Last week, the Committee for Brisbane was proud to welcome members and guests to our Going for Gold: Lifting the Economic Trajectory lunch, an event that explored the extraordinary opportunity presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Timed to mark seven years to go until the Opening Ceremony, the event was both a celebration and a call to action, reminding us that the path to a meaningful Games legacy starts now.

We kicked off with an energetic and inspiring conversation hosted by Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook OAM OLY, Paralympic champion Chris Bond OAM PLY, and rising Olympic hopeful Olivia Wright. Their experiences and passion brought the spirit of the Games to life and reminded us of the power of sport to inspire the next generation.

The event also saw the official launch of Deloitte Access Economics’ new report, Going for Gold: The economic opportunity for the taking. With modelling estimating up to $71 billion in national economic and social benefits, the report highlights the scale of potential, and the need for coordinated, long-term planning.

This set the stage for a thought-provoking panel discussion with some of the key figures shaping Brisbane 2032:

• Hon Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Mark Arbib, CEO, Australian Olympic Committee
• Andrew Liveris AO, President, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee
• Ann Sherry AO, Chancellor, QUT

Together, they unpacked the report’s findings and discussed how government, industry, and community can work together to ensure the Games deliver lasting value across infrastructure, innovation, inclusion, and economic growth.

With the Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan released, funding commitments made, and private sector interest growing, the Brisbane 2032 Games are quickly moving from vision to reality.

Thank you to our Major Sponsors, QUT for supporting the event and to all our members, partners, and speakers who joined us for this milestone moment. The countdown is on, and together, we have the opportunity to shape a legacy that extends well beyond the finish line.

For those who couldn’t attend, we encourage you to explore the full Deloitte Access Economics report.

Going for Gold: The economic opportunity for the taking | Deloitte Australia

Check out the photos from the event here.

Going for Gold: 7 Years to Go – The Committee for Brisbane

Each year, in the first week of July, NAIDOC Week is celebrated. This important annual event is to recognise the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander peoples, while also serving as an opportunity to learn about First Nations histories.

This year’s theme was ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, which focused on the critical role young leaders have across generations in shaping pride, unity and self-determination.

Not just in Brisbane but all over Australia, a number of NAIDOC events took place, celebrating this year’s theme and the importance of ongoing recognition.

For more information on this year’s NAIDOC week, the awards and future activities please visit the official NAIDOC website here.

It has been a busy month for the 2032 Games. With only 7 years to go, July has seen the confirmation of a new funding deal, the announcement of a new Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) CEO, changes to the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee Board, and the opening of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Victoria Park Master Plan.

New infrastructure funding deal confirmed

2032 Games procurement is now underway for work to commence at four minor but key Games venues across Queensland, including Logan Indoor Sports Centre, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, the Barlow Park Stadium upgrade and the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade.

This comes on the back of a new agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments, which refines the Australian Government’s $3.435 billion contribution to the Games Venue Infrastructure Program.

The updated agreement will ensure legacy Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure is delivered for 2032 and beyond, updating the agreement to reflect not only minor venue commencement but Victoria Park and the National Aquatic Centre, which will both serve as the heart of the 2032 Games precinct.

For more information on the updated agreement and the 2032 Delivery Plan please see here.

Victoria Park Precinct Master Plan

EOIs were announced this month to kickstart the integrated Master Plan for the Victoria Park precinct, including the Brisbane Showgrounds and surrounds.

Key precinct highlights will include:

• A state-of-the-art Main Stadium to replace the Gabba, with increased seating capacity and improved accessibility standards at Victoria Park.
• A world-class National Aquatic Centre at the Spring Hill Centenary Pool site, providing facilities for both Games competition and community use.
• The Brisbane Athlete Village at the Brisbane Showgrounds, delivering a significant housing legacy post-Games.

The EOI is featured on the VendorPanel website but closes on Friday 1 August 2025. The next stage of the process will be a request for tender process for short-listed proponents.

Announcement of new GIICA CEO

In a key milestone, Simon Crooks has been announced as new GIICA CEO, effective 1 August 2025.

Simon brings over 40 years of local and international experience in contemporary major project delivery, having most recently led the delivery of the Queen’s Wharf precinct.

Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee

In other 2032-related governance updates, the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee’s Board has been streamlined, with a number of new directors and with the Board reducing in size.

In addition to the Board, four initial advisory groups will be established to inform the Board including First Nations, chaired by Patrick Johnson, and Athlete’s and Sport, chaired by Susie O’Neill. Councils will be chaired by Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, while Commercial will be chaired by Andrew Liveris AO.

The revised composition reflects a mix of independent expertise, government representation, and the opportunity for direct athlete and community voices.

Board Directors include:

• Andrew Liveris AO (Independent President)
• Tim Mander MP (Queensland Government nominee, Vice President)
• Anika Wells MP (Australian Government nominee, Vice President)
• Greg Norman AO (Independent)
• Rebecca Frizelle OAM (Independent)
• Cr Adrian Schrinner (Brisbane City Council nominee)
• Cr Tom Tate (Gold Coast City Council nominee)
• Cr Rosanna Natoli (Sunshine Coast City Council nominee)
• Jess Fox OAM OLY (International Olympic Committee member, Australia)
• Robyn Smith OAM (International Paralympic Committee Board member, Australia)
• Ian Chesterman AM (Australian Olympic Committee President)
• John Coates AC (Australian Olympic Committee Hon. Life President)
• Grant Mizens OAM PLY (Paralympic Australia President)
• Kurt Fearnley AO PLY (Paralympic athlete)
• Georgia Baker OLY (Olympic athlete)

For more information on the Organising Committee and its work see here.

Very early planning is underway for the exciting development of a master plan to transform the Mt Coot-tha precinct into a world-class ecotourism destination.

Brisbane Sustainability Agency will lead the development of the master plan to protect, enhance and reimagine one of Brisbane’s most cherished natural landmarks.

Having led the ongoing Oxley Creek transformation, Brisbane Sustainability Agency is committed to working closely with the community, stakeholders and industry to ensure the future of Mt Coot-tha reflects what Brisbane wants and needs.

To ensure your voice helps shape this important precinct’s transformation, and to stay connected on updates, please visit here .

This month our City Vision Sub-Committee workshopped to discuss helping build a thriving inner-city, with all parts of our social, cultural and economic eco-system working together.

Focusing on actionable and real milestones around the vitality of the inner city, and how our world class precincts can work together to make our city hum. Both will be critical ahead of 2032 and beyond.

This is just one example (of many!) where our sub-committees are developing and championing ideas to make our city region the world’s most liveable place.

The University of Queensland (UQ) has finalised a major agreement with pharmaceutical company Sanofi, which will acquire Vicebio, the biotech firm established to commercialise UQ’s Molecular Clamp vaccine platform. Valued at up to US $1.6 billion, it marks the largest intellectual property transaction to date from an Australian university.

Developed by UQ researchers and commercialised through UniQuest, the Molecular Clamp technology is designed to accelerate vaccines for respiratory viruses like RSV and hMPV. The platform’s lead candidate is already in early-stage clinical trials.

Beyond its significance for university research and global health, this deal reinforces Brisbane’s reputation as an emerging hub for biotechnology and life sciences innovation. It demonstrates how local research infrastructure, talent and commercial partnerships can translate into global impact—strengthening the city’s profile on the international innovation stage.

Click here to read the full article

Something Digital returns to Brisbane this 26–27 August, bringing together local, national and international digital leaders for two days of inspiration, connection and digital discovery.

If you work in digital, this is where you need to be.

Earlier this month, the Committee for Brisbane team came together for a planning day that was both energising and strategically focused.

As we enter a new financial year, we recognise the strong position the organisation is in—supported by a committed team, a growing and diverse membership base, and a shared vision for Brisbane’s future as the world’s most liveable place. The day provided an opportunity to reflect on our journey to date, acknowledge the progress we’ve made, and define our priorities for the months ahead with renewed clarity and purpose.

The day centred on aligning both individual and organisational values, strengthening internal collaboration, and identifying new opportunities for innovation and member engagement. An exploration of the team’s individual personality types and team dynamics offered valuable insight into how we can work more cohesively and effectively, and a thought-provoking session on the future of AI delivered by David Benett, sparked dynamic discussion and new thinking. The afternoon brought a further deep dive into collaborative strategy, culminating in a clear and united direction for the months to come.

Our sincere thanks to Corrs Chambers Westgarth for generously hosting us, and to Hannah from Learn Grow Develop for shaping the day with insight and care.

Now at the tail end of July, equipped with an exciting business plan and team charter, the momentum of a refreshed events program and plan on a page, the team is looking forward to continuing this journey in partnership with you, our valued members.

This month we officially welcomed Anna to the Committee for Brisbane team. For those of you who have attended Committee or Brisbane events in the last few months, you will no doubt recognise her.

After a decade in Melbourne enjoying a career spanning luxury concierge, lifestyle management and private touring, Anna has returned to her home city, bringing with her a fresh perspective. Always committed to providing our members and guests with the most thoughtful, attentive service and experience, we are delighted to welcome Anna onboard.

The Observership Program invites Not-for-Profit and Government Appointment Boards to participate in the development of the next generation of directions, by joining their 2026 program.

The Observership Program provides a pathway for talented professionals to gain valuable board experience and governance training, and is supported by program partners the Australian Institute of Company Directors and The Ethics Centre.

To find out more about the Observership Program and how you can get involved, click here.