General Board

CBWC President – Kylie Gabutto

Kylie Gabutto is the President of the CBWC and the Regional Account Manager – North and Far North Queensland for Sebel Furniture. Kylie is the proud mum of amazing twin daughters, both of whom have now started their own rewarding careers.

Kylie's professional experience has spanned all levels of business, in both hands on and strategic roles, predominately in the area of Project and Tender Management and Business Development, across a variety of industries including, manufacturing, recruitment, the beauty industry, insurance, and the public sector. Her ability to relate to people from all walks of life has been invaluable in the management and development of strong teams and successful projects.

Originally from Sydney, Kylie has lived in Regional Australia for the last 16 years, moving to Cairns with her family in 2004. Developing and managing her career outside of a major capital city, in a number of regional locations, has given her a first-hand understanding of the challenges and benefits of living and working in regional areas. Kylie is able to build robust networks and business relationships, and appreciates how important this is this, particularly in regional Australia. It is Kylie's diverse career and experience, her attention to detail and love of people that has facilitated her success.

Kylie joined the Executive Board for the Cairns Business Womens Club in 2009 in the role of Secretary. This involvement has provided her with the understanding, experience and background to lead the Club into the future. She demonstrates a passion for the success of people and our region. Kylie will be the first to tell you that she has only just begun. Her philosophy is that by stepping outside of your comfort zone, being always willing to learn, maintaining a sense of humour and giving everything 110%, success in whatever form, is inevitable.

CBWC Vice President – Trudy Di Cola

Trudy Di Cola has been in sales and sales management for over 20 years, all over Australia. Her experience is with all facets of sales, ie retail sales, direct sales and merchandising, pharmaceutical sales, indirect sales, telephone sales, even selling by video-conferencing! Her expertise is with commission-only sales and it was her success in Cairns, Townsville and Far North Queensland (FNQ) that saw her become a State and then National Sales Manager.

Trudy Di Cola is an accredited facilitator of 'DiSC' Behavioural Profiling and the 'Action Selling' process. She holds a Bachelor of Science (with Honours) degree from the University of Western Australia, an Advanced Certificate in Business (Management) in Selling Skills and is also nationally accredited with Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. Trudy has utilized her skills and experience to operate "Zanzoo Sales Solutions" where she imparts her skills to businesses and sales people with sales-training workshops. She also works with other businesses in a sales management capacity.

Trudy is responsible for assisting companies and businesses with gaining promotion and exposure to the members of the CBWC through sponsorship. She also looks after any sales which generate an income for the CBWC, such as with advertising.

CBWC Treasurer – Georgina Watling

Georgina works as a bookkeeper and conveyance clerk for 'Calculating Women". This is a new role for Georgina, who has worked in a extensive range of administration roles for over 10 years.

Georgina grew up in Brisbane and was 'passing through' 20 years ago. With a keen interest in sustainable living and having young children, the Atherton Tablelands was the place to call home. Georgina brought up her children with an abundance of fresh flowers, home grown vegies, home cooking, homemade clothes and recycled furniture. In addition Georgina involved herself with various community groups including Atherton Scouts, Mareeba Air Cadets, Home Schooling network, Alliance Francaise and Tablelands Genethics Network.

Georginas strength is her ability to empathise with other s, and constantly being a team player. Her role at Calculating Women sees her solving business problems everyday while working with an exceptional team. Joining the CBWC is a natural extension of her team and community values at work.

CBWC Board Member - Julie Simon-Abbott

Julie Simon-Abbott is the Executive Director of Calculating Women – BAS and Bookkeeping Services and the Edge Hill Group. Her experience is in accounting, marketing and business advisory services. Julie has lived, worked and travelled extensively on an international basis as a consultant and executive. Julie moved back to Australia with her family four years ago and has embraced the fabulous lifestyle that the Far North has to offer.

Julie Simon-Abbott is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants and the Australian Psychological Society. She holds a number of business and psychology degrees including an MBA. Her passion is to bring financial savvy and streamlined organisational processes to small and medium sized business to allow businesses and their owners to realise their full potential.

As the Treasurer, Julie is responsible for overseeing the finances of the CBWC. "I am looking forward to an exciting year with the vibrant and dynamic group of women that make up the CBWC Board".

CBWC Board Member - Lauren Hull

Lauren Hull is an Account Manager at Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Ltd - JLT. She has been an Insurance Broker with JLT since 2003, working with a diverse range of businesses and now is a Team Leader within the Cairns Branch. Lauren has had over 14 years insurance experience which has also seen her working for Insurers and Loss Adjusters in Townsville.

Lauren is a Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker and holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking) whilst continuing to gain further higher educational studies.

Originally from Townsville, Lauren moved to Cairns 9 years ago to start a family with her husband. She now has three wonderful children and calls Cairns her home now.

She is excited about being a member of the CBWC and the opportunities and experiences it provides.

CBWC Board Member - David Smith

David Smith is a banking and finance professional with a wealth of experience as a volunteer across varying board positions. He is the Area Manager for Queensland Country Credit Union.

David has held a variety of roles in the banking and finance sector, in both Victoria and Far North Queensland. He enjoyed a long career with Westpac in positions that included, Relationship Management, Branch Management, Business Banking and Regional Management. He then moved into an exciting and rewarding role as the Business Development Manager for the Banksia Financial Group in Victoria, a role that he enjoyed for 7 years. It was then that David decided to take on the challenge of Finance Broking before making a sea change from Victoria in 2008. His most recent role and one that provides the challenges and rewards that is essential to David's job satisfaction, is that of Area Manager with Queensland Country Credit Union in Cairns.

As an avid supporter of Community based organisations, David has excellent experience as a volunteer and board member. David has been the Chairman, Finance Director and Board Member of Ballarat Football League and Ballarat Football League Social Club, an organisation that he worked with for 8 years. He was the President and a general Board Member for United Way Ballarat Community Fund, for an impressive 7 years, and spent 8 years as a Board Member for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. Whilst this is not a conclusive list of the organisations that David has worked with, it indicates his enthusiasm for supporting his local community and passing on his professional experience in a constructive and valuable way.

CBWC Marketing & Communications Manager – Krystal King

Krystal King is the Operations Manager for I Want That Course. I Want That Course supply an extensive range of training courses from online to classroom; to all industries and for the best prices to suit the training needs of our clients. We provide training to businesses & individuals throughout Australia, including short courses, full qualifications & government funded options. So we are your one stop training shop for all your training needs. Her working background has been in Sales and Marketing for the past five years in the vocational education sector and she thoroughly enjoys assisting people in their professional development needs.

Krystal brings to the board valuable skills in Marketing and Communications through the website, e-communication and print. She is responsible for dissemination of information to the CBWC members through PR and promotions to ensure effective communication is made on a regular basis to continue the development of strong relationships within the CBWC membership.

Krystal has a high level of optimism believing the CBWC board and its members can do anything!

CBWC Events Logistics Manager - Maddy Ellis

Maddy Ellis is the Marketing Manager at Cazalys Cairns, where she has worked since moving from Townsville to Cairns in July 2009. After completing a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Design in 2003, Maddy fell in love with the Hospitality Industry and stayed on in Townsville working within the realms of Event Management, Hotel Management, Nightclub Management , Restaurant Management and Marketing roles.

Before leaving Townsville, Maddy worked within a project management company for 2 years, utilising her skills as a Graphic Designer, drafting for environmental measures like Soil Erosion & Sediment Control and Storm Water Quality Management. Within this field of work, she also gained her Accreditation for level 3 in Traffic Management, which definitely helps now in the Management of large events.

Since moving to Cairns Maddy has embraced Cairns living and is passionate about promoting the region. She is excited about being a member of the CBWC and the opportunities and experiences it provides.

CBWC Membership Coordinator - Jodie Sherman

Jodie Sherman has worked in sales for her whole career; she began with Austar as a telephone sales representative in the National call centre based on the Gold Coast. Her success & enjoyment with solution based selling gave her the ambition to move up into face to face sales, still with Austar she moved into a business to business sales role mainly dealing with small to medium sized businesses internet connect-ability, web & email hosting.

After 4 years with Austar United an opportunity came up with Sensis Yellow Pages as a face to face advertising consultant, she worked throughout different departments learning all aspects of advertising specialising in print & online media solutions. The advantages of working within such a large organisation gave Jodie exposure to some of the world's best sales presenters & other motivational speakers that have shaped history. She has completed her certificate 4 in business management & won numerous sales awards. After meeting her partner Michael 4 years ago at Yellow Pages they decided to head north for a fresh start. Jodie transferred with Yellow Pages and Michael opened Discount Frameless Glass which was welcomed by the Cairns market & after 6 years with Sensis Jodie made the decision to join Michael in their glass importing business.

Jodie became Director of DFG in May after Michael's sudden passing & will continue to grow the business with Michael's brother who has just joined the company; they will be expanding into the Townsville market opening a 2nd office in the next few months. Jodie is excited & looks forward to joining the CBWC this year moving into a Sales role specialising in bringing more businesses together as sponsors for the ever expanding Cairns Business Women's Club.

CBWC Board Member – Andrea Jackson

Andrea Jackson has served on the Board for 4 years and was President for in 2009 and 2010.

Andrea moved to Cairns from Brisbane 15 years ago. She only planned a 2 year stay but all these years later she still has no desire to leave Cairns. Andrea has many passions in her life which have evolved from a diverse career including leadership roles in early childhood teaching, regional economic development, marketing, operating small businesses and residential development.

Andrea enjoys working with the dynamic businesswomen on the CBWC Board and the CBWC members to be part of creating a business community that is inspirational, collaborative, sustainable and generating success.

CBWC Board Member – Rima Ismael-Jones

Rima's passions are marketing, collaboration and community engagement, and embracing diversity in all its forms. She has inspired success in others through engaging diverse communities to embrace the value and excitement of education, and deconstructing the formal perception of Universities to bring them closer to the community. This has been a recipe for success, and led to Rima's current role in overseeing the operations of the Marketing & Engagement Department of James Cook University, where she is responsible for keeping the wheels of the directorate turning. Equipped with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Communication Studies and Master of Learning and Development, event coordination and project management were the foundations to Rima's career.

In Singapore, Rima became recognised as an exceptional events manager, planning and coordinating events and services for the business and professional community, as well as working on projects for clients which included foreign ambassadors, diplomats, and government officials.

Looking ahead, Rima is excited about bringing her unique talents and outlook to the CBWC and contributing to the vision of a business community that is inspirational, collaborative, sustainable, and Generates Success. She coordinates the Club Connections events and She'd love to hear your ideas on how the Club can assist your business/organisation and be part of the process to turn those ideas into reality. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself to Rima at the next event – you'll very quickly see the excitement, charm and enthusiasm she injects into any project.

CBWC Board Member – Joanne Wellington

Joanne Wellington relocated to Cairns in 2003 and quickly settled into this beautiful city. Professionally Jo has had a long and successful career in Human Resources and is proud of her role as the Human Resource and Compliance Manager for Brothers Leagues Club and Fuller Sports Club. This is a challenging role, with no two days ever being the same. Despite the challenges, she enjoys the rewards and satisfaction gained from working within a community based organisation that gives back so much to the Cairns Community.

When Joanne first arrived in cairns she accepted the role of Branch Manager for IPA Personnel. The nature of this work, made certain that Joanne quickly became familiar with the region and local business. The strong alliances she was able to establish in both the public and private sector has been invaluable in her career development in the Cairns region.

Originally from Adelaide Joanne’s real passion is for people, she commenced her HR career with a large national organisation with 600 staff. Amdel was also where Joanne met and worked with her first professional mentor, a person she credits for a lot of her professional successes since.

Joanne is passionate about her role and the industry she works in, and believes that the difference Brothers makes to the community is immeasurable. She is equally excited about her role on the Board. As a finalist in 2011’s Manager in Business category, and the positive experience that this was for her and all of the finalists, she sees this as yet another way to give back to the community that she now happily calls home.