Greater Springfield Business Connect

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington is joined by Bec Evans, Deputy Principal at Springfield Central State High School, which was recognised with the 2025 Education & Training Award at this year’s Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Bec shares her personal journey into education, from early inspiration to leadership in one of the region’s most dynamic...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington chats with Charlene Rapa, owner of apaR Hair Studio, who took home the Best Customer Service Award at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards for the second year in a row.

Charlene shares what it was like to hear her name called again, and what back-to-back recognition says about her team’s unwavering focus on genuine c...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Katherine Manby, founder of VM Family Law and winner of the 2025 Professional Services Award at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Katherine shares the story behind her decision to specialise in family law, a field that demands compassion, strength, and a deep sense of purpose. We discuss the culture she’s built at VM Family L...

In this episode of the GSBC Awards Series, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Melissa Wright, founder of Zest Mortgage Solutions, who took home two major awards at the 2025 Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards: the Outstanding Small Business Award and the Financial Services Award. Melissa reflects on what it meant to be recognised not just for Zest’s business growth, but also for its standout client experience...

We’re kicking off the 2025 GSBC Awards Series with a double win!

This week, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Jo Steel, founder of Farfalla Interiors & Events, who walked away with both the Members’ Choice Award and the prestigious President’s Award at this year’s Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Jo shares her emotional reaction to hearing her name called twi...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington chats with Neil Coupland, Principal of First National Real Estate Springfield and one of the original pioneers of the local property market.

Neil takes us back to 1999, when he opened the very first real estate office in Greater Springfield, and reflects on the remarkable growth and transformation he’s witnessed a...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Wahied Kannemeyer, founder of Ignite Fitouts, to talk about transforming commercial spaces into environments that are not only functional, but genuinely inspiring. With more than 25 years of experience behind him, Wahied shares what sparked his passion for workplace design and how Ignite has built a reputation ba...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with the high-energy, no-nonsense force that is Loz Antonenko from Loz Life. Loz unpacks the motivation behind her boldly titled new book Get the F*** Unstuck, and how she turned years of life challenges, trauma, and hustle into a blueprint for real, lasting transformation. With a background in coaching, science-backed strategies, ...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington welcomes Jomar Nieva from the Philippines-Australia Multicultural Association (PAMA) to discuss one of the region’s most loved events: SpringFest.

With SpringFest 2025 set to be the biggest yet featuring traditional dance, live music, food stalls, and a multicultural dance party, Jomar takes us behind the scenes o...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington speaks with Dolores Goodey, founder of Aspirations United, about her remarkable journey from chef and teacher to life and mindset coach. Through programs like Reconnect to Your Goddess Within and Rapid Results, Dolores empowers clients to reclaim their confidence, clarity, and inner strength. Whether you’re navigating change, seeking purpose...

In this episode of the GSBC Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Jo Steel, founder of Farfalla Interiors and Events, to explore how thoughtful design can transform not just spaces — but experiences.

Jo shares her journey from a lifelong love of design to launching a business that blends interior styling with event curation, offering clients a deeply personal and tailored approach. Whether it’s ...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington is joined by Councillor Pye Augustine to explore how the Ipswich City Council is shaping Greater Springfield into a thriving hub for small and micro businesses.

Councillor Augustine shares insights into the region’s economic landscape and unpacks the council’s Economic Development Strategy 2023–2027, centred around People, Place, Prosperity,...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matthew Taylor-Farrington speaks with Iain White from White Internet Consulting about the evolving tech landscape and the critical role of digital transformation for small to medium businesses.

With deep expertise as a virtual CTO and digital strategist, Iain shares how his consultancy helps businesses streamline operations, improve IT ...

In this episode of the GSBC, host Matthew Taylor-Farrington is joined by Hue Kedge, founder of Branding Profiles, to explore the intersection of photography, marketing, and authentic brand storytelling. With a strong background in business and marketing, Hue shares how Branding Profiles helps clients stand out through powerful, engaging, and deeply personal visual branding. From headshots to full-scale branding sessions, she discus...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, host Matt Taylor-Farrington chats with Samuel Pitts from Rising Sun Martial Arts. We explore how Rising Sun engages with the Greater Springfield community, empowers students through self-defence, and creates safe, inclusive spaces for growth. Plus, Samuel shares inspiring stories of transformation through martial arts and his exciting vision for the future of the ...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, host Matt Taylor-Farrington welcomes Roger Cameron, founder of Safer Business Growth. With more than 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and business strategy, Roger brings a wealth of insight into what truly drives long-term business success.

With experience across a wide range of industries, Roger discusses how he tailors strategies for different sec...

In this episode of the Greater Springfield Business Connect Podcast, Matt Taylor-Farrington sits down with Amanda Waschevski, the creative force behind Waschevski Portraits. Known for her elegant blend of legacy portraiture and editorial storytelling, Amanda shares the heartfelt journey that led her to photography.

From her unique client process to building trust during vulnerable shoots, Amanda opens up...

In this week’s episode of the GSBC Podcast, Martin Shaw from Wounded Heroes Australia joins us to share the impactful work his organisation does to support current and ex-serving ADF veterans and their families. From crisis support services to addressing housing instability and connecting veterans with mental health resources, Martin provides a heartfelt insight into the challenges veterans face and the ways Wounded Heroes Australi...

In this episode, we chat with Amanda Jane Vidal, the creative force behind Jane’s Handcrafts and Gifts. Amanda shares the story of what inspired her to start her business, her dedication to supporting local artisans, and the impact of her partnership with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Discover how Amanda’s business philosophy prioritises community and collaboration, her strategies for navigating the highs and lows of...