Our Team
Donna Shannon
Director and Creator
Donna was raised on Stradbroke Island and enjoyed a blissful, scruffy hair, barefoot, organic childhood. She is in her true happy place, and absolutely loves creating outstanding celebrations for her clients and for family and friends. She has always lived by the saying." If you are not having fun…You are doing it the wrong way."
It was the convergence of Donna’s creativity, deep love for Straddie, and her genuine passion for connecting with others that led her to recognise a gap in the island’s offering. In 2011, she founded Stradbroke Island Events, a business dedicated to delivering events that honour both the beauty of the island and the stories of those celebrating here.
In 2022, Donna expanded her vision with the launch of Oasis on Straddie, a relaxed, stylish island eatery bringing woodfired pizzas, bold Mexican flavours, and warm hospitality to the heart of Point Lookout. Together, both ventures reflect Donna’s passion for creating meaningful, memorable experiences.
Donna loves to travel and most importantly connecting with people. She spends her spare time seeking answers to life’s big questions and loves to be in nature.
Femke Reinberge
Event planner
Femke is a happy wedding-planner from the Netherlands. A swooner over love stories and beautiful details, you can expect a tear or two from her at the magical moment of "I do." She loves love!
A few years back, she swapped grey skies for tropical sunshine and joined us here at Stradbroke Island Events. With years of experience, a keen eye for detail, and a heart full of passion, Femke is here to help you create a wedding that’s stylish, personal, and full of joy. She aims to make your journey as relaxed as possible. Whether you're dreaming of a laid-back beach reception or an elegant celebration under the stars, Fem will be right by your side, bringing it to life; with a smile, a plan, and maybe a sneaky happy tear or two.
Nell Shannon
Planner, Creative & Island Girl at Heart
Born and raised on North Straddie, Nell spent the first 21 years of her life soaking up all the beauty the island has to offer - she knows it inside and out! She’s been part of Stradbroke Island Events since its conception, starting out folding napkins and ironing tablecloths, then moving behind the bar once she was old enough to get her RSA. At 19, she stepped into the creative side of the business, focusing on social media, marketing and graphics, before officially taking on event planning, utalising her expertise of the island and love for creating beautiful celebrations.
Three years ago Nell shifted from one island to the next and relocated to Indonesia. Although she’s no longer based on Straddie, she regularly flies back to assist with big events and connect with the team in person. She’s a multi-skilled powerhouse who you’ll find working on our marketing, and consulting with our clients to help them create their dream events.
When not at work, you’ll find Nell long boarding with friends, chasing the sunshine somewhere along the coast of Lombok or working on her own creative projects.
Jackie Harris
Accounts
While some roles are more visible when event planning, it’s the quiet dedication happening behind the scenes that allows everything to run smoothly. Jackie is one of these essential people. Having been with us since 2012, she manages our accounts with unwavering care, precision, and a genuine connection to the island we’re proud to work on.
Her affinity for Straddie runs deep, and if you ask her where she’d get married, it’s always Straddie—no hesitation.
“To be in love and ready to commit to one another is a sacred blessing,” she says. “I feel genuinely honoured to support couples, even from behind the scenes.”
Outside of her work with Stradbroke Island Events, Jackie can be found teaching yoga and Pilates, or walking her dog along the shoreline she loves.
Asha Easteal
Marketing & Communications
With a background spanning more than 15 years in corporate communications and marketing, along with experience running her own wellness business specialising in yoga and massage, Asha brings both strategic and creative strengths to Stradbroke Island Events.
Working behind the scenes, she plays a vital role in shaping our processes, strengthening our brand assets and ensuring our team is supported to deliver exceptional events.
Asha has a deep and personal connection to Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, having lived here on and off for many years. She celebrated her own wedding on the island, an occasion that remains one of her most cherished memories, and her son was born here adding to the significance Straddie holds in her life.
Now travelling full-time with her husband and young son, Asha continues to contribute her expertise remotely, allowing her to remain closely connected to both the island and our team. Her passion for the island and commitment to the success of our events make her an integral part of the Stradbroke Island Events family.
Your vision, perfectly realised
From the first spark of an idea to the final detail, our team specialises in creating effortless, elegant celebrations that feel both natural and deeply personal. If you’re ready to begin shaping your dream island event, we’d love to curate something truly exceptional for you.