Vision for Supporting Community

Championing Youth and Community: No One Left Behind; Uplifting Every Voice

Building a Future Together

Rick McElhinney believes that every individual deserves an opportunity to thrive. With a "no one left behind" mentality, Rick has dedicated his time and resources to empowering youth, strengthening communities, and creating pathways for success. His vision is clear: a united, inclusive society where everyone has the tools to build a better future.

As a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Rick’s commitment to the community shines brightly. He played a pivotal role in raising the funds that made the Oxenford and Coomera Community Youth Centre a reality, providing essential resources and support for local youth. Rick’s home has also been a hub of cultural exchange, personally hosting Rotary Youth

1ST COLUMN

Exchange students from around the globe. He sees Rotary Youth Exchange as a powerful tool to unite the world, build resilience, and foster meaningful relationships and bigger thinking. Rick has kept in touch with the exchange students he has hosted and those outbound students sent from Australia to experience the culture of other countries including Denmark, South Africa, Canada, US, Japan and Germany.

The Concept of No One Left Behind

Central to Rick McElhinney’s philosophy is the belief that every individual is valuable, regardless of their origin, education, or background. This principle drives his mission to create opportunities and uplift those who face significant barriers.

For underprivileged youth, this means access to resources, mentorship, and safe spaces where they can develop their potential and build resilience. Rick’s work through the Coomera Oxenford Community Youth Centre has provided countless young people with these critical tools, ensuring that their circumstances do not define their future.

In addressing domestic violence, Rick’s approach focuses on creating environments of safety and support. By fostering strong, connected communities, he works to empower survivors, provide them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives, and break cycles of abuse.

Rick’s belief in "no one left behind" also extends to entrepreneurial opportunities.

He recognizes that innovative ideas can come from anyone and works to ensure access to the tools and support needed to transform ideas into action. Through initiatives like the Founders Forum, Rick connects underrepresented entrepreneurs with resources, fostering creativity and growth in communities often overlooked.

By valuing every individual, Rick’s vision is one of inclusivity and opportunity. This philosophy not only unites communities but also ensures that every person has a role in building a better future.

Investing in People, Building Communities

Rick’s life’s work is a testament to his values. His hands-on leadership as a founding director of the Oxenford and Coomera Community Youth Centre (2004–2020) and multiple terms as president of the Rotary Club of Coomera Valley highlight his dedication. These efforts have empowered young leaders and strengthened community bonds.

Beyond his Rotary work, Rick’s investments in education and start-ups through Founders Forum showcase his belief in the transformative power of opportunity. By connecting ideas with resources, he ensures that community development and youth empowerment remain central to his mission.

Richard J. McElhinney

Key Moments That Defined a Visionary Journey

Who is Rick McElhinney?

Rick's extensive global experience, from Australia to the USA and Canada, has helped shape his approach to investing, always prioritizing innovation, leadership, and tangible results.

CEO of Sunshine Hydro, a leader in deep energy storage.

Co-founder of successful technology and engineering companies.

Mentor and advisor for start-ups through the Founders Forum.

Author of "Commercializing Innovation," a guide for entrepreneurs.

40+

Years Experience

Rick's Backstory

Working initially with Sinclair Knight Mertz in Sydney and Newcastle, Rick and his wife moved to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada in 1981 to work for Swan Wooster Engineering. Rick became involved as on-site Project Scheduler with the Ridley Island coal loading facility in Prince Rupert some 600 miles north of Vancouver and 40 miles south of the Alaska panhandle. He set up and managed the regional office until 1984.

Always involved in the computer side of engineering, Rick purchased, in 1982, the 4th IBM PC delivered to Canada. With this new tool Rick developed a number of engineering related software packages that were eventually sold throughout the world. With a Canadian partner a software company was founded in early 1984.

Later in 1984, Rick relocated his family and business to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he became involved in developing engineering software to manufacturers in the Midwest region of the USA. The company was taken public in 1987 and became well known for providing computer solutions to engineering companies within the region. The company provided engineering software, training, consulting and custom software development services to over 3,500 aerospace, automotive, medical and manufacturing companies with operations in the Midwest.

During his time in the US, Rick authored “Using AutoCAD” for Que Publishing Corporation, a division of McMillan Publishing, for distribution by the B. Dalton Book Stores. He also authored articles for CAE Magazine, Desktop Engineering and Computer Reseller News. He was speaker at such events as PC Expo, Society of Manufacturing Engineers meetings, company technology days, University programs and Apple Developer conferences. He has participated in the Entrepreneurship & New Ventures program for the Griffith University, Graduate School of Management and was featured in the Bond University MBA Program, "Business Breakthrough Video Series".

Rick has held board positions in manufacturing and technology companies within the US. He is a co-founder of Unlimited Plastics Technology, Inc., a specialist in the engineering design and analysis of high technology plastics components. He was an active member of the University of Toledo Manufacturing and Technology Advisory Board between 1989 and 1993, and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers between 1985 and 2000. He has been a senior member of the Institute of Engineers, Australia since 1978. He is a member of the Bond University Smart Enterprise Research Advisory Committee and the Gold Coast City Council, Regional Economic Development Corporate Advisory Committee.

Since returning to Australia, Rick has invested in and provided advisory services to a number of manufacturing and IT corporations. He was involved in establishing and currently chairs Founders Forum Limited. The Founders Forum is a network of business angels who syndicate their efforts in assisting start-up companies through investment and mentoring. Rick is involved as an equity partner and maintains various levels of involvement including investor, CEO, chairman, director and advisor roles in a number of companies. These companies include:

Sinotech Media, Eduss Broadcast & Media, Inc., Grassads Pty Ltd, Cheeta International Pty Ltd, Eduss Asia Pacific Ltd., Seasafe Pty Ltd., ZVino Pty Ltd., Hydrokinetics, Pty Ltd, CarbonLink Pty Ltd, Angels Institute Pty Ltd., Voxsol Energy Pty Ltd, Australian Biorefining Pty Ltd., Hotshed Limited, Ubaryon Pty Ltd, Gogotech, Inc., KOKO Matrix and Sunshine Hydro Pty LtdRick is CEO of Sunshine Hydro.

Sunshine Hydro's AESOP technology is used to generate highly efficient and cost-effective deep energy storage superhybrid
projects.

During the period from 2007 and 2008 Rick co-authored the book "Commercialising Innovation", which is a concise guide for entrepreneurs, mentors and angel investors. Rick plays an active role in youth programs on the Gold Coast, with 7 years in director roles for the Coomera Valley Rotary Club and as a member of the Coomera-Oxenford Community Youth Centre Management Committee 2003-2021. Rick was awarded a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his efforts in the formation of the Coomera-Oxenford Community Youth Centre.

Explore the visionary investments and projects led by Rick McElhinney, a seasoned investor and mentor with decades of experience across various industries. From renewable energy to cutting-edge technology, Rick’s investments reflect a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth.