Shonia Poole
Chairperson
Bell Partners
Shonia is the Supervisor – Business Advisory with Bell Partners Tamworth. She is a proud Tamworth local returning from working in practice in Newcastle in late 2020.
Shonia is an experienced accounting professional, working in Audit for 2 ½ years, for internationally renowned mid-tier firms, before making the transition to advisory in July 2021. She has vast experience working with local not-for-profit organisations, agribusiness, research, and education, but particuarly enjoys working in the entrepreneurial services space.
She holds a Bachelor of Business (Professional Accounting) from the University of New England, and a Provisional Membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Outside of work, Shonia is often seen with a book in each hand, conjunctively continuing her studies as a final year Bachelor of Laws student (UNE) alongside the Graduate Certificate in Fraud and Financial Crime program through the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (CSU).
Shonia is passionate about living and working in the Tamworth community and holds interest in regional economic development particularly in the development of educational infrastructure in the area alongside networking and personal growth opportunities for young professionals.
Sophie Wood
Committee Member
C7EVEN Communications
Sophie grew up on a sheep and cattle property in Armidale where she completed a Bachelor of Business with majors in Marketing and Agribusiness at the University of New England.
Moving to Tamworth in early 2018, Sophie started her professional career working for a private agricultural company in shipping and logistics. In October 2019, she changed careers and started working in the Communications team at Tamworth Regional Council. Sophie has recently moved back into private enterprise, starting an Account Manager role with C7EVEN Communications where she primarily works with Agribusiness clients.
Having grown up on a property and in a regional city Sophie has a great appreciation for agriculture and the overarching effect that it has on a city like Tamworth. She is involved in various community organisations and is particularly passionate about Agricultural Shows and promoting regional and rural Australia.
Adrian Hartanto
Committee Member
ANZ Bank
Adrian is a Business Banking Manager for ANZ. Adrian was born in Indonesia, grew up in Sydney & moved to Tamworth in 2020 to shift his career from home loans to commercial banking.
Adrian’s dream is to start his own business. Through this passion, he acknowledges the financial & emotional commitment that entrepreneurs give to their ventures. In his current role, he has developed an interest in being a part of a business’ exciting journey, from supporting them through their growth periods & celebrating the milestones.
When Adrian moved to Tamworth, he was enthralled by Tamworth’s wholehearted community & wants to contribute his skillset towards Tamworth’s economic development.
Outside of work, Adrian is buried in books to complete his final year in an Economics Degree at The University of Sydney and working towards his Master’s in Business Administration. To wind down, Adrian loves to hike & explore new locations. Like many young Australians, Adrian is also constantly scouring the property market to find the right first house!
Michael Buckley
Committee Member
Tamworth Jockey Club
Michael grew up in the Adelaide Hills in the picturesque town of Hahndorf. Michael has always been community minded and spent his younger years playing, coaching and umpiring junior sport.
Upon finishing school, Michael began his working life as a Surveyor and seemed destined for a career in that field, however, he decided to make the move to follow his passion for Horse Racing. Michael moved to Geelong and spent a year at the renowned Horse Stud ‘Makybe’. He then moved back to Adelaide where he worked for leading Trainers David Jolly and Tony McEvoy before trying his hand at training racehorses in his own right.
Michael moved to Newcastle in November 2016 where he took on the position of Industry Liaison and Racing Manager for the Newcastle Jockey Club. While in Newcastle, Michael oversaw a variety of Club projects and worked hard at cultivating working relationships within the community.
In May 2021 Michael accepted the challenge of moving to Tamworth and taking over the ‘reins’ as General Manager of the Tamworth Jockey Club. In his spare time, Michael enjoys playing AFL for the Tamworth Kangaroos and holds a position on their committee. Michael is passionate about fostering links between community and business and appreciates the differing opinions and conversations that result.
Brad Moffett
Committee Member
Tamworth Regional Council - Marketing & Communications
I grew up in Tamworth and moved away to Newcastle for Uni where I originally studied to become a primary school teacher. After a couple of years I realised it wasn’t for me and I ended up switching to study Business at the University of New England. In 2015 I graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and landed my first marketing position with Challenge Community Services. Since then I have worked for Joblink Plus Ltd as Communications Partner in Tamworth before moving to Manchester, England for a 12 month stint working in a B2B Marketing role for a clothing manufacturer. In the UK I got to as many football matches as possible and although I was living in Manchester, I follow Arsenal who are based in north London. When I returned to Australia I lived in Newcastle for almost 2 years whilst working as a Communications Officer for a Labour Union, the SDA. In 2020 I moved back to Tamworth to be with my partner Amanda and was lucky enough to start in the Marketing and Communications team at Tamworth Regional Council in November 2020. The role is very diverse and I thoroughly enjoy it.
I’m excited to be joining the Junior Business Chamber because I have been involved whenever I could in the past and believe it is very useful and valuable way to engage with other young professionals.
Tim Hardy
Committee Member
McLardy McShane - Director
“Tim is the director/branch manager at McLardy McShane Insurance Brokers. Tim has extensive experience in the insurance industry, having spent time in England before moving to Canberra to expand his professional career. Tim has a strong passion to attract and retain professionals across all sectors to the Tamworth region and believes the region is untapped and full of potential.
Outside of work, Tim is a passionate Mental Health Advocate being involved with many start up charities and sitting on many boards to help grow their status and raise vital funds for research. Tim also enjoys playing hockey with his childhood club, Kiwis Hockey Club, and is looking forward to giving back to the community.”
Jenna Rice
Committee Member
Roberts and Morrow
Jenna grew up in Muswellbrook and made the move to Tamworth after completing a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources) from the University of New England in 2012. One career change later, she has found her passion in public accounting, and is now a Supervisor at Roberts & Morrow Chartered Accountants, holds a Masters of Professional Accounting and is a Provisional Member of CA ANZ with one exam before full membership.
Jenna loves all things crafts, and can often be found with arms full of crafting materials in Spotlight, trying to learn a new skill, or cosied up at home with a book. She is passionate about encouraging young people to pursue their dreams, even if they might not know what they are just yet. She believes strongly in the opportunities of the Tamworth region and is looking forward to the future of our region.
Luke Fielding
Committee Member
Williamsburg & The Press 2340
Luke Fielding is the owner and operating director of Williamsburg (Burger Bar) and The Press 2340 (basement bar). Luke has an extensive history and family background in business ownership and operations and has a strong passion in the hospitality industry to create employment and opportunities for our local community. Luke places a strong focus on staff development, brand awareness, product uniqueness, professionalism, and consistency through his businesses.
Luke is a strong advocate for local businesses, growth, and supporting one and other through the tough times and celebrating with them through their own prosperous times. He is community minded and will always strive for improvement to bring Tamworth the absolute best in his respected field of business. Luke is a big believer in Tamworth’s economic and growth potential, he has invested in this town as a proud business owner and is excited for its future. Luke looks forward to bringing is own experiences to the JBC, and working alongside with its board and members in 2020.
Oliver Smith
Committee Member
McCulloch Agencies
Oliver Smith is a career driven Real Estate Agent at McCulloch Agencies, with an unwavering drive and passion for people. Oliver has strong community connections, and solid local insight having grown up in the region. Oliver thrives in the Tamworth community, supporting small business and enjoys connecting people with property.
Libby Campbell
Secretary
Everingham Solomons
Libby was born and educated in Tamworth. She completed her tertiary studies at the University of New England and the College of Law in Sydney.
Libby was admitted as a solicitor in 2017 and commenced working with Everingham Solomons in the same year. She works predominantly in workers compensation, employment law and commercial litigation. Libby is currently studying a Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Business Law.
Libby and her fiancé also run a small cattle enterprise in the New England area. Libby enjoys playing Oztag and Netball locally. Libby is excited to promote new business and ideas in the Tamworth region. Libby is the Secretary for the Junior Chamber for 2020.
