Lifetime Members
Peter McKinnon
Peter is the Founding Partner of BMO Accountants, a regional accounting firm, he spent his early career in the industry, retiring in 2016 after decades of service. Peter was a Chamber President for nearly 10 years, he is honored to serve as the President of the local Chamber of Commerce for almost a decade, helping to lead important initiatives supporting local businesses. Additionally, he spent 7 years as a council member for the Town of Dalby, elected to two consecutive terms.
Peter is deeply grateful to be recognised with the Citizen of the Year award from the Western Downs Regional Council in 2016 for his contributions to the community.
Peter says ' I strongly believe the only way to make real change is to be in the driver’s seat. As both the President of the Chamber and a council member, I had unique opportunities to enact meaningful improvements from within. Being an active participant at the leadership level allowed me to directly influence priorities and help shape outcomes. Notably I am most proud of the beautification in the main street which was brought about by a very good consultative process between the Chamber and Council.'
One of his most fulfilling achievements was leading a collaborative process between the Chamber and local government to beautify the town's main street, bringing positive change through respectful cooperation across organisations.
Carl Milford
Carl’s involvement in the Dalby Chamber was inspired by his grandmother who had owned women’s and men’s fashion stores in Dalby for more than 50 years. Mrs Ward was an ardent supporter of the Chamber and believed an active Chamber was vital for a healthy business community.
As a founding partner of Dalby-based Total Care Veterinarians, and having served as Rotary President, Carl brought his business and community leadership experience to the role of Chamber president.
Carl believes one of his greatest achievements while Chamber president was the establishment of the Dalby Business Excellence Awards which still runs today. The awards helped local businesses focus on the key performance indicators for success and motivated them to excel.
He acknowledges the work and dedication of his Chamber secretary Liz Ryan as well the Chamber members whose hard work made the Dalby Chamber of Commerce the gold card standard for successful Chambers at that time.
While serving on Council Carl facilitated collaboration with the Chamber to ensure Dalby businesses had a voice in local government.
“Dalby needs a Chamber now, more than ever, in this digital age to ensure local businesses are not overlooked in a rapidly changing business environment,” said Carl.
Liz Ryan
Liz joined the Dalby Chamber of Commerce in the role of Promotions Officer in 1994. Her main role was to organise events promoting local business which included Christmas promotions and Home Shows.
The role morphed into management of membership, Business Excellence Awards, Business After Hours, Women’s Networking events and management of the Dalby Tourist Information Centre.
Liz enjoyed her time at the Chamber so much that after retiring in 2005, she went back for another stint in 2011- 2013.
Liz says, 'The important role of the Chamber in our Business community is as relevant today as at any time in its long history.'
Michael Webber
A born in Dalby local, Michael spent the early part of his adult life working throughout Queensland in his professional career as a banker. Leaving Dalby as a 16 year old youth and not returning until his early 40’s gave Michael wide experience across a variety of Queensland towns and cities – from Miles to Townsville and plenty in between.
Not long after returning to Dalby, Michael was invited to attend and became an active member of the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Elected as President in 2004, Michael led the chamber over the ensuing 4 years. During this period, assisted by a dedicated and enthusiastic committee and chamber management, he took the chamber from a smaller effective but not greatly influential group to one of the most influential chambers in rural Queensland. Returning to take on the Presidential role again in 2008 for 1 year to enable the committee to consolidate and rejuvenate, Michael remained active on the committee, leaving only to enable newer fresh ideas to emerge.
Also, a life member of the Dalby Leagues Club with an excess of 10 years as President, Michael’s enthusiasm for Dalby and its surrounds is what drove him through his time with the chamber and to this day, that enthusiasm remains a vital part of Michael’s being.