May 2024 Newsletter
May 2024 Newsletter
A message from our CEO
Brisbane. Where else in the world would you rather be?
Today marks my second day as CEO of Committee for Brisbane, and I honestly could not imagine a job I would rather be doing.
Starting with a new organisation for the first time in thirteen years is a somewhat daunting task, but thankfully, I’ve been greeted in the office with nothing but smiles, enthusiasm… and even champagne!
Thank you to Liana, Gab and Olivia, the team at BDO and all the members who have reached out to welcome me aboard.
Our office (bunking in with BDO in the Blue Tower) has beautiful views of the Brisbane River, Story Bridge, and the awe-inspiring construction of the Kangaroo Point Bridge and Brisbane Waterfront. I doubt there is a more fitting location for the Committee for Brisbane team to meet, work and be amongst the positive activity taking place in this incredible city and region.
The Committee for Brisbane is all about its members and bringing their diversity of energy, ideas, vision and creativity to life in shaping Greater Brisbane as the world’s most liveable place.
Over my first few weeks and months, it is my aim to meet with as many members as I can to hear your ideas, views and suggestions on how we- as a collective voice- can positively shape Brisbane’s future.
I also hope to see many of you at our final headline event for the financial year next Tuesday- Future SEQ: designing our legacy outcomes. An important conversation, featuring a stellar line up of speakers.
Finally, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Gab, Olivia and Liana- supported by the Executive Committee- who have done such a wonderful job in continuing to service the membership ahead of my start date. I am excited to be working with you all!
Future SEQ: Designing our legacy outcomes
Join us for our last headline event for the financial year.
In March 2021, Committee for Brisbane members set a vision statement for SEQ for the next decade.
“By 2033, south east Queensland will be a region of international renown, proudly recognised for the celebration of its rich, ancient cultures and its contemporary creativity. It will have a thriving, sustainable and adaptable economy, anchored by a warm, open and inclusive community”.
Now is the time to articulate what SEQ could look like in 2050 and now is the time to more boldly plan for and deliver on a more liveable future for all. What is our region’s ambitious vision, and what actions (now, before 2032 and post) are needed to create a sustaining legacy for SEQ as a host region?
With the catalytic opportunity provided by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Committee is driving the need for a clearer and more aspirational set of goals and ambitions for the future, matched with well-resourced and measurable implementation mechanisms and targets for the region.
Our expert panel include:
- Brett Clark AM – fellow Advisory Council Member, Brisbane 2032 Board Member, Co-Founder of Chemist Warehouse
- Tessa Leggo – Queensland Chapter President for the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
- Wayne Gerard – former Qld Chief Entrepreneur, Brisbane 2032 Legacy Committee Member and Founder @ PartnerVentures
- Chris Poynter – General Manager of Transurban
Corporate Leader Member Deloitte will provide the keynote presentation.
Register your spot below – ticket sales close Thursday, 6th June
From Observation to Advocacy: A First Nations perspective
We asked Alice Currie, our First Nations Board Observer, to share with us her experience with being a part of this project.
“CareerTrackers opened a door I never thought I’d walk through. The First Nations Board Experience project wasn’t just an opportunity to observe, it was an invitation to envision myself as a catalyst for change. Sitting in that boardroom, I was awed by the professionalism, respect, and dedication of the members. Every decision, every discussion carried the significant weight of shaping Brisbane’s future. It was a masterclass in leadership, responsibility, and the power of diverse perspectives.
The diverse composition of the board was particularly enlightening. Each member brought a unique viewpoint to the table, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas, especially regarding Brisbane’s future and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Observing how these accomplished individuals viewed the Games as a catalyst for long-term progress, rather than just a singular event, was profoundly inspiring.
This experience wasn’t just about absorbing knowledge, it ignited a fire within me. I attended various Committee for Brisbane events outside the board meetings, each more inspiring than the last. These events focused on designing a legacy of outcomes from the Games, with expert panel discussions that deeply impressed me.
Following this pivotal experience, I was presented with an exciting opportunity to serve as the First Nations representative for the Equity Sub-Committee within the Committee for Brisbane. This role, along with the First Nations Board Experience project, marked a shift from passive observation to active participation in governance. These experiences were not just about witnessing governance they were about taking the first steps toward ensuring that First Nations people have representation and a ‘seat at the table.’
The journey from observer to First Nations representative has begun, and I am committed to contributing meaningfully to our community’s future.”
Connectivity Sub-Committee Update
The sub-committee has been looking at how connectivity plays an important role in greater Brisbane becoming the world’s most liveable place.
Members have been delving into some of the barriers and potential solutions to connectivity of reaching public transport hubs both from the starting point and then from the station to their chosen destination. Members will use personas to look more closely at individual journeys and where some of the opportunities may be for better local connectivity.
The sub-committee is also looking at how connected cities are from a strolling, rolling, riding and gliding perspective. To shine more light on connectivity the sub-committee is developing a podcast with the first installment talking to Michael Majors on neuro-architecture looking at how to design and connect spaces that embrace all our senses. Michael also shared his ideas on how Brisbane could utilise Fan Trails for events. Fan Trails would include creating unique spaces around events that showcase arts, culture and/or heritage for participants to immerse in enhancing the event experience.
Equity Sub-Committee
The Equity Sub-Committee has been working on initiatives to support organisations to overcome structural barriers to equity.
As part of this work the sub-committee has focused on disability employment and has undertaken a member survey to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for member organisations in employing and retaining people with disability. The survey closed on the 27 May 2024 with the results being used to inform the next stages of the sub-committee’s activities looking at storytelling and resources to support more organisations with disability employment.
To build a better understand of this important topic the Equity Sub-Committee welcomed guest speaker Prof Paul Harpur from the University of Queensland Law School and uLaunch board member and Karena Newland, CEO and Christina Jeong from uLaunch who shared their valuable insights on employment for people with disability. Prof Paul Harpur a former Paralympian talked about ways in which Committee for Brisbane members could support more employment of people with disability through disability inclusive work practices. Prof Harpur also talked about some of uLaunch’s initiatives including the ‘Employment Consultant Traineeship Program.’ This year-long program has significantly enhanced skills and opened new employment avenues for individuals with disabilities, boasting an impressive 77% completion rate.
Business of the Games: Earning a Social License for the Games
On Thursday, May 21, we hosted 70 corporate leaders and members at the tenth instalment in our Business of the Games series, where Mott MacDonald’s expert, Kerry Scott, Global Lead for Environment and Society, delivered an insightful presentation on social licence. Kerry discussed how we can establish clear outcomes, clarity, and metrics as we approach Brisbane 2032, drawing on her experiences working with the London Games in 2012. Her insights highlighted the crucial role social licence plays in the successful planning, delivery, and legacy of the host city, emphasising the five C’s: clarity, conviction and commitment, context, communication and collaboration, and credibility.
As the host city, our goal is to leave the Games in better shape than previous ones, benefiting not only the brand but also the athletes and community. We learned that achieving this requires co-designing with the people who live, work, and play here to establish credibility and create significant impacts.
Additionally, we had a panel discussion featuring Jacob Anson, Brisbane Lions, Dr. Caroline Riot, Griffith University, and Kerry Petersen, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee. They underscored the importance of our organisational strategy and the value the Games will bring to Brisbane and the broader SEQ region, and how important it is that the Games are not only measurably beneficial, but also visibly.
A special thank you to Mott MacDonald for hosting the event.
Westpac Economic Update
We heard from Westpac Senior Economist, Justin Smirk, on the current and forecasted landscape of the economy.
Our Corporate Leader members were invited to attend a private briefing with Westpac to discuss in detail the outcomes of the newly announced Federal Budget. The presentation delivered by Justin, provided an engaging and informative overview, offering a deep dive into the economic variables and scenarios that the business community will face in the coming year and beyond.
Justin’s expertise shed light on key economic trends, helping to demystify the complexities of the current economic landscape. The insights covered a range of critical issues, from market fluctuations to policy impacts, equipping our leaders with the knowledge they need to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Justin Smirk and the entire Westpac team for their invaluable contribution to this event. Their insights not only provided clarity but also spurred meaningful discussions among our attendees, fostering a better understanding of the economic environment we as a community are trying to navigate.
As we move forward, the perspectives shared at the briefing will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping our strategic decisions and driving our collective success.
Corporate Member and Affiliates EOFY drinks
We are looking forward to welcoming our Corporate Members and Affiliate Members for another fun afternoon of drinks at nibbles at Howard Smith Wharves, to celebrate the End of the Financial Year.
This is always a fantastic event and allows our Corporate Members and Affiliates an opportunity to network and enjoy a relaxed afternoon overlooking the Brisbane River.
If you haven’t already, please register your tickets using the link provided here
We look forward to seeing you there.
Event Details:
When: Friday, 14 June
Where: Howard Smith Wharves, Felons Brewing Co.
Price: $30pp ex gst
Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Committee for Brisbane, please reach out to our Chief Partnership Officer, Liana Heath, who will be able to discus with you our membership options and benefits or visit our website and register your interest today.
We look forward to seeing you there.
New Members
The Committee recently welcomed one new corporate member and two Affiliates.
Corporate Member
- Downer Group
Affiliates
- Orange Sky
- Anywhere Festival
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