Simon France | President

Simon has 20 years communications, people management and strategy development experience across a range of organisations and areas from science, to sport, to business, to digital transformation, to government.

Simon's business 1722 is delivering strategic support for Business, Corporates, Schools and Not For Profits

• Long term strategy development
• Annual strategy planning facilitation
• Strategic work on "wicked problems"
• Digital transformation - preparation, project management, adoption and ongoing support

In supporting this work Simon is encouraging Business and Executive Retreats to come to town. "Enjoy our beautiful environment, great accomodation and amazing local businesses while you do your strategic planning with local experts."

Simon has had the privilege of being involved in a large range of activities from national events and strategies to local business transformations and he is looking forward to his time on the Chamber Committee to bring some of that experience to support our local business community. 

Jessica Gray | Vice President

Jessica is the Director and Licenced Conveyancer of Smart Coast Conveyancing in Tuncurry. After moving to Forster approximately 10 years ago, her goal was to provide a cost effective and friendly legal service to the local area. She is a driven and motivated business women who is always excited to provide her energy towards a new idea.

Jessica is a passionate person who loves to help others and give back to the community. She loves being a mum to her 3 boys and along with husband Jeremy, enjoys many weekends fishing, playing sport and exploring the beautiful area we live in.

Marcus Hunt | Treasurer

Marcus Hunt is a local business vehicle & equipment finance broker trading as Smyth Financial Mid North Coast NSW. 

Prior to his brokerage role, Marcus’s experience includes over 30 years in business banking (across a handful of banks) and he also holds accounting qualifications.

Marcus’s partner Kylie also works in the brokerage business, and they live on the family beef cattle farm near Taree.

Marcus became FTBC Treasurer at the 2023 AGM to help support the chamber’s efforts in assisting our business members to grow and prosper.

Hector Lucenti

The Visionary Founder of Beach Geek, your local tech experts, boasts a three-decade career in Technology Application and Cyber Security.
 
He has held diverse global tech roles, and as a devoted family man, His interests range from studying behavioural patterns and AI to enjoying virtual reality, road trips, Texas BBQ, and beach walks.

As member of the business community, his desire is to contribute to our local economy and see it flourish, he continues to add value to our committee through innovative ideas, technology enhancements and business networks.

Jemma McDonald | Membership

Jemma is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience managing large teams across the Mid North Coast. A true local, Jemma was born and raised in the area, which instilled in her a deep understanding of the community she serves.

Enthusiastic and motivated, Jemma embarked on a career in Real Estate with a focus on Commercial Property Management. Her exceptional communication skills enable her to foster positive relationships with tenants, owners, and stakeholders. 

She is driven to learn and stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, constantly seeking opportunities to enhance her skills and bring innovative solutions to property management challenges.

In her leisure time, Jemma finds joy spending time with her family, horseback riding, and immersing herself in outdoor activities such as boating and camping.

Pamela South | Communication Team

Pamela opted for a sea/tree change to this region nearly a decade ago and has found that work-life balance on a tranquil 2-acre property.  Initially on her arrival from Sydney, she worked close to 3 years at Great Lakes FM Community Radio, responsible for fundraising events, obtaining sponsorship from local business, and creating scripts and directing voice-overs which were attractive to the audience and promoted growth in sponsor business.  

This role offered a great opportunity for Pamela to get a better understanding of local businesses firsthand and to identify their strengths and weaknesses and offer a platform and insight to enhance their strengths.

Currently, Pamela is part-time Operations Manager for a family-owned Digital Marketing business and volunteers with Great Lakes Women’s Shelter and the Forster Tuncurry Neighbourhood Centre.  

Sales and communication are her strengths, which have taken her to many parts of the world, but the Mid Coast is her sanctuary.

Her passions and downtime lie in the creative and healing space.  She enjoys keeping reasonably active with yoga and pilates, upcycling furniture with chalk painting, meditating, and practising Reiki, and Reflexology.  However, family will always be her priority.

Rachel Bracken | Events

Rachel, a multi-faceted professional, brings a wealth of experience to the local Business Chamber. As a marriage celebrant, funeral director & celebrant, and MC, Rachel's adept at weaving narratives that resonate deeply with her audiences. Her diverse career spans over 20 years in event management, encompassing corporate, sports, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Originally hailing from Sydney, Rachel was captivated by the natural splendor and relaxed lifestyle of Forster, prompting her relocation. Rachel's creativity finds expression not only in her work but also in her love for the ocean, nature, and extensive travels. 

Rachel relishes the opportunity to connect Mid Coast businesses to their community through meaningful events.