Dealer Principal McLeods Whyalla Automotive Working history,
- 1983 Mitchell Holden Parts junior, Motor mechanic, sales consultant, sales manager
- 1993 Ken Feltus Holden Sales Manager
- 1996 to current Dealer Principal.
My name is Michael and I’m currently the Vice President of Whyalla Business and Tourism.
I started my working career as a Motor Body Builder Engineer in a small business; building truck bodies, sales vans, and food trucks amongst many things but also experiencing the essential commitment it takes in private enterprise.
I then moved to Port Lincoln and worked in sales and commercial fishing. In 1999 I started work with PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture and have been the Senior Fisheries Officer in Whyalla for many years having purchased my house here in 2003. My patrol area covers from Pt Germein to Arno Bay but I’m also a member of the West team that extends to all the Eyre Peninsula through to Western Australia.
My interest in WBAT is to encourage travellers and tourists that Whyalla is a destination providing information that there is a lot to see in our town. We have so much in our own backyard and its rewarding to discuss these with visitors. There is a unique beauty in Whyalla and surrounds and steeped in history where it really is the place where the desert
meets the sea. A proud and resilient people we are and that is the fulcrum to a happy place to live. WBAT has given me the platform to promote Whyalla and its businesses and I’m very fortunate to be a valued member. My endeavour is to maximise the visitor experience whilst promoting local business wherever possible.
I am a Personal Banker for Westpac and have been for 5 years, with a vast experience in Customer service.
Growing up in Whyalla and seeing the many changes through the years with local businesses and Industries makes me very proud to call Whyalla home seeing how resilient Our local community are.
Currently a member of the Whyalla Enterprising Woman. And freshly elected member of Whyalla Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. I love being a part of such a diverse and inclusive community who have the Whyalla people at heart.
My family are my biggest blessing who I love spending time with, I am a very proud fur Mum to a 7yr old rescue Coolie named Cooper!
I am passionate about seeing Whyalla’s industries grow and bringing events and knowledge to the people and giving back to the community which has given so much to me.
My intention in collaborating with the WBAT executive team is to bring value to our members and the broader community.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor of Business - Uni SA
- 11 years corporate real estate experience
- Fully qualified Holistic Health and Wellness Coach including a 14,000 word publishable thesis
- Founder of Peter Borda Coaching in 2016
- Founder and owner of The Wellness Centre Whyalla established on Forsyth St, Whyalla in 2018
Skill set:
- Focused on listening before speaking
- Highly developed interpersonal communicator
- Highly developed understanding of contract negotiation
- Strong leadership skills and ability to collaborate with all stakeholders
- Business and team trainer in the areas of positive mindset and proactive lifestyle choices
- Advocacy for kids in foster care
- Event creation, organisation and management
- Creating videos showcasing the lifestyle in Whyalla
Community involvement
- Created and hosted the Walk’n’Talk walking group in 2018 around the Jim Pollock Wetlands
- Created and organised the Whyalla Wellness Weekend in 2022 and 2023
- Launched and hosted monthly Whyalla Networking Events since June 2023
- Elected Member for the Whyalla City Council November 2022-2026
Personal milestones:
- Married to my beautiful wife for 14 years
- Proud dad to 6 rugrats including 3 foster siblings.
Favourite quote:
‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’
I am a happy individual with a beautiful family comprising a loving wife and two gorgeous daughters. Having transitioned from a prosperous professional sporting career, I now find joy in imparting my wisdom and experiences to the next generation through mentoring and fitness classes, whenever time permits.
I have over two decades of hands-on involvement in the tourism industry as a small business owner- operator, and I pride myself on my lived experience knowledge and expertise. My dedication and contributions were honoured with the appreciated receiving of the 'Contribution to Tourism Award' in 2023, a testament to my unwavering commitment to the field.
Whyalla, is my birthplace and home, nestled within the shores of the amazing Spencer Gulf. I am driven by wanting to bolster and elevate initiatives aimed at enriching Whyalla's tourism potential, while also spotlighting the brilliance of our community and its surroundings. I want to be a part of the promotion and action of a course towards a brighter future for Whyalla and the Spencer Gulf.
My name is Stefanie Tatchell. I’m the Managing Director / Owner of Mine Spec Industries. We have recently had our 10 year work Anniversary. We are based at 8 Beerworth Ave, Whyalla Playford, SA 5600.
We are a Whyalla Local Hire Company, that supplies Skid Steers, Excavators, Mobile Air Compressors, Elevated work platforms, Mine spec’ed vehicles, and multiple other items along with Field Service Diesel Mechanics.
Our days are very fast pace and no two days are ever the same. There is never a dull moment at Mine Spec Industries.
I am a very career driven women and I strive to be the best role model as a mother, leader and local business owner as possible.
I don’t shy away from hard work, if anything it usually makes me more determine.
When I’m not working, I love being with our family, extended family and friends. I have one daughter, five step children and five grandchildren. Which I am lucky enough to see regularly and we are very much involved in their lives.
We also are involved with the local Whyalla Croatia Soccer and Social club, where our children play soccer and both my husband Jase and myself are actively involved within the soccer side.
We always aim to support local businesses within our working and personal lives. As we appreciate the locals that support us.
I am very passionate about Whyalla and our Community. I look forward to contributing to Whyalla and our Community in a positive way.
I have been in the construction industry for 40 + years as a manufacturer of both on-site concrete tilt-up panels and off- site precast concrete elements that range from sea walls to bridges, large electrical pits, transformer enclosures , to all the copper and uranium tanks in both the upper and lower SX areas at Olympic dam.
My connection to Whyalla is long. My parents met and married here in Whyalla, my elder sibling was born here, my grandparents lived here until the late eighties, and I spent all my school holidays here in Whyalla, completing learn to swim classes, watching ships being launched, and ore trains going past.
Those experiences have given me a great love for Whyalla and its people, and I strive to do all I can by way of service to the town and providing employment for locals.
I want to see Whyalla businesspeople come together in an interesting and fun way, create a familiarity with each other so we all have a good knowledge of who is around us that we can go to for help, advice, and supply of goods and services to our enterprises.
For over 5 years I have been involved with the Whyalla Business and Tourism Association (previously Whyalla Tourism Focus Group and Whyalla Chamber ofCommerce). My focus has been on raising the profile of WBAT and adding value to the membership with networking events and tourism opportunities. I am committed to community development and the growth of Whyalla and am also a dedicated and passionate supporter for the promotion and protection of the Giant Australian Cuttlefish that are such an important and unique part of Whyalla’s Tourism opportunities.
As a long-standing employee with the Whyalla Council, I have experienced many roles and have become passionate and focused on our Tourism and Events area. I have recently been appointed as the Community Activation Arts and; Cultural Facilitator, a joint role with Country Arts SA and Whyalla City Council.
For over 20 years I have been actively supporting community interests, showcasing service across sports, live music, events, small businesses and tourism. Beyond my high-level participation in hockey and volleyball and representing Whyalla in the SA Hockey Country Championships, I am actively involved in committees for; Whyalla Left Hand
Club, Hummock Hill Hockey Club, Whyalla Hockey Association and Whyalla Volleyball Association. I’m also passionate to promote the Live Music scene in Whyalla, organising extensive live music events at the Whyalla Left Hand Club and also co-ordinating their Annual Members Christmas Party, where we enjoy hosting the Whyalla Special Education Centre students and their families for a great Christmas Celebration - a highlight of our calendar.
It was a huge honour to accept a Whyalla Citizen of the Year 2023 - Community Service Award earlier this year, in recognition of my roles and involvement across many areas of our vibrant community. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute wherever I can to Whyalla’s exciting future and community for many years to come.
Alicia Wilson- Owner of Flowers by Alicia
As a wife and proud mum to three beautiful children—Charlotte, Everley and Hunter —I understand the importance of balancing family life with a passion for business. For the past 12 years, I’ve been the heart behind Flowers by Alicia, a florist and gift shop that has served Whyalla and the surrounding communities with care, creativity, and quality for many years.
Owning a small business in a regional town has taught me the value of connection, resilience, and putting people first. My shop isn’t just about flowers—it’s about helping people express love, appreciation, and joy in life’s most important moments.
I joined Whyalla Business and Tourism to bring value to our members through collaboration, fresh ideas, and a shared commitment to growth. I believe in the power of small business and local enterprise, and I’m passionate about strengthening our community through innovation, support, and celebrating what makes Whyalla unique.
Being part of this network is an opportunity to give back, learn from other inspiring leaders, and contribute to our local economy. I look forward to connecting with fellow members and working together to showcase everything our beautiful region has to offer.
As the owner of Anytime Fitness Whyalla, I am extremely passionate about promoting health, wellbeing, and the growth of local businesses in our community.
Born and raised in Whyalla, I have strong family ties to the region and a long history of involvement in local sporting clubs, community organisations, and events.
Joining the Whyalla Business & Tourism Committee gives me the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that showcase Whyalla as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. I’m excited to bring my experience in small business and community engagement to the table and to work alongside others who are equally committed to driving positive change for our region.
As a local small business owner of AAA Towing & Transport, Branch Manager of Beyond Bank Australia and active member of the community, I am passionate about supporting the growth and development of Whyalla’s business and tourism sectors.
With a background in banking and finance. I believe I can contribute meaningfully to the committee’s goals. I am particularly interested promoting regional tourism, supporting local enterprises and community-driven initiatives.
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my experience and perspective to the committee and work collaboratively with fellow members to further our shared objectives.
I am the proud owner of Self Store It Whyalla
I have been involved in small business since 1997 when managing a Caravan Park in Port Augusta.
In 2000 we risked it all and bought the Kimba Motel Roadhouse and successfully grew the business
over 7 years.
2008 purchased Inspirations Paint Whyalla until 2021.
2013 started Signarama Whyalla in partnership with my son until 2022.
2023 started Self Store It Whyalla.
I have been thru the highs and lows in business in this region and understand the challenges
business go thru including starting a new business.
I am passionate that our town has a great future with lots of potential and want to help promote
and grow all businesses in our great town with the WBAT team.
I’m a community-focused leader with over 20 years of experience spanning community development, service delivery, stakeholder engagement, and event and tourism coordination. Employed by Mission Australia, I currently lead local initiatives in collaboration with HOPE Whyalla, working to strengthen neighbourhood connections, guide place-based strategies, and support long-term positive outcomes for the region.
My background includes 17 years with the City of Whyalla in roles across tourism, media, and events—where I helped deliver key community festivals, promote local tourism, and build strong partnerships to grow Whyalla’s regional profile. With earlier experience in hospitality and a strong foundation in customer service, I bring a practical, people-first approach to every role.
I’ve previously been involved with the Whyalla Business and Tourism Association—formerly the Whyalla Chamber of Commerce and Whyalla Tourism Focus Group—and I’m proud to once again contribute my time and experience to this fantastic organisation.
As a born and bred Whyalla local, I’m passionate about helping our city thrive through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive community growth.
As the Human Resources Manager at Career Employment Group Inc., a Whyalla-based not-for-profit, I’ve gained strong, practical experience in industrial relations, workforce development, and WHS, supporting a wide variety of industries. Having worked for CEG for over 17 years I am passionate about encouraging apprenticeships and traineeships, and how these employment pathways can greatly benefit individuals and businesses.
Having called Whyalla home for nearly two decades, I’m grateful to have a supportive family, who also live in Whyalla. Beyond my professional life, I’ve been actively involved in various local sporting and community groups, most recently the Whyalla Golf Club and Enterprising Women Whyalla.
Through Whyalla Business and Tourism, I see an exciting opportunity to give back—sharing my knowledge in human resources, safety, and workforce development to support local businesses. I bring an open mind, a solutions-focused approach, and a genuine passion for helping Whyalla thrive. I’m eager to work alongside like-minded people to help shape a strong, forward-thinking future for Whyalla.