Mackay Professional Development & Recognition Evening 2026

Overview

Join Chartered Accountants from across the Mackay region for an evening of professional development, networking, and celebration.

The evening will commence with a 1.5-hour CPD session designed to support your ongoing professional development. Gain valuable insights and practical knowledge relevant to today's business environment while earning CPD hours.

Following the CPD session, connect with fellow members over drinks and canapés as we celebrate the achievements, milestones, and contributions of the local CA ANZ community.

As a CA ANZ member, attendance is complimentary and includes access to both the CPD session and Recognition Evening, along with welcome drinks and canapés.

Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, reconnect with colleagues, grow your professional network, or recognise the accomplishments of fellow members, we encourage you to be part of this special evening.

Register now to secure your place.

Timings:

4:00pm | Networking and refreshments 

4:30pm | Mark Doorly, CA ANZ Queensland Regional Manager - Welcome and CA ANZ Update

4:40pm | Anna O’Neill CA, SV Partners

Insolvency Trends and Early Warning Signs

• What insolvency specialists are seeing on the ground
• Early red flags hidden in financial statements
• Conversations accountants should be having earlier with clients
• Top 5 warning signs to watch for

4:50pm | Milly Baker, Opteon Solutions

Valuations, CGT and Asset Changes

• Why valuations are becoming more important
• Common valuation misconceptions
• Capital gains tax implications
• Real-world examples affecting businesses and SMSFs

5:00pm | Michael Horne, Managing Partner – NAB Regional and Agri Business

Economic Outlook

• What is happening in the Mackay and Queensland economy
• Industries to watch
• Current market trends affecting clients
• Opportunities and risks over the next 12 months

5:10pm | Ben Horner FCA, McConachie Stedman & CA ANZ QLD Regional Council Member

Ethics

• Ethical dilemmas currently facing accountants
• Maintaining professional judgement during periods of change
• Trust, integrity and public interest considerations
• Practical examples from practice

5:20pm | Cr Ash-Lee Johnson, Mackay Regional Council

Local Government Update

• Housing and population growth
• Major infrastructure and investment priorities
• Council advocacy and regional competitiveness
• What developments mean for local businesses

5:30 pm | Q & A

6:00pm | Networking and transition to recognition event

6:30pm | Celebrating member achievements commences

7:30pm | Event concludes 

Speakers:

Anna O’Neill CA, Senior Manager, SV Partners

Anna started her accounting career in auditing at Deloitte before joining SV Partners in January 2016. Anna worked initially with the SV Voidables team in Brisbane before relocating to sunny Mackay in September 2016.  She now manages a team specialising in corporate and personal insolvency administrations servicing the central Queensland region.

Milly Baker, Regional Director - Northern Queensland, Opteon Solutions

Milly joined Opteon in 2025 and has been a registered valuer since 2019. Based in Mackay, she provides valuation services across the Mackay, Whitsundays and Isaac regions. Her experience spans residential, rural, commercial and industrial property, with a particular focus on mortgage security and family law matters.  Milly also undertakes valuations for acquisition and disposal, insolvency, CGT and FBT purposes, delivering practical, reliable advice backed by strong local market knowledge and a client-focused approach.

Michael Horne, Managing Partner – NAB Regional and Agri Business

Michael is the Managing Partner in NAB Regional and Agri Business Queensland division based in Mackay, managing the NAB’s Business Banking and Agri Centre which includes the Whitsundays and surrounding coal mining towns.

With 24 years’ experience in Business Banking, including similar roles in Central Queensland spanning south to Gladstone and west to Emerald, Michael is a key part of the Mining, Energy and Infrastructure Services Team in NAB Queensland.

Ben Horner FCA, Director, McConachie Stedman and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand 

Ben is an audit and assurance professional with extensive expertise in financial reporting and strong involvement with CA ANZ including current Qld Regional Council member, Chair of the Darling Downs and South West Region Committee, and member of the Rural and Regional Advisory Committee.

Cr Ash-Lee Johnson, Councillor, Mackay Regional Council

Cr Ash-Lee Johnson is a Mackay Regional Councillor with a background in financial services and economic development. Elected in 2024, she co-chairs Council’s Liveability and Social Inclusion Strategic Advisory Committee and serves on the Audit Committee, while representing Council on several regional organisations. 

With qualifications in accounting and economic development, Ash-Lee is passionate about supporting sustainable growth, strong communities and a vibrant future for the Mackay region.

Chairperson:

Mark Doorly, Queensland Regional Manager, CA ANZ

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