Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame


In 2009 State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Library Foundation and QUT Business School collaborated to establish the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame initiative. The QBLHOF recognises outstanding contributions and achievements made by organisations, companies and individuals to develop the Queensland economy and society, both contemporary and historical. The inductees are announced at an annual Induction Dinner gala event each year.

Criteria

A governing committee determines a list of inductees based on a set of criteria including:
Other factors assessing criteria may include:
The inductees are:
YearInducteeIn recognition of
2019Philip Baconhis status as Australia's leading art dealer and outstanding contributions to philanthropy
2019George Fisherhis eminent business leadership, driving the long-term success of Mount Isa Mines and Mount Isa's growth and development as a city
2019Birch Carroll & Coylebeing Australia's leading provincial film distributor and its industry leadership throughout Queensland for 80 years
2019Evans Deakin Industries Ltdits major contributions to the Queensland economy for nearly a century through excellence in heavy engineering, construction and ship building
2019Springfield City Group - Maha Sinnathamby and Bob Sharplesstheir visionary entrepreneurship in establishing Springfield, a nation-building project and Australia's first privately-constructed city
2019Wallace Bishopits sustained leadership in jewellery making and retailing for over 100 years
2018George Marchanthis significant national business success, internationally recognised innovation and for creating an enduring legacy for Queensland through outstanding philanthropy
2018George Millerhis unparalleled contributions to producing and directing commercially successful internationally award-winning films and for his outstanding contributions to the Australian and international film industries
2018John Moffathis pioneering entrepreneurship in establishing North Queensland's mining industry and for his extensive business and community developments in the Cairns hinterland
2018Thérèse Reinoutstanding international business achievements as a ground-breaking social entrepreneur leading to unprecedented employment outcomes for people with disabilities
2018Domino'sits remarkable national and international success in the food industry resulting in pizza market leadership in seven countries through Don Meij's outstanding leadership and disruptive innovation
2018Wagnerstheir intrepid entrepreneurship in successfully completing highly challenging infrastructure projects nationally and internationally
2017Walkers Limitedits 150 years of outstanding contributions to Queensland and Australian heavy engineering manufacturing, and for its sustained service to the community of Maryborough
2017Queen Fine Foodsits national market leadership and status as an iconic Australian brand for 120 years
2017Blackmoresits international success as a major Australian exporter and as Australia's leading vitamins and supplements manufacturer
2017Halfbrick Studiosits international leadership in mobile video games development, including the highly successful game Fruit Ninja, and for its outstanding contribution to the global games industry
2017Dr Dimity Dornan AOher pioneering work in building Hear and Say into an international leader in the treatment of hearing loss in children
2017Dr George Chapman AOhis visionary contribution to tourism and the economy of Cairns and Far North Queensland, for the development of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and for distinguished service to Australian business and the community
2016Suncorp Groupits important and sustained contribution to the Queensland economy through the provision of insurance, banking and financial services for 100 years
2016Mincomits pioneering contribution to Queensland's information technology industry and for becoming a global technology leader through world class innovation
2016North Australian Pastoral Companyits sustained and significant contribution to the Queensland economy for 140 years as an innovative cattle breeder, beef producer and leader in land care practices
2016Margaret Mittelheuserher groundbreaking achievements as Australia's first female stockbroker and for her significant contributions to women in business and philanthropy
2016Rodney Wyliehis outstanding contribution to the Queensland economy through leadership of Queensland and Australian corporations and for significant contributions to the public accounting profession and the community
2016Manuel Hornibrookhis distinguished contributions to Australia's construction industry, national infrastructure, iconic bridges, the Sydney Opera House and for becoming the nation's leading builder
2015The Courier Mailits distinguished contribution to reporting Queensland affairs for close to 170 years and its recognised status as Queensland's leading newspaper
2015Lawrence Wacketthis visionary and tenacious leadership and innovation in establishing Australia's aircraft design and manufacturing industries and their contribution to the defence of Australia
2015Hyne Timberthe Hyne family's significant contribution to the timber industry, regional employment and the innovative production of timber products for over 130 years
2015Ellen O'Brien and Defiance Flourher pioneering leadership in establishing Defiance Flour Mills and its signature product Defiance Flour, a leading Australian brand for over 100 years
2015Blue Careits national leadership and outstanding contribution to developing world class services in aged care throughout the communities of Queensland for over sixty years
2015Benjamin Wickham MacDonaldhis excellence in leadership in the Australian shipping industry, leading to his recognition as the Napoleon of Australian shipping
2014Sarah Ann Jenynsher audacious leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation in designing and manufacturing health and fashion garments, gaining worldwide recognition and national industry leadership
2014Bank of Queenslandits excellence in providing banking services to Queensland for over a century and its continuing expansion nationally
2014RACQits iconic contribution to motoring services, public advocacy for motorists, road safety and community service throughout Queensland for over 100 years
2014John Williamshis pioneering contribution to the development of the Queensland economy as the first holder of a trading licence, first public transport operator, coal miner and store keeper
2014Vincent Fairfaxhis outstanding contributions to leadership in Australian business and community organisations and for his visionary, enduring philanthropy
2014Teys Australiatheir highly successful and resilient leadership and innovation in beef processing and exporting for over sixty years
2013Charles Chauvelhis pioneering contributions to the Australian film industry, his entrepreneurship and his iconic status as a Queensland and Australian filmmaker
2013Paula Staffordher fashion industry innovation, establishing her brand name nationally and internationally and significantly enhancing the reputation of the Gold Coast
2013Brett Familyhighly diverse major contributions and industry leadership within Queensland business for over 100 years, especially in the timber and hardware industries
2013QUFits success as a listed Queensland public company and its outstanding contribution to the national dairy industry through innovations in production technology, products and marketing
2013Mackay Sugarits sustained excellence in sugar production and its substantial contribution to the Mackay region and to the Queensland economy
2013Queensland Country Women's Association, Queensland branch of the Country Women's Associationits exceptional contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of country women and rural communities for over 90 years
2012Eva Burrowsher far-reaching contributions to the community through exceptional global and national leadership of the Salvation Army
2012William Knox D'Arcyhis major contribution to the success of the Mount Morgan gold mine and the international significance of his role in the discovery of oil in Persia
2012Cyril Goldinghis major contributions to civil infrastructure and mining services in Queensland as well as to philanthropy and the community
2012McDonald familytheir continuing leadership and innovation in beef cattle production for more than 150 years in Queensland as well as substantial contributions to the community
2012ALS Limited its distinguished global business achievements and sustained contributions to Queensland's economy for nearly 150 years
2012Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queenslandthe Royal Queensland Show's iconic standing and its outstanding contribution to Queensland industry and society for 136 years
2011John Nosworthyoutstanding economic and social contributions to Queensland through leadership excellence in business, professional life and community service
2011Rhonda White, wife of Terry Whiteher exceptional entrepreneurship and innovation in national retailing and significant contributions to the community
2011Terry Whitehis exceptional entrepreneurship and innovation in national retailing and significant contributions to public leadership and the community
2011A P Eagers Limitedits sustained success and excellence in motor vehicle retailing and service to the community for 100 years
2011Queensland National Bankits critical contribution to Queenslands early economic development by providing vital banking services throughout the State
2011Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia its iconic contribution to rural health and rural community building in Australia through exceptional standards of service and innovation
2011Thiess Pty Ltdits outstanding contribution to infrastructure development in Australia and for its pioneering of international trade
2010Jack Hutchinsonhis major and sustained contribution to Queensland's construction industry and economy
2010Kate Mary Smithher historically significant business leadership, developing a Queensland funeral business now in its sixth generation
2010Graham Turnerhis creation of Flight Centre, Australia's leading domestic and international travel sales business, through outstanding entrepreneurship and innovation
2010James Tysonhis outstanding rural entrepreneurship, significantly contributing to Queensland's development
2010Bundaberg Distilling Company redirects to Bundaberg Rumits development of an iconic national and international product, Bundaberg Rum and contributing significantly to Queensland's rural industry
2010Golden Circle its significant contribution to processing Queensland produce and developing high quality national product brands
2010Queensland Institute of Medical Research redirects to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Instituteits distinguished contribution to community wellbeing through world class medical research and its commercialisation
2010Ray White Groupits building of Australia's leading real estate business, contributing significantly to national and international property sales and development
2010Mount Isa Minesits sustained and outstanding contribution to Queenslands economy, the mining industry and rural development
2009Don Argushis outstanding business leadership significantly contributing to national and international business
2009Bob Bryanhis outstanding entrepreneurship in the mining industry significantly contributing to Queensland's economic development
2009Steve Irwinhis outstanding international entrepreneurship, both in business and wildlife conservation, significantly contributing to Queensland and its international reputation
2009Clem Joneshis outstanding business and community leadership significantly contributing to Queensland's development
2009Jim Kennedyhis outstanding national business leadership and significantly contributing to Queensland business and the community
2009John Pidgeonhis outstanding business leadership significantly contributing to Queensland business and the community
2009Valmai Pidgeonher outstanding business leadership significantly contributing to Queensland business and the community
2009Joe Saragossihis outstanding and sustained business leadership significantly contributing to the Queensland economy
2009Sister Angela Maryher outstanding organisational leadership significantly contributing to Queensland and its health and social wellbeing
2009Burns Philpits significant contributions made to the development of Queensland and its economy
2009Castlemaine Perkinsan iconic Queensland brewing business significantly contributing to the Queensland economy and community
2009Qantasiconic national and international airline business, originating in Queensland, and significantly contributing to the Queensland economy and community

Fellowship

Since 2014 the QBLHOF has also awarded an annual Fellowship, to recipients working on a research project that utilises the resources of the John Oxley Library at State Library of Queensland to produce new interpretations of Queensland's business history.

List of Fellowship winners

YearFellowProject
2014Madeleine King and Nadia BuickHigh Street Histories: Queensland's fashion business leaders
2015Julie HornibrookSir Manuel Hornibrook: Father of the Australian Building Industry
2016Dr Toni RissonGreek Cafes in Brisbane
2017Toni MasseyDiving into the history of Queensland's pearl-shelling industry
2018Hilary DaviesPutting Queenslanders on the Road: The Canada Cycle and Motor Agency Ltd
2019Rutian MiThe history of Chinese business in Queensland

Attribution