The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) is proud to announce that Dr Julia Evans, the Chamber’s dedicated Liaison, has been nominated for the esteemed Citizen of the Year award in the Whitsunday Region’s Australia Day Awards.
Since arriving in the Whitsundays in 2022, Dr Evans has become an architect of growth for regional organisations, revitalising struggling institutions and bridging the gap between business, the arts, and community resilience.
In her three years in the region, Dr Evans has left an enduring mark on the economic and cultural landscape:
- Business Transformation: Dr Evans was instrumental in the strategic rebranding and merger of the Proserpine and Whitsunday Coast Chambers to form the WCCI. Under her guidance, the Chamber defied national trends of declining membership, achieving record year-on-year growth in revenue and relevance.
- Cultural Revitalisation: She successfully revived the Whitsundays Writers Festival in 2024 after a seven-year hiatus, transforming it into a premier national literary event. Dr Evans has recently returned to lead the festival’s next two iterations to ensure its long-term sustainability.
- Community Capacity Building: From helping the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church raise over $250,000 in six weeks to serving on the Board of the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine, Dr Evans’ governance expertise has unlocked vital resources for local groups.
The vast majority of Dr Evans’ contributions to the region are provided on a pro-bono basis, representing hundreds of volunteer hours dedicated to non-profit organisations across the Whitsundays.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Allan Milostic, praised Dr Evans’ contributions and her pivotal role in the organisation’s evolution.
“The Chamber is immensely proud to have Julia on board. The contribution she has made to our organisation is visible in all Chamber activities,”
“Julia didn’t just stabilise the Chamber; she modernised it, expanded its reach, and turned it into a powerhouse for advocacy. Her ability to lead with both strategic vision and genuine heart has fundamentally changed the way we support our business community,” said Mr Milostic.
Reflecting on her nomination, Dr Evans emphasised that community impact is a collective effort driven by shared responsibility and the generous exchange of skills.
“I am honoured to be nominated for this award and wish to thank the other nominees for their contribution to the region. For me, contribution isn’t about titles or recognition; it is a daily choice to bring care and responsibility to the communities we share,”
“I believe communities thrive when we share our skills generously and consistently ask how we can do better — not just for ourselves, but for the future. It is a privilege to work alongside the business owners, artists, and volunteers of the Whitsundays who strive every day to make this region more resilient and capable.” said Dr Evans.
Whether mentoring small business owners or delivering creative writing programs at local libraries, Dr Evans demonstrates purpose-driven leadership, choosing to use her extensive professional expertise to build collective opportunity for the entire Whitsunday community.
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Media Contact
Cait Fleming | 0409 038 480 | admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au
About Dr Julia Evans
Dr Julia Evans is the founder of two specialist consultancies: 852 Press (publishing services) and Corven (board and incorporated association advisory). She is an award winning academic and holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Melbourne (2012), where she conducted a world-first study on ethical issues in small business education.
With over 25 years of experience in workplace training and 15 years in senior executive roles across government policy and advocacy, Dr Evans applies her high-level expertise to regional development. She serves as a Non-Executive Board member for the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine and is a vocal advocate for improved business conditions for the Whitsunday business community.
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