WELCOME TO THE POWER 100

POWER is a subjective beast, so how can you compile a list of the 100 most influential people in Toowoomba without upsetting anyone? Simply put, you can’t.

What a list such as that which follows can do, however, is ignite conversations.

The Chronicle’s inaugural Power 100 is by no means the definitive list of men and women who influence our city and region.

Over the past weeks and months, a select number of people have been consulted from a cross section of the city to identify those among us who set the agenda, have transformed our city, work under the radar to help and support, and genuinely champion the community.

Some could argue money is influence, and in some cases, they would be right.

But their position on this list depends on how that money is used, and what it adds to Toowoomba. Others could argue sports stars hold greater influence than, say, artists and charity workers. Again, that could be right, because that is the subjectiveness of power. So, here you have it, the Power 100. These influencers represent a cross-section of our community, from business and development to the arts, education to the health sector, social enterprise and not-for-profit.

They include the rising stars, the ones who are just beginning to make their mark or riding a digital wave to success.

They are the families whose long involvement in the region has helped form it.

You will know many of them, and there will be some surprises.

While we hope you enjoy reading and analysing the list that follows, we want to know who you think we missed.

Let’s continue that conversation.

Email who you believe should have made the list, and why, to news@thechronicle.com.au.