Malcolm McLeod
President

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.
Previous President of the WCCI, and current executive member, inaugral business icon hall of fame individual, 2010 business of the year,  2018 employer of the year. Life member of the West Whyalla Football Club

Michael Cresshull
Vice President

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.

Paul Schmidt
Executive Member

A small business owner in Whyalla for 8+ years in addition to a background in electrical heavy Industry. Extensive experience in all facets of the print industry

Priscilla McDonald
Executive Member

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.

Simone Beaty
Executive Member

As a proud local, I've spent my life along this beautiful coastline, immersing myself in all that our community has to offer.

You might recognize me from various roles in Whyalla—whether it's running my small business, volunteering, serving on committees, or, most importantly, as a dedicated mum and wife.

Professionally, I took on the Elders Insurance Whyalla Franchise in 2021, driven by a deep commitment to educating our community about the significance of insurance. This role has allowed me to support local employment, sponsor community initiatives, and collaborate with local trades for repairs.

My career has been anchored in customer service, with 5.5 years in real estate, 4 years in hotel management, and retail experience starting from the age of 15. My passion for helping others and my keen attention to detail have been central to my professional journey.

I am eager to contribute to Whyalla’s future and excited to be a founding member of WBAT, working towards the continued growth and development of our vibrant community.

Peter Borda
Executive Member

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’

Steve Storic
Executive Member

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.

Ebonie Winston
Executive Member

Regional Zone Manager and Front Office Manager for the M&G Hotel Group. Primarily based at the Comfort Inn Whyalla.

I commenced my career with the M&G Hotel Group in 2018 and have developed my career and seen growth throughout the group, including moving regional.

I moved to Whyalla late 2022 at the age of 22 to further my career in the hotel industry. Now with 6+ Years experience within the accommodation sector, I am excited to be involved in the growth of not just the M&G Hotel Group but also the community and industries in Whyalla.

In my short time in Whyalla, I have experienced the impact of an amazing community, being a first homeowner, adopting 2 rescue dogs and the power of networking with other business owners.

Stefanie Tatchell
Executive Member
Managing Director, Mine Spec  Industries

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.

Peter Fulton
Executive Member

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.

Teresa Coles
Executive Member

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.