Mike Eales – New Director with a Vision

At its December 2005 meeting, the Co-op Board appointed Mike Eales as a director, thus filling a casual vacancy. Fellow directors welcomed him to the fold. This appointment means Mike has to stand for election at the next AGM.

In his occupation as a business lending manager covering the Sunshine Coast region, Mike works predominantly with small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Having started out in banking and finance, he's held several senior executive positions in multinational manufacturing corporations – though he admits his most significant role has been as sole parent and mentor to his three wonderful children.

Much of his life, Mike has been involved in community groups and associations. He has preferred a vegetarian diet for many years, is a non-drinker and enjoys yoga, meditation and, on occasion, playing guitar. Mike is registered as a Justice of the Peace (Qual.) for the State of Queensland.

As a director, member and supporter, Mike looks forward to contributing in a meaningful way to both the Co-op and the local community it represents. He sees a need for carefully managing growth on behalf of Maple Street Co-operative shareholders, as well as for addressing the growing needs of the community as it develops within the region.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", February/March 2006; published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia,
telephone (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.coop@serv.net.au,
website www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]