: Lisa McDonald
Position: Economic Development Manager
Ph: +61 7 4726 2766
E-mail: lisam@tel.com.au
I started out in Agriculture with a degree and PhD in farming systems. I came to North Queensland to work in the sugar industry and completed a range of projects focusing on improving efficiencies across the sugar value chain.
I became interested in the world outside of agriculture and did an MBA at James Cook University. This ultimately led to an interest in the area of regional economic development. It’s an exciting time to be working in the Economic Development group at Townsville Enterprise, the region is growing rapidly and our economy is very diverse. There are so many opportunities for this region to grow in a sustainable way and Townsville Enterprise is at the forefront of encouraging new developments.
What I like about North Queensland:
Townsville has a great lifestyle; we live in a great part of the world. I like the laid back approach of the people here, we are lucky to be able to combine a dynamic economy with a relaxed lifestyle. I admire the community spirit of the people in Townsville, there are always large crowds involved in public events and the councils have developed some great outdoor spaces for people to meet.
Position: Economic Development Manager
Ph: +61 7 4726 2756
E-mail: ponie@tel.com.au
Originally from South Africa, I qualified with a Master’s degree in Economics and worked as management consultant in business process outsourcing. In 2005, I left Deloitte and migrated with my family to Australia. We opted for a tree-change and I took a contract with State Government located in the country. I applied my skills in Business, Industry and Regional Development before accepting my current position as economic development manager with TEL. As the voice for our region, TEL is strategically positioned to leverage and advocate for key economic infrastructure and development projects. I look forward to applying my skills and best available knowledge, working with TEL to leverage the best possible economic outcomes for our region.
I love water-sport and the great outdoors. My tribe and I have lots to explore and look forward to every waking day. Traffic at the worst of times are a breeze, people are friendly and still make time to enjoy life and each other’s company in the tropics. Townsville have and are developing world class outdoor spaces, making it a fantastic community to live in. I feel very fortunate to share in the Northern Queensland way of life where our future is bright.
Graduating from James Cook University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts in Communication, I obtained my first marketing role in 2004 with a leading worldwide environmental company, marketing environmental instrumentation and services to Australia and South-East Asia. My passion lies in creating strategic marketing approaches that produce tangible results.
What I like about North Queensland:
The fact that I don't have to commute 2 hours each day for work! Great people, great friends and a fantastic lifestyle.
Position: Business Development Executive
Background:
I graduated from Griffith University in 2008 with a Bachelor of International Business majoring in International Business and Asian Studies. I was successful in a Graduate position within the Queensland Government in 2009 in which I worked in the Department’s investment attraction and regional development units and finally in their Townsville office looking after the small businesses of North Queensland. I am passionate about small-medium businesses and the growth that they can achieve. I have also worked in other Government Departments and in the private sector where I developed my passion for client/customer relationships. I find working with a range of businesses across industries interesting and rewarding.What I like about North Queensland:
North Queensland provides me with the lifestyle I dream about. I love the small commute to work, the weather and the atmosphere. I like that North Queensland provides great opportunities to explore what I believe is the most wonderful part of Queensland. The weather here allows you to live an active and enjoyable lifestyle all year round. The community here is wonderful, it is wonderful to see how everyone gets involved and there are so many opportunities to explore new activities and events. North Queensland to me provides everything you could want without the big city lifestyle!