Sonya Noonan - Managing Director
The Managing Director focuses on strategy, operations and relationship-building; to ensure member success throughout their BNI region.
Sonya has been involved with BNI since 2011, initially as a member for her own bookkeeping business in Central Victoria. Sonya was invited to join the BNI Regional team in Far North Queensland (Cairns) in 2016, where she doubled the size of the region in 4 years, while also launching 2 chapters and implementing leadership training to all of the North Queensland chapters.
Fast forward to January 2021, when Sonya moved to Adelaide and took on the role of Regional Director. During this time, the regional team grew significantly, and in July 2023, Sonya stepped up to the role of Managing Director – now overseeing two BNI regions.
Simon Derrick-Roberts - Community Growth Director
The Community Growth Director helps BNI members receive a higher return on investment, by building them a larger and more diverse network.
Simon has been involved with BNI since March 2010, beginning as a member, and quickly being invited to join the regional team as a Support & Growth Director.
In his tenure as Regional Director, Simon grew the region’s footprint from 56 to over 400, and in October 2015 he took over as Executive Director.
Support & Growth Director Consultants
BNI Support & Growth Directors provide strategic guidance, mentorship and operational support to the leaders and members of their assigned BNI chapters.
Heather Coutts
Heather has been a BNI member since 2017, and is currently a member of BNI Advantage where she holds the General Insurance seat for Capstone Insurance Brokers.
Her BNI tip: “Schedule time for one-to-ones, follow-up actions, entering stats, and notifying members of referrals or TYFCBs. Also, prepare your weekly presentations to stay within time. Structure and preparation are the keys to getting the most from BNI.”
Heather is currently the Director of BNI Platinum, and Ambassador to BNI Coastal.
Marissa Hankinson
Marissa has been involved with BNI since 2004, originally as a member in the UK before continuing her journey in Australia from 2012. She currently holds the Podcasting Production seat for her business, Wavebreaker Productions, in BNI Advantage.
Her BNI tip: “Regular, structured 1-to-1s are the foundation of success. Strong relationships drive trust, and trust drives referrals. Focus on genuine connection, not just transactions — because when you build real relationships, everything else in BNI flows naturally.”
Marissa is currently the Director for BNI Bayside.
Paul Rogers
Paul has been a member of BNI since 2018. He is the Tradie Coach and currently holds the Business Coach – Trades seat for his business Tradie Coach in BNI Advantage.
His BNI tip: “The results you get out of BNI will be determined by the direct effort and focus you put into it. To be successful, be intentional about your BNI strategy for the referrals and referral partners that you want to receive. Never ever just turn up and wing it!”
Paul is currently the Director for BNI Victory.
Steve Willis
Steve – or ‘Swills’ – has been a member of BNI since 2018. He joined as he felt the need for a more reliable network to grow his business. He holds the Copywriting seat for his business WriteMind at BNI Bayside.
His BNI tip: “If you embrace a Giver’s Gain mentality and help others to build their business, the referrals will come back tenfold.”
Swills is the Director for BNI Go Givers.
Community Ambassadors
Ambassadors play a key role in supporting the BNI community; providing guidance, encouragement and assistance to new members throughout their first year in BNI.
Brett Crosby
Brett has been a proud member of BNI Advantage since 2020. He currently holds the Search Engine Optimisation seat for his business Digital Mindset.
His BNI tip: “Focus on adding value to other members – the relationships and rewards will naturally follow.”
Brett is currently the Ambassador to BNI Evolve.
Jim Ryan
Jim has been a BNI member since 2021. He currently holds the Health Facility/Gym/Club seat for his business Breathe Stretch Float at BNI Advantage.
His BNI tip: “Step out of your comfort zone. They say that you get out of BNI what you put in and it’s true. As your room grows bigger, take the time to connect with those outside your immediate comfort circle and most productive referral partners. Sometimes the unlikeliest of pairings can produce the best results!”
Jim is the Ambassador to BNI Bayside.
Michael Arbon
Michael has been a member of BNI since 2023. He currently holds the Business Coach seat at BNI Bayside for his business The Business Alchemist.
His BNI tip: “Consistency is key. To get the most out of BNI you must be consistent across all elements – 121’s, Givers Gain (reciprocity), “showing up” – not just “turning up”, educating yourself, broadening your network – it’s not who you know, its who knows you”.
Michael is currently the Ambassador to BNI Go Givers.
Nicole Swaine
Nicole has been a member of BNI since 2021. She currently holds the Human Resources seat for her business Explore Potential Consulting at BNI Advantage.
Her BNI tip: “Build strong relationships. Focus on genuinely getting to know your fellow members, their businesses, and how you can help them. Trust leads to quality referrals, and long-term relationships create ongoing opportunities. The stronger your connections, the greater the success you’ll see from your BNI membership.”
Nicole is the Ambassador to BNI Platinum.
Stephanie Tuominen
Stephanie has been a member of BNI since 2020. She currently holds the Social Media seat for her business Allure Digital Marketing at BNI Evolve.
Her BNI tip: “Get involved and make the most of every opportunity. Invest in building strong relationships within your chapter and across the wider BNI network, and say yes to leadership roles. This helps boost your visibility and credibility, leading to stronger connections and more referrals.”
Will Gray
Will has been a member of BNI since 2021. He currently holds the Wills & Estates Law seat for his business Gray Matters at BNI Advantage.
His BNI tip: “There is no secret ingredient. It’s doing all of the stuff you already know you need to do. Show up early and put your hand up to help. Give. Care. Help others when they’re struggling. Do a good job when you receive a referral. Take on a role, and in doing so keep your mind open to lifelong learning.”