Firewalking is the act of walking barefoot over a bed of hot embers or stones.This story isn’t going to be about that.Instead, I want to tell you the story of navigating the fire pit that is community leadership, and coming out the other side relatively unscathed - then heading right back in.
It’s a story of water (lots of water), resilience, set-backs, determination, understanding and passion. Not white-hot passion - it’s not that kind of story. But passion for those people who back themselves day in and day out in their own business, the ones who are too busy or too tired to stand up for themselves as their dreams are set upon by the headwinds of economic downturns.
I want to explore what it means to be involved in our community, to be the leader of a volunteer organisation that is so necessary.
Part of that is the work done around advocacy. The development of relationships with those in power, not being afraid to speak to power and tell it like it is, not necessarily how they might like it to be. It’s also about listening, and that’s not only your members, but all businesses and groups, and how you pick up what you hear and fight for that.
What my hope is that I can encourage, inspire and challenge others to step up, not necessarily into a role on Chamber, but step up for their community, in whatever form that takes.
Too often that mantle of community leadership is left to the same people, doing the same job, year after year.To me the sign of an organisation in trouble is one where people say, “we’ve always done it this way!” For the survival of our community organisations, heck for our community in general, we need to have people with new, fresh ideas step up. It doesn’t mean discard the old but blending the two as our stalwarts and our newbies make something new to move forward.
Sure, it will be my journey through the fire pit and out the other side, but I think there is a chance it will serve as a map to help others, which might be a good thing.
ABOUT TIM:
Born in Gladstone at a young age, Tim Sayre’s connection to community runs deep. His earliest memories are of the family property at Benaraby, where his grandfather and father managed the original Awoonga Dam, instilling in him an early understanding of service to others.
Growing up across the Bowen Basin coalfields, Tim developed a lifelong fondness for small, tight knit communities, the kind that rely on volunteers, chook raffles, and neighbours helping neighbours.
After studying teaching in Rockhampton, Tim taught in Moranbah, Blackwater, Springsure, and later Longreach, where his work as a Learning Advisor took him to western and remote schools across nearly a quarter of Queensland.
Tim and his wife eventually settled in Bundaberg in 2000, where he led the IT team at Main Roads before launching his own business and stepping into community leadership. His passion for helping others was cemented during the 2013 Bundaberg floods, when he witnessed the power of local people stepping up long after the cameras had gone.
He has since held leadership roles supporting small businesses and chambers of commerce across Wide Bay Burnett, helping regional communities navigate challenges such as the COVID lockdowns.
Today, as Program Coordinator for the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, Tim draws on his experience in education, business, and community leadership to strengthen the region and prepare for future dry times by building on the Burnett and Mary Regional Drought Resilience Plans.
Outside of work, Tim continues to serve as now past president of the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce and Board President of YMCA Bundaberg. A proud grandfather and family man, he believes the real strength of regional Queensland lies in its people, their resilience, generosity, and unshakable sense of community.
EVENT SPONSOR - Ruddy's Leather
BBWN have entered into a Partnership with Hitz939 Bundaberg & 4BU Bundaberg,
who have donated a Radio Advertising Package for a new or existing businesses, valued at $1150.
This will be a bonus Lucky Door Prize Draw at this event!
Time 6:30am – 8:00am - H20 Restaurant & Bar
BUFFET BREAKFAST
Bacon, Poached & Scrambled Eggs, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Panini & GF Bread
Dietary requirements can be catered for. Please advise at time of registration
Self-serve juice & tea/coffee station
Barista Coffee can be purchased at Cruz N Brew Coffee Van out front
Registrations close at 10pm MONDAY 23RD NOV 2026
Please note: NO LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED