Purpa

22/07/2026

Congratulations to these amazing young leaders, plus those who took the time to apply and put yourself forward.

We are proud to sponsor these awards given our history with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and as a former Future leader myself (a while ago).

Our region is in safe hands. We look forward to watching and contributing to their leadership journey.

05/12/2025

Raising Leaders

In 2024, Joe proudly wore the School Captain badge at St Saviour’s Primary School. This week, Harry has followed in his big brother's footsteps and was announced School Captain for 2026. Now the family debate is on—will Jacko complete the hat-trick in 2028? (No pressure, mate!).

So, what’s the secret to raising great humans and little leaders at home? This is our proactive focus:

✅ Effort matters: Show up, work hard, and keep trying. We reward 'effort' or application on their report card over the actual grade.
✅ Embrace challenges: Encourage them to try new things, even when it’s uncomfortable.
✅ Lead with kindness: Not just words, Alisha and I try to model it with action so they experience it.
✅ Real-world experiences: Life lessons beat lectures every time. Memories compound over time (just like money), and the earlier they start, the more they compound through life.
✅ Firm handshake & good manners cost nothing: The feedback Alisha and I hear most often about our kids, and honestly, it’s the simplest leadership skill that opens doors.
✅ They can't be what they can't see: We actively expose the boys to great humans they idolise. Such as organising meetings with their heroes like Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Tom Deardon, Usman Khawaja.
✅ 'Can't is a swear word at home: Anything is possible, so they reframe to say 'I'm not able to do this 'yet''

Leadership isn’t inherited; it’s developed through everyday habits and values. I'm bloody proud of these boys for stepping up and excited to see what’s next.

Question for you: What’s one trait you believe every future leader should learn early?

21/11/2025

Our latest Fireside chat was an amazing success listening and learning from a true icon of Toowoomba business and community scene Alison Kennedy. And what a story!!!

$53M over 10 years as CEO of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation is epic in itself. How did she do it: not about asking for money, rather than building a circle of genuine friends, energised by great humans and connecting with real causes over a sustained and consistent period.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing though, she was phenomenally vulnerable sharing some struggles that have formed her into the resilient strong leader we see today. ‘Don’t compare someone’s social media highlights to the reality of behind the scenes’

Due to Chatham House rules I can’t share the crocheted bikini story, but ask her if you’re brave enough 😂😂😂😂

We can tell you she is a very proud new board member of Momentum Mental Health though 👏👏👏

You can find Alison at her amazing new caravan business Kennedy RV at Withcott.

Thanks for being you AK!!! Our cups are full.

Photo cred to the supercool front row bandit Cat Ardi.

20/11/2025

Our latest Fireside chat was an amazing success listening and learning from a true icon of Toowoomba business and community scene Alison Kennedy. And what a story!!!

$53M over 10 years as CEO of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation is epic in itself. How did she do it: not about asking for money, rather than building a circle of genuine friends, energised by great humans and connecting with real causes over a sustained and consistent period.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing though, she was phenomenally vulnerable sharing some struggles that have formed her into the resilient strong leader we see today. ‘Don’t compare someone’s social media highlights to the reality of behind the scenes’

Due to Chatham House rules I can’t share the crocheted bikini story, but ask her if you’re brave enough 😂😂😂😂

We can tell you she is a very proud new board member of Momentum Mental Health though 👏👏👏

You can find Alison at her amazing new caravan business Kennedy RV at Withcott.

Thanks for being you AK!!! Our cups are full.

Photo cred to the supercool front row bandit Cat Ardi.

29/10/2025

Pretty humbling week for Chris to be recognised in the University of Southern Queensland - Australia Alumnus Awards for 'Leadership and Professional Excellence. From 120,000 aulmni worldwide, I'm proud of what I've achieved and grateful for the opportunity to be educated at our world-class institution right here in Toowoomba.

Huge shoutout to the amazing people around the world and I feel priviliged to share your company. Other finalists include business legends, activists, artists, educators, lawyers, changemakers, health care professionals, Quantum AI trailblazers, and so many more.

Finalists and winners include:
Jessica N. Dr Farina Riaz, Ansmarie Van Erp, Michaila MacAskill, Brent McKnoulty, Dr Ally Zlatar, fellow Toowoomba legend and Hope Horizons Inc GM Rachael Carter, Nikki Cox, Lauren Gribble, Mark Smith and Shaun Staunton.

I'm excited about the future under John McVeigh's leadership as well as my passion in the business school with Fabrizio Carmignani. We have a real gem in our backyard and need to be reminded of that sometimes.

Amazing job from ABC News Presenter and alumni Jessica Van Vonderen as MC, plus organisational skills and dedication to UniSQ of Erin Byles, Karen Nelson, Helen Nolan, Prof Ben Lyons, Rouz Fard and so many others.

And yes, I need a new headshot post haircut...

22/08/2025

Purpa is proud to offer the best experiential Leadership in the Blue Mountains this November in collaboration with MyAdventure Group and 2x Guinness World Record Holder James Castrission.

Chris and James will host you in luxury at the Blue Mountains Base Camp, push you out of your comfort zone and break down that glass ceiling holding you back, and help you realise your leadership potential with like-minded businesspeople.

Click here for more info or to register: https://www.myadventuregroup.com.au/toowoomba-executive-offsite/

Otherwise, reach out if you want to discuss this amazing opportunity for you or your people!!!

PS video of Cas clearly not filmed in the Blue Mountains...

This is "Toowoomba invitation 2025" by MyAdventure Group on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.