Gillian Smith

Business and Team Development Manager

Gillian brings a wealth of knowledge in business management, marketing, business development, establishment of highly productive teams to this local firm which is growing at a rapid rate.

With a background in developing independent businesses as an Area Manager in Northern NSW, promoted to Qld State Brand/Marketing Manager with Metcash Limited from the late 1990s through to 2008.

Historical Achievements include assisting with the establishment of the IGA Brand in Qld and Northern NSW, active member of the Qld IGA State Board, playing an instrumental role in IGA Community Chest raising significant funds for local charities.

Moving to Mackay in 2008 to operate her own business just 3 days before the GFC was announced created many challenges and opportunities to learn and diversify.

Selling the business in 2013 and not wanting to leave the town that had now become home, Gillian took the opportunity to work with local businesses driving their sales through specifically tailored media/marketing strategic plans.

Giving back to the local community has always been important to Gillian so joining the Mackay Hospital Foundation Board in 2013 cemented her commitment to the local area. This brought forward an opportunity to apply many years of experience to a small foundation which has grown from single employee and 40 volunteers to a team of four paid staff and over 80 volunteers, successfully raising much needed funds. These funds bridge the gap between federal government allocated funding and what is locally greatest needs for Mackay and 7 surrounding health centres.  

In 2020 Gillian offered her services in a Sales and Marketing role with a local independent company selling Finance, insurance, Financial Planning, Real Estate and Property management. 2021 saw a promotion to General Manager where Gillian could focus her efforts on the business growth and developing highly productive teams. During this time, the team grew from 56 to over 70 employees. Gillians passion for Recruitment, retention, development of employee’s pathways was formed.  

Now Gillian focuses her efforts with Parker Law Qld on the development of the business and the team that ARE the business. For Parker Law Qld their team is the business.  

Gillians free time is spent sailing the Whitsundays on her yacht SV KOOLINDA which she lives on with her husband Zac and their toy Cavoodle Alan.