Hervey Bay’s slice of sweet success

TWO decades ago, Debbie Nielsen never imagined her name would be recognised on a national stage.

When she first moved to Queensland, she worked long, thankless shifts cleaning at a nursing home. But one glance at a “for sale” sign on a Hervey Bay bakery would change the course of her life.

With no background in baking or business, Debbie and her husband Darren decided to take a leap of faith and purchase The Cheesecake Shop Hervey Bay.

What started as a daunting challenge quickly became a story of determination, resilience, and community spirit.

Today, 23 years later, Debbie has transformed the store into a thriving local hub and has just been named the winner of The Cheesecake Shop’s Culture Champion Award.

Chosen from more than 250 stores across Australia and New Zealand, the award recognises her exceptional leadership, business acumen, and commitment to the community.

Community involvement has always been central to Debbie’s journey. This year, her Hervey Bay team raised the most donations nationwide for the Make-A-Wish campaign, supporting a family and their young daughter Quinn.

“Community means everything to us — without their support, we simply wouldn’t be here,” Debbie said.

Her efforts extend far beyond fundraising campaigns. Over the years, she has quietly donated cakes for memorials, supported countless charity events, and created centrepieces for weddings and birthdays that have become lasting memories for local families.

In 2017, her hard work and dedication earned her the title of Franchisee of the Year, further cementing her reputation as both a skilled business operator and a compassionate community member.

From cleaner to cake decorator to Culture Champion, Debbie’s story is a reminder that passion and perseverance can turn even the most unlikely beginnings into something extraordinary.

For Hervey Bay, she is more than just a business owner—she is proof that when community and enterprise come together, the results are truly sweet.