Aura Connected Committee & Business Members
Charlann Battle - Aura Connected Chairperson
Charlann and her family moved to this amazing community in 2018. They came straight from Scotland which, has been a huge change. They are loving Australia and are now happy to call Aura home. After running a successful Pilates studio in Scotland for many years Charlann and her husband decided to take the plunge and start over by opening up a studio here in in Aura. She loves meeting the local community and seeing the joy that Pilates can bring to everyone that tries it.
Charlann has two primary school boys attending Baring state primary school and one secondary boy who now attends Meridan, he is very excited to come and start year 8 at the new secondary high school in January.
Being new to the country, having no network of friends and family, Charlann loves how Aura brings people together. The easy bike paths around Aura make everywhere accessible and safe for the kids to get around. She would love to see Aura Buzzing with excitement and cannot wait to see the Southbank style lagoon. It would also be great to continue having Aura stay clean and safe for the kids to grow up in.
Charlann is looking forward to being part of a committee that wants to drive Aura forward. She wants to help make the future of Aura amazing for our families and to help build a strong local business network.
Stuart Coward - Aura Connected Committee Member
Stuart has lived locally for over forty years and went to Caloundra High School, where he met his wife; they have three wonderful children.
He is currently the executive officer for Steps Group of Companies, which has its national office based in Caloundra. Steps is a not-for-profit organisation supporting disadvantaged members within the community.
Stuart has seen many changes in the region over the years and he has a genuine interest in the safety, security and harmony of Caloundra and its residences. He takes a keen interest in supporting local businesses to grow and create employment opportunities for all.
Community is one of his main focuses, promoting integration and inclusiveness for all members of the region; striving to be of assistance where he can, that one of the reasons he is now a member of Aura Connected.
Michelle R Price - Head of Social Media
Michelle and her husband moved to Aura in 2018. They shifted to the Sunshine Coast from the Gold Coast in 2017 when Michelle was offered a job as a Broadcast Journalist with Grant Broadcasters. Michelle was made redundant during COVID in March 2020 and from there, set up her home business. Michelle still does some freelance journalism and is a Psychic Medium and Reiki and Pranic Energy Practitioner.
Michelle and her husband enjoy doing fitness challenges including Baringa Park Run, Sunshine Coast Kokoda, Spartan and riding the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail with friends,.
Michelle joined Aura Business because she is passionate about people and keeping Aura locals in the loop with what’s happening within their community.
Lauren Higgins - Community Communication Liaison
Venessa Nickless - Secretary
Lauren and her family relocated to the Sunshine Coast and the Aura community in 2021 and has been wondering ever since why she didn’t move here sooner! After a diverse career overseas, at Queensland Ballet, Brisbane Airport and Channel Nine, moving to the Sunshine Coast has encouraged Lauren to really challenge herself and grow her own small business - Discuits (creating and baking healthy natural dog and cat treats) which has been operating part time for over 9 years. Joining the Aura Business Committee initially, she is loving the opportunities the area provides small business and is motivated about connecting community to the talented hardworking local small businesses and helping them thrive.
As a proud Aurian, Lauren joined the Aura Connected Committee in 2022 as she is passionate about connecting and supporting community and keeping residents informed as the area rapidly grows. Creator of the Aura News Facebook page (covering a lighter side of Aura life) and being co-editor of the Aura Connected Newsletter, if you have any news you wish to share with our community, whether an achievement, a concern, a community project or wish to bring a local issue to the residents, please contact Lauren on admin@auraconnected.com.au
Elaine Barclay from Scents by the Sea, Independent Scentsy Consultant, is our Events Planner.
She and her family moved from Kent, in the UK, to the beautiful Sunshine Coast in 2016. They quickly fell in love with the area and built a home in Baringa.
Having been a qualified nurse for 25 years she was ready for a change and embarked on a new adventure that included working in Aged Care and starting her own small Scentsy business.
After joining Spirit Pilates and meeting Charlann Battle she joined Aura Business. Her natural enthusiasm and ability to plan and organise events led to her role on the committee. She loves watching this community grow and being part of its development.
Elaine Barclay - Treasurer
Venessa Nickless, from Mind-Body-Success, arrived in Baringa in 2019.
Knowing just two people, her mission was to meet people, make friends and build up her business.
Little did she know Aura would be such a great place to do all three!
Now part of Aura Business, along with teaching at Spirit pilates studio, she helps clients overcome anxiety, self esteem issues, addictions and more at Mind-Body-Success using a combination of Hypnotherapy, Coaching and Movement.
Venessa is excited to support and help build Local Business and events in the area, continuing to create an amazing community to live in.