Greater Springfield Business Connect

In this episode of the GSBC Podcast, Matt sits down with Steve Foulis from MoneyQuest to unpack what a mortgage broker actually does and why it often makes a whole lot more sense than walking straight into a bank. Steve breaks down the broker advantage in plain language: access to 30-plus lenders, a legal obligation to act in the client's best interests, and the ability to match borrowers to the r...

In this episode of the GSBC Podcast, Matt sits down with Megan Alpe the founder of Her Alliance, a women's counselling practice, and the Packed with Care Foundation, a registered charity supporting women and children in the community. Megan shares the deeply personal motivations behind both organisations, from her frustration with a health system that treats women as a collection of symptoms rathe...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt sits down with Luke Frederick from Quest Springfield Central, for a return visit following their award-winning hospitality recognition late last year. Luke pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to run a successful serviced apartment hotel in a rapidly growing region. From building a team culture that flows through...

In this episode, we’re joined by Emma Atherton, founder of Liberty Women’s Wellness, Greater Springfield’s first dedicated women’s health and wellness clinic. Emma shares the deeply personal journey behind launching Liberty — from early menopause and postpartum struggles to recognising the massive gap in holistic care for women in the region. We explore how Liberty’s multi-disciplinary model, invo...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, we sit down with Paul Ronis of Periscope Management Consultants, a seasoned strategist who has worked with global companies, government bodies, and local enterprises alike. Paul shares how lessons from high-level boardrooms can translate into practical, people-first strategies for small businesses in Springfield and Ipswich. From...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, we sit down with Tom O’Neil from TAE Aerospace to explore how this advanced manufacturer is driving real workforce growth right here in Ipswich. From investing in apprenticeships and training pathways to maintaining an immaculate, high-standard facility, TAE is setting the benchmark for what local, future-focused employment can l...

In this episode of the GSBC podcast, we sit down with the founder of Kickstart Your Wellness, Marcia Davidson. Marcia opens up about the personal inspiration behind her business and why creating long-term, sustainable change matters more than chasing quick fixes. She reflects on what wellness means to her and how she helps people reconnect with their health goals through simple, tailored support....

In this episode of the GSBC podcast, we sit down with Wendy Jimenez, founder of Wendy Super Accounting, to talk all things clarity, compliance, and confidence when it comes to managing your finances. Wendy shares her journey from number-lover to small business champion, and why her approach to accounting is anything but boring. From breaking down superannuation myths to the power of financial lite...

In the final episode of our special GSBC Awards Series, we chat with Tony Gilbertson, owner of The Little Guy Pest Control and winner of the 2025 Real Estate & Property Maintenance Award. Tony shares his journey from getting into pest control to building a trusted local business rooted in reliability, personal service, and community values. We dive into the story behind the “Little Guy” name,...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington welcomes Luke Frederick from Quest Springfield Central, the proud recipient of the 2025 Hospitality Award at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Luke shares his journey into the hospitality industry and what makes the Springfield Central location such a standout destination for both business travellers and f...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington chats with Martin von Stein, founder of BizGuard, the 2025 recipient of the Media & IT Award at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Martin shares his journey from a passion for technology to building one of Springfield’s most trusted names in cybersecurity. With a clear mission to protect small and mediu...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, host Matt Taylor-Farrington speaks with Mark Owens from Western Spirit Football Club, proud recipient of the 2025 Lifestyle Award at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Mark shares his personal journey with the club, how Western Spirit became a cornerstone of the Springfield community, and why sport is so much more than just compe...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington is joined by Bec Evans, Deputy Principal at Springfield Central State High School, which was recognised with the 2025 Education & Training Award at this year’s Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Bec shares her personal journey into education, from early inspiration to leadership in one of the region’s most...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington chats with Charlene Rapa, owner of apaR Hair Studio, who took home the Best Customer Service Award at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for the second year in a row. Charlene shares what it was like to hear her name called again, and what back-to-back recognition says about her team’s unwavering focus on ge...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Katherine Manby, founder of VM Family Law and winner of the 2025 Professional Services Award at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Katherine shares the story behind her decision to specialise in family law, a field that demands compassion, strength, and a deep sense of purpose. We discuss the...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Melissa Wright, founder of Zest Mortgage Solutions, who took home two major awards at the 2025 Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards: the Outstanding Small Business Award and the Financial Services Award. Melissa reflects on what it meant to be recognised not just for Zest’s business growth, but also...

We’re kicking off the 2025 GSBC Awards Series with a double win! This week, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Jo Steel, founder of Farfalla Interiors & Events, who walked away with both the Members’ Choice Award and the prestigious President’s Award at this year’s Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Jo shares her emotional reaction to hearing her name called twice in o...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington chats with Neil Coupland, Principal of First National Real Estate Springfield and one of the original pioneers of the local property market. Neil takes us back to 1999, when he opened the very first real estate office in Greater Springfield, and reflects on the remarkable growth and transformation he’s witn...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Wahied Kannemeyer, founder of Ignite Fitouts, to talk about transforming commercial spaces into environments that are not only functional, but genuinely inspiring. With more than 25 years of experience behind him, Wahied shares what sparked his passion for workplace design and how Ignite has...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with the high-energy, no-nonsense force that is Loz Antonenko from Loz Life. Loz unpacks the motivation behind her boldly titled new book Get the F*** Unstuck, and how she turned years of life challenges, trauma, and hustle into a blueprint for real, lasting transformation. With a background in co...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington welcomes Jomar Nieva from the Philippines-Australia Multicultural Association (PAMA) to discuss one of the region’s most loved events: SpringFest. With SpringFest 2025 set to be the biggest yet featuring traditional dance, live music, food stalls, and a multicultural dance party, Jomar takes us behind the s...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington speaks with Dolores Goodey, founder of Aspirations United, about her remarkable journey from chef and teacher to life and mindset coach. Through programs like Reconnect to Your Goddess Within and Rapid Results, Dolores empowers clients to reclaim their confidence, clarity, and inner strength. Whether you’re...

In this episode of the GSBC Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Jo Steel, founder of Farfalla Interiors and Events, to explore how thoughtful design can transform not just spaces — but experiences. Jo shares her journey from a lifelong love of design to launching a business that blends interior styling with event curation, offering clients a deeply personal and tailored approach. Whethe...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington is joined by Councillor Pye Augustine to explore how the Ipswich City Council is shaping Greater Springfield into a thriving hub for small and micro businesses. Councillor Augustine shares insights into the region’s economic landscape and unpacks the council’s Economic Development Strategy 2023–2027, centre...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matthew Taylor-Farrington speaks with Iain White from White Internet Consulting about the evolving tech landscape and the critical role of digital transformation for small to medium businesses. With deep expertise as a virtual CTO and digital strategist, Iain shares how his consultancy helps businesses streamline operations, impr...