Council Members in the Taxi Industry

The Taxi Council of Queensland is recognised as the peak body representing the taxi industry in Queensland. Councillors of the TCQ are elected based on their experience, passion, and skills. They include current taxi drivers, operators, licence owners and taxi booking company managers who have extensive experience in the taxi industry, and who can generously share their knowledge about the industry. Councillors contribute widely to the taxi industry in a variety of ways including helping to develop taxi businesses and providing constructive advice.

Taxi Council of Queensland - Presidents

The Board comprises the President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, and the CEO of the Taxi Council (Blair Davies). 3 Councillors elected by the Council who are:

Max McBride (President of the Taxi Council of Queensland)

I am currently the President of the Taxi Council of Queensland, a position I have held since 2002. I oversee all facets of the Taxi Council of Queensland’s decisions, such as marketing and liaising with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, as well as corresponding with various State Government ministers. In this role I watch over all activities across Queensland, however I am located in Mackay. I first joined the industry in 1981, as a driver in NSW. However due to family commitments I moved back to my hometown of Mackay. I currently look after 5 cars, and I am in partnership with 3 others in Yepoon. In addition to my position as President of TCQ, I am also a board member for the Taxi Industry (Australia) Insurance Brokers and Capricorn Cabs.

Bill Parker (Senior Vice President of the Taxi Council of Queensland)

I am General Manager for Yellow Cabs. I oversee all operational areas of Yellow Cabs, within Brisbane. As well as being the current Senior Vice President for the Taxi Council of Queensland, I am also a member of the Taxi Industry Advisory Committee, which represents the interests of the taxi industry (including taxi drivers), unions, disability and other key user groups. I am also the Yellow Cabs representative for media enquiries. I regularly attend State conferences and am an active member of the Taxi industry.

John Tighe (Junior Vice President of the Taxi Council of Queensland)

I am the General Manager of Black and White Cabs. My duties are to oversee all aspects of the business – marketing, training, call centre management, fleet operations and general administration. This covers the Brisbane metro region, as well as Toowoomba (Garden City Cabs). I joined the taxi industry on 23 January 1988, as an owner-driver with Garden City Cabs in Toowoomba. In September 1988 I was elected as a Cooperative Board Member and in 1992 I was elected as Manager of Garden City Cabs. I left Toowoomba in early 2003 and was appointed as General Manager of Black & White Cabs in September 2003. I have been a member of the Taxi Council since 1994, and I am the current Junior Vice President. I served 3 terms as President of the Taxi Council from 1999. I am currently a Member of the Strategic Planning Committee and the DDA Reference Group. I believe Queensland delivers the best taxi industry in Australia, due to the hard work of all of our drivers, taxi operators, license owners and industry colleagues. In its role as the Peak Industry Body, the Taxi Council of Queensland provides the lead voice in the delivery of all that is good about our industry.

Taxi Council Queensland - The Board

3 Councillors elected by the Council onto the Board who are:

Layne Gardiner

 I am currently the Chairman of Directors of Black & White Taxis, for the Cairns region. I initially joined the Board of Black and White in 1989 and became Chairman in 1991 and after several years absence rejoined the Board. This is my third term as a director. I started as a bailee driver in 1981, leasing my first taxi two years later and purchasing a taxi in 1987. My wife Ellen and I now own and operate three taxis, one of which is a wheelchair accessible vehicle. The taxi industry has been very kind to me because it has afforded my family and me a lifestyle that cannot be beaten. I am very passionate about the taxi industry, which is one of the main reasons I joined TCQ, as it is imperative that regional centers’ input is considered for major decisions that affect our state. Previously holding positions as call centre manager, driver trainer and having driven for 29 years I am able to appreciate issues that affect drivers, operators, owners and taxi booking companies. I was elected as a TCQ Councillor four years ago and am in my second term as a TCQ Board member.

Martin O'Riordan

I am currently the CEO of Gold Coast Cabs, which covers the area from Pimpama to the NSW border. There are currently 352 taxis in our fleet. I am responsible for all of the business’s operations, which encompasses training, finance, compliance with regulatory policy, human resources, marketing, technology, customer service and other ad hoc duties. Since joining the council in 2008 and subsequently becoming a TCQ board member in 2009 I have ensured that my passion for the industry is channelled towards achieving equitable outcomes for all levels of the industry. I firmly believe in representing drivers, owners, operators and booking companies as everyone in our industry is integral to our continued success and prosperity.

Noel Spain

 I am currently a board member of the Taxi Council of Queensland for the South West region. Over the past 5 years, I have held a number of roles of importance within the industry; Chairman of the Toowoomba Representative Committee, Board member of the TCQ, and I have been a constituent of a number of Committees run by the Toowoomba City Council (Access Disability and Parking and Traffic respectively). In my current role at Garden City Cabs, I am involved in all areas of the business, such as assisting in the repairs and the general running of the day to day duties. I even do a few shifts when I can, but not as many as I would like. I have been involved in the taxi industry for 30 years – I started in 1980 when I bought my first taxi. Now I manage a fleet of 24 cars.

The Taxi Council of Queensland - Councillors

14 Remaining Councillors who are:

Allan Bond

I am the Managing Director of Black & White Taxis Maryborough, which means I am directly involved in all areas of the taxi business – administration, driver recruitment and training, dealing with DTMR etc. I have had two stints in the industry – firstly as an owner-driver from 1980-1988, and then again from 1999 to the present. I currently manage 4 taxis. My goal as a Councillor is to work for TCQ’s members in my area; I am new to this side of the business but it is something I feel very passionately about, and I look forward to working towards this goal.

John Lobwein

Before entering the taxi industry I was involved in credit management and finance. I received my Driver’s Authorization in Oct 1989, and owned a TSV License from 1996 - 2009. I was the Managing Director of Townsville Taxis from 1999 to 2008, but have since moved to Suncoast Cabs, in the position of General Manager. We look after the Sunshine Coast region. In terms of involvement within the Taxi Council of Queensland, I have been a member of the Executive since 2001; as a board member from 2003 – 2009 and the Junior Vice President from 2005 – 2008. I was on the Driver of the Year Committee in 2008-09.

Kathy Boorman

I started casually driving in July 1985, and in 1989 became a full time driver. I am now the Taxi Services Manager for Black and White Cabs. I am mostly involved in the buying and selling of taxi licenses and fleet growth. Whilst I am based in the Brisbane metropolitan region, I often assist companies across the entire state. I am both a TCQ Councillor and a member of the TCQ Metropolitan Committee, and I take great pleasure and pride in both of these roles. I have enjoyed my 20+ years in the taxi business, and I am very excited by the technological advances, and I look forward to where we are going as an industry in the future.

Darryl Briais

2011 will be my 21st year in the industry – I started in July 1990 as an Owner-Driver. Whilst I am no longer on the road, I am heavily involved in marketing and customer service for Yellow Cabs; in the Brisbane metropolitan region, as well as Toowoomba. I have been a part of the Yellow Owners Association for 9 years, and on the Taxi Council of Queensland for 5 years. I have also been a member of the TCQ Metropolitan Committee on and off over the years as well. I regularly attend state conferences, as well as the last 3 national conferences. I enjoy working to keep the Taxi Council of Queensland as the only voice in the industry.

Kevin Connolly

I am a Director of Complete Taxi Management, based at Virginia. We look after approximately 70 cabs across the Brisbane Metropolitan region. Whilst I am not directly involved in day-to-day operations, I have some influence over all aspects of the business. I still try to drive at least 1 shift a week, so I can ‘keep my hand in’. I started driving in 1996, as a license owner. I also leased 2 licenses and became a Director of Complete Taxi Management at this time. Over the years I have been involved in Regent Cabs (now Gold Coast Cabs) as Driver Trainer, recruitment as well as both “Roads” and “By-laws Disputes” committee. I was elected as a TCQ Councillor in 2004 and regularly attend TCQ conferences. I find the taxi industry challenging, as one must be very conscious of costs. I find my past life of being involved in Human Resource Management has helped in dealing with people on a daily basis.

Gerry DiLucchio

I am the Fleet Manager for KG Taxi Management, based in Brisbane. Daily duties include managing all driver activities (recruitment, training etc), maintenance, inspections etc. I first joined the industry in January 1993, as a motor mechanic. There are currently 73 cars in the fleet and we look after the Brisbane Metropolitan region. I have been a TCQ Councillor for two years, and was a TCQ Metropolitan committee member for 2 years previously. I am happy to be a part of this industry and hope to continue the good work of the Taxi Council for years to come.

Bruce Erwin

 I am a Driver and owner within the Brisbane Metro region. On average I do 50 hours a week, usually a mix of day and night shifts. I have been in the industry since May 1986, and have been a member of the Metropolitan committee since October 2009. I have also been a part of the Yellow Owners Association, as well as the Maxi Taxi Owners Association.

Scott Gist

I am currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Standard White Cabs. Primarily we cover Townsville, however we also bureau to Mackay, Gladstone, Magnetic Island and Charters Towers. In terms of a scope of duties, I am primarily concerned with our interactions with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, on higher level issues that the board approves; such as Education and Service contracts. I started in the industry in May 1995, as a part-time casual driver, and I have been a TCQ Councillor since September 2008.

Gareth Hughes

I am located on the Gold Coast, and an owner-operator. I am very hands-on in all facets of the business, which includes rostering of drivers, driving a few shifts, light maintenance and cleaning, whilst my wife Sue helps look after the administration. I started driving taxis in 1990 in Sydney, before moving to the Gold Coast in 1991. At the moment we operate 9 taxis that we bail to approximately 35 drivers. My aim is to ensure the Queensland taxi industry remains a strong and viable industry for stakeholders and customers alike.

Alf Intelisano

 I have come into the industry through my dad, so I guess you could say I am a second-generation taxi driver and license owner. I started in the industry in December 1995 as a driver/operator, and currently look after 31 cars. On a day-to-day basis I look after office administration, accounts and drivers – everything from recruitment to training etc. My region is Brisbane Metropolitan, as well as the Gold Coast. I am a TCQ Councillor, and have been on the committee that selects the ‘Cabbie of the Year’ for the past 3 years. I also attend both State and National conferences regularly. With regards to the industry, I don’t think we should be afraid of change, however the change must be beneficial for all of us.

Michael Keily

I am a Director for Rocky Cabs. On a daily basis I am involved in the administration, marketing, drivers (including recruitment and training) and liaising with DTMR. As the name suggests, we are based and service the Rockhampton area. We own and operate 7 taxis. I started in the industry in October 1993 as a license owner, and in June 1994 started driving. I moved to my current role in 1997. I was elected to the Taxi Council in September 2009. Looking forward, I think technology will play a big part, and I think the next 10 years will be an exciting time and I will be watching closely to see what security measures will be implemented, for drivers and patrons alike.

Stefan Przybysz

I am currently the Chairman of the Yellow Owners Association, and my scope of duties includes the inspections of vehicles, providing an overview of company marketing, liaising with drivers, suggesting ideas for training as well as a myriad of other operational tasks. The area I cover is all over Brisbane, as well as Ipswich and Redcliffe. When I first joined the industry trams were still running! I became a Driver in 1968, and bought my first taxi in 1973. I now look after a fleet of 20 vehicles. I have been a member of the Taxi Council’s Executive for the past 10 years in various roles. For example, I was a member of the Panel that dealt with the introduction of the Security Cameras, approximately 5 years ago. I feel that the taxi industry is constantly changing, we are facing numerous challenges and I hope to work through them collectively.

Leonie Smith

I started in the industry 20 years ago, as an owner/driver. I now lease/manage 85 taxi licences and am director of First Class Taxis Pty Ltd. I assist in the rostering and supervision of 370 drivers and general administration of this depot. I also oversee the mechanical and panel division. This will be my second year as a TCQ Councillor. I am very passionate about the creation and maintenance of standards within the industry, particularly regarding drivers. A lot can be said about other issues, but it is my personal belief that we need to be focused on driver standards, as this will be the critical point for the future of this industry.

Taxi Council of Queensland - The Metropolitan Committee

The Metropolitan Committee comprises 5 members nominated by Black & White Cabs and 5 members nominated by Yellow Cabs.

(NB. The Metropolitan Committee deals with matters exclusive to Brisbane and the role of Chairperson is rotated on an annual basis.)

Stefan Przybysz

I am currently the Chairman of the Yellow Owners Association, and my scope of duties includes the inspections of vehicles, providing an overview of company marketing, liaising with drivers, suggesting ideas for training as well as a myriad of other operational tasks. The area I cover is all over Brisbane, as well as Ipswich and Redcliffe. When I first joined the industry trams were still running! I became a Driver in 1968, and bought my first taxi in 1973. I now look after a fleet of 20 vehicles. I have been a member of the Taxi Council’s Executive for the past 10 years in various roles. For example, I was a member of the Panel that dealt with the introduction of the Security Cameras, approximately 5 years ago. I feel that the taxi industry is constantly changing, we are facing numerous challenges and I hope to work through them collectively.

Kathy Boorman

I started casually driving in July 1985, and in 1989 became a full time driver. I am now the Taxi Services Manager for Black and White Cabs. I am mostly involved in the buying and selling of taxi licenses and fleet growth. Whilst I am based in the Brisbane metropolitan region, I often assist companies across the entire state. I am both a TCQ Councillor and a member of the TCQ Metropolitan Committee, and I take great pleasure and pride in both of these roles. I have enjoyed my 20+ years in the taxi business, and I am very excited by the technological advances, and I look forward to where we are going as an industry in the future.

Bruce Erwin

I am a Driver and owner within the Brisbane Metro region. On average I do 50 hours a week, usually a mix of day and night shifts. I have been in the industry since May 1986, and have been a member of the Metropolitan committee since October 2009. I have also been a part of the Yellow Owners Association, as well as the Maxi Taxi Owners Association.

Darryl Briais

2011 will be my 21st year in the industry – I started in July 1990 as an Owner-Driver. Whilst I am no longer on the road, I am heavily involved in marketing and customer service for Yellow Cabs; in the Brisbane metropolitan region, as well as Toowoomba. I have been a part of the Yellow Owners Association for 9 years, and on the Taxi Council of Queensland for 5 years. I have also been a member of the TCQ Metropolitan Committee on and off over the years as well. I regularly attend state conferences, as well as the last 3 national conferences. I enjoy working to keep the Taxi Council of Queensland as the only voice in the industry.

Peter Wilson

I am the secretary of the Yellow Owners Association and have been on the committee for three years. I own and operate a maxi taxi (1226). I deliberately bought a maxi to do wheelchair work.  In an earlier life, I was both a high school teacher (21 years) and a hotel manager (12 years). I like being with people and have a penchant for assisting the disabled. With a background in human movements and health education, I feel able to contribute to their causes. I have been involved in representative groups relating to maxi service since I first bought a licence. Over the past three years I have been actively training many drivers for their wheelchair accessible driving authorisation.

Per Dinesen

I started as a part-time driver in May 1989, and switched to full-time in October of that year. I became a Lessee Operator in 1993, and bought a Maxi Taxi License in 2007. I currently own 1 vehicle. I am the Chairman of the Black and White Operators Group and 1 of 2 Senior Road Supervisors. I look after Black and White Rank Supervision, maintenance of Uniform, Car and Fleet Standards, and I also assist drivers where necessary. I also have input into marketing and various operational issues. I am based in the Brisbane Metropolitan region, and have been a long-serving member of the TCQ Metropolitan Committee - approximately 9 years – and alternate chairman for the last 6 years. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English from Macquarie University. I have been a part of the taxi industry for so many years because I like the opportunities it gives, and I enjoy working with the public.

Mick Skinner

I am the Fleet Operations Manager for Black & White Cabs (Brisbane Metropolitan Region). On a day-to-day basis, I look after complaints, driver recruitment and training, lost property enquiries, fleet inspections, driver performance, and CCTV downloads. I also manage our Rank and Road Supervisors. I started in March 2006, coming from 26 years at Queensland Rail. As well as being the current Chairman of the TCQ Metropolitan Committee, I am also involved in a number of fleet operator committees within the Black & White organization.

Matthew O'Neill

I am currently a taxi driver in the Brisbane area, and working as a Shift Advisor at Yellow Cabs. I have been in the taxi industry for more than 20 years since I started working as a taxi driver in 1988. With over 20 years' experience, I have seen the taxi industry in Queensland grow as Brisbane has expanded, and the taxi industry is now very modern. I joined the TCQ Metropolitan Committee in 2011, and I am very glad that I can provide a voice for the taxi industry as a member of the committee. I enjoy working as a taxi driver and take an active interest in the growth of the taxi industry in Queensland.

Occhi Oner

I own and run my own 12 car business class depot. I look after all features of the business, from the maintenance of the cars, changeover between shifts, private bookings and drivers (including training and recruitment). I pride myself on my high standards in customer service. I operate in the Brisbane Metro region, and have been involved in the industry since 2005. I have been on the Metro committee for 2 years. I firmly believe we need professional conductors for the industry.

David Singh