When: Tuesday 17 March 2026, from 7.30am-9am (AEST time)
Where: Collider, at the Innovation Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs.
Register: Thought Leadership Breakfast Series: The 2026 Economic Outlook

Registrations close: Monday 16 March 2026, 5pm

About the event

In a world where global economic growth is slowing and many economies are expanding at rates lower than those seen in previous decades, the ability to navigate shifting conditions has never been more important. Global trends, policy changes, and market disruptions are continually reshaping how businesses operate, making timely insights essential for leaders, business owners, and aspiring professionals.

Join Tim McGee, Teneille Newton and Dan Sowden for this insightful and practical session to:

• Understand key economic trends and their impact on business.
• Identify risks and opportunities early to stay ahead.
• Develop adaptive strategies to strengthen organisational resilience.
• Gain practical insights from economists and business experts for real-world application.

Whether you’re a business owner navigating market volatility, a leader driving organisational growth, or a postgraduate student developing economic expertise, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in uncertainty.

Don’t just interpret the economy, lead through it with confidence and purpose.

Panellists

Tim McGee – Head of Business and Industry Development at Sunshine Coast Council

Tim is an accomplished economic development leader with more than a decade of experience driving industry growth, business development, and strategic partnerships across the Sunshine Coast region. As Head of Business and Industry Development at Sunshine Coast Council, he leads a team of dedicated professionals delivering initiatives that strengthen local businesses, activate key precincts, and accelerate innovation in high‑value and emerging industries.

Tim continues to play a key role in shaping the region’s economic landscape through major programs in industry advancement, talent attraction, and ecosystem development. Tim is recognised for his collaborative approach, strategic insight, and commitment to supporting vibrant, future‑focused regional economies.

Teneille Newton – Co-founder, Noosa Black Garlic

Teneille Newton, co-founder of Noosa Black Garlic, has been a foodie since day one. With over 25 years' experience as a naturopath, she knows that good food and good health go hand in hand. 

From her base in the Noosa Hinterland, together with her husband Tony, they have built Australia’s largest and most awarded black garlic brand, combining sustainability, bold flavour, and pure passion. This special aged garlic not only tastes amazing, it has additional health benefits compared to white garlic. It is FODMAPs friendly, easy to digest and a concentrated source of protective antioxidant nutrients. Noosa Black Garlic can now be found on restaurant menu’s and in gourmet retailers around Australia, and soon around the world. 
Teneille is never happier than when she's in the kitchen, creating new recipes or cooking up a feast for friends and family. Driven by a love for quality ingredients and a respect for the land, Teneille has turned her passion project into a nationally recognized name in artisan food. Her black garlic is slow-aged to perfection and packed with umami, transforming everyday dishes into something special. 

In 2025 Noosa Black Garlic was named Business of the Year at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, as well as winning the Food & Agribusiness (Small) category, and being Finalists in the inaugural Sustainability category. In 2024, Teneille was awarded Small Business Woman of the Year and a finalist for Sustainable Business Woman of the Year—a testament to her dedication, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Now, she’s on a mission to share the benefits of black garlic and how to easily cook with this amazing ingredient with as many people as possible.

Dan Sowden – Director, Ray White Maroochydore & Buderim

With over 22 years of experience at Ray White, Dan Sowden is one of the most influential real estate leaders on the Sunshine Coast. Having personally overseen more than 5,000 property transactions, Dan combines a deep-seated market intuition with the energy of a seasoned auctioneer. As the Director of both the Maroochydore and Buderim offices, he leads a team of 40+ professionals specialising in residential sales, prestige beachside property, and large-scale development projects. 
A true local and a consistent Chairman’s Elite Business Leader, Dan’s influence extends beyond real estate into the heart of the community, where he is frequently seen as an MC and auctioneer for major charity events. Whether calling an auction or brokering a $100 million development deal, Dan remains the go-to choice for those seeking unparalleled expertise and a proven track record of success on the Coast.

Moderator

Raffaella Belloni

Dr Raffaella Belloni holds the Associate Lecturer in Economics position within the School of Business and Creative Industries (SCBI). Transitioning from diverse roles in accounting and business across international settings, Raffaella commenced her journey at UniSC as a sessional staff member and now oversees the coordination of Economics courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Raffaella has a deep passion for education and is particularly enthusiastic about fostering student engagement, with a special focus on first-year and international students. Her commitment to enhancing the learning experience has been recognised through the attainment of internal grants to develop student-led initiatives within the First Year Economics course, as well as accolades from the school for her exemplary teaching and engagement methods. She recently won a 2025 Vice-Chancellor and President’s Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching with the commerce team for Student Opportunity and Employability.

Raffaella recently completed a PhD in international and labour economics. Her research interests are primarily focused on international economics, macroeconomic development, human capital, and sustainability.

Contact

For any inquiries, please contact Dr Jane Menzies at jmenzies@usc.edu.au or Dr Bianka Sabert at bsabert@usc.edu.au or Dr Melissa Innes at minnes1@usc.edu.au