Our Story

The MBBG was founded in 2009 and still retains members from the early days.  Initial meetings were held at Real Estate Agent David Pascoes’s home, before shifting to various cafe’s around Mount Barker.

The main purpose of the group then, as now, was to bring together local business people to share expertise, ideas, and fellowship in their roles of business owners and managers.

Our Why

Finding Friendship & Support - Cultivating Connections

Being an employer or a sole trader sometimes means you don’t have someone to share your triumphs and challenges with, someone who faces the same as you. Members in the MBBG are on the same page.

The Group is a network of people who push you in the right direction, have experiences in common, are like-minded, and ultimately through listening and supporting each other, become friends.

Sharing Expertise

Our meetings offer plenty of opportunities for you to brainstorm solutions to common challenges, gain insights, and explore different points of view.

In a typical meeting, you may chat with a lawyer and a CPA over coffee, listen to an invited guest explain the region’s tourism strategy, and sit next to a marketing person and a local councillor over breakfast.  In the free-flow of conversation it is easy to come away with a promising new avenue to pursue if you are needing inspiration, or meet someone who provides the exact service you have been searching for.

Discovering Opportunities

Want to network specifically to find clients?

Our meetings feature excellent invited speakers,  but we also like to feature our members in panel discussions.  We do not require members to meet individually between group meetings, or provide regular referrals, but find these happen spontaneously through informal conversation.

Giving Back to the Community

Another major reason the group was formed was to contribute positively and give back, so the community as a whole prospers.

The MBBG has supported various charities over the years. We have helped with:

  • Housing for the disabled
  • School ministries
  • Flood relief
  • Youth transformation with Operation Flinders
  • Drought relief for farmers
  • Mt Barker Christmas Carols
  • Community Pantry through Revival City Church
  • Homelessness in Mount Barker

Committee

Each year we elect members according to our constitution to run the group and consult members on important decisions.  They provide oversight and ensure the Group runs efficiently.

2026 Committee Members

Sheena Updated

sheena trumble

Chair

Sheena is a business coach and Chair of the Mount Barker Business Group, and helps local business owners and tradies turn messy, stressful operations into profitable, people-first businesses they feel proud of.

After years in the trenches of business, she’s passionate about giving straight-talking support, practical tools and a big dose of encouragement so business feels lighter, more sustainable and a whole lot more human.

Hugh 2025 scaled

hugh steele

public officer

Born and educated in Adelaide, Hugh obtained his law degree at Uni of Adelaide in 1985, and commenced legal practice in the Barossa Valley in 1986, before moving to Mt Barker in 2001.

A partner with Mead Robson Steele since its inception in 2003, Hugh practices in wills and estates, family law, property settlements, commercial business conveyancing and leasing, and general aspects of property and contract law and conveyancing.

Phillip 2025

phillip marriott

Membership coordinator

Born in Whyalla, Phillip has been in Mt Barker since 2018. An electrician in the Royal Australian Navy for 9 years, then 19 years with Telecom/ Telstra, he has been a Security Technician and Business Owner for 19 years.

Guardian Gecko was launched in 2009, installing alarms, camera, access control and providing monitoring services to keep your premises secure, you informed and in control.

Shane Teakle 2026jpg

Shane Teakle

Treasurer

Shane Teakle is a Director of Teakle Accounting Pty Ltd which specialises in all aspects of business management, taxation planning, accounting, self managed superannuation and succession for our small business clients.

Aaron 2025

aaron vogt

community project coordinator

Aaron is the Founder and Director of mortgage broking firm Preferred Finance, based in Mount Barker. With an accounting and commercial lending background, he has been assisting home owners/buyers and business owners since 2006.

Married with two children, he has a long involvement with Neighbourhood Watch and is a volunteer firefighter with the CFS.

Julie 2026

julie dunlap

Website and marketing manager

Julie has over 35 years’ experience in marketing, her business, Marketing Works, delivers results and helps companies to adapt to changing market conditions, better serve their customers and grow their business.

Specialising in website design, her goal is simple: to make your business the one your customers choose, not your competitors.

Judy 2026

Judy Parkes

Committee Member

Judy is a Director, co-owner and COO of ARO College, a registered training provider that delivers training in “open spaces” qualifications across the country. Her role sees her meeting every client and student personally, as well as ensuring the smooth running of the business.

Judy is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an award-winning public speaker. Now a proud South Aussie, with her home and business based in the Mount Barker district.

Brad 2025

bRAD aSHBY

committee member

Aston Hills Golf Club’s General Manager, Brad has over a decade’s experience in hospitality management including roles as GM of the Stirling Hotel and Train Manager on The Ghan.

A huge advocate for Mount Barker and the opportunities the area offers.

Blake 2026

blake green

SECRETARY

Blake Green is a Technical Account Manager at Concept Data, and brings hands-on experience in technology and small-business operations, shaped by his years running his own MSP.

A committed member of the local business community, Blake is married and enjoys life in the Hills with his wife and young son.