The Story of Ocean Network: Platform to People

In 2017, I didn’t start Ocean Network as a “network.” I started it because I needed help.

At the time, I was launching Social Ocean and trying to turn years of hands-on experience in social media into a real, viable business. I had just come out of managing more than 60 social media profiles using corporate-level tools—systems that, if I were to purchase them myself, would have cost close to $30,000. My startup budget was $1,000, so I had to think differently.

Instead of buying tools, I built access to people.

Ocean Network began as a simple Facebook Group. I added people I trusted—business owners, experienced professionals, and leaders I respected. People I knew would give honest answers if I asked a question. For good measure, I also added some of my closest friends and family, because every startup needs a balance of strategy and support.

Within 24 hours, there were just over 50 people in the group.

That group became my sounding board. I used it to test branding ideas, refine services, ask questions, and work through decisions. I couldn’t be more grateful to every person who said yes to being part of that early stage, because their input played a role in helping me build what Social Ocean is today.

About eight months later, at a social Christmas gathering at The Belvedere in Woody Point, a conversation shifted everything. I was talking with my great mate Leanne Blaney and our friend Tenille about how I was wanting more from business groups locally. What I had experienced elsewhere, and what I knew was possible, simply didn’t exist on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

To my surprise, both Leanne and Tenille felt exactly the same way. By the end of that conversation, we had agreed to create what we were looking for, not just for ourselves, but for our local business community as well.

Naturally, the next question was what we would call it. I shared that I already had a Facebook group filled with the exact kind of people we wanted to bring together, and how easily it could grow. The only hesitation was the name. It was called “Ocean Network,” a name I had originally chosen for myself, as most things I create tend to include the word “ocean.”

Both women immediately connected with it. It made sense for our location, for the community we were building, and for the feeling we wanted the group to have. So we kept it, and Ocean Network became something much bigger than just my original idea.

Not long after, I approached The Belvedere, who jumped at the opportunity to host a regular business group at their venue. They have been some of our biggest supporters ever since.

Our first event was held in February 2018, and what had started as an online space to ask questions became a room full of people doing the same thing, just in real time.

Over the years, Ocean Network has evolved while staying consistent where it matters most.

In 2018, we held one morning and one evening event per month. But with low numbers at evening events, we shifted to morning only.

In 2019, Tenille moved interstate, and Leanne and I continued on together.

In 2020, during COVID lockdowns, we moved to Zoom meetings, maintaining our fortnightly rhythm and even welcoming interstate presenters into the space.

In 2022, while The Belvedere underwent major renovations, we temporarily hosted our events at their sister venue, The Komo.

In 2024, we moved to a new space within the venue, which improved accessibility, comfort, and the overall experience for our guests.

In 2025, we held our first event outside of The Belvedere or The Komo, with a visit to Queensland’s Parliament House thanks to one of our original members, and now local MP, Kerri-Anne Dooley. The following month, we celebrated our 150th event milestone.

Now in 2026, we mark nine years of Ocean Network. Nine years of showing up, twice a month, from February through to November each year.

Ocean Network has never just been a networking group. It has always been a space where people can ask questions without hesitation, share knowledge without ego, and stay connected to others who understand what it takes to build something of their own.

What started as a workaround became a community.

If there is one thing I have learned through Ocean Network, it is that you do not need more tools. You need the right people in the room.

To the original members, to every attendee, speaker, supporter, and venue partner, and to Leanne and Tenille for saying yes in that early conversation, thank you. You didn’t just join a group, you helped build something that has lasted nine years, and continues to grow.

Ocean Network still exists in the same place it started, as a Facebook Group, continuing to connect business owners who value conversation, insight, and support. With refinements over the last nine years, it’s a space for event attending guests to post about anything they find relevant to their business or to others.

And it’s the place where all our events are announced and invitations sent from.

If that sounds like the kind of space you’ve been looking for, you’re always welcome to join us. Simply use your personal Facebook profile to send an invite: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheOceanNetwork