# Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame recognises a set of the leaders in business and social development in Queensland, Australia. Inclusion in the hall of fame can be of individual people (living or dead), groups of people, and organisations, which operate either for profit and not for profit.

## History

In 2009, the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Library Foundation and Queensland University of Technology collaborated to establish the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame (QBLHOF) which recognises the "outstanding public contribution made by leaders of business to the reputation of Queensland and its economic and social development".
The new inductees are announced at an annual Induction Dinner gala event each year.

## Criteria

The following criteria have been established for the IC to assess the eligibility of those who will be proposed as inductees of the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. Nominees may be drawn from the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors:
Required Criteria
* Outstanding leadership
* Ethical and moral conduct
Desirable criteria may include:
* Major financial contribution
* Social and inclusive leadership
* Global impact and influence

## List of Inductees

The inductees are:
| Year | Inductee | In recognition of |
| 2024 | Longhurst family | over 50 years of visionary and sustained entrepreneurship across the tourism, property and boating industries nationally. |
| 2024 | Shelley Reys AO | groundbreaking contributions to the Indigenous space and reconciliation and as an influential business leader and change maker. |
| 2024 | Stefan Ackerie AM | sustained entrepreneurship in developing an iconic Queensland business for 60 years. |
| 2024 | Data#3 Pty Ltd | continuing excellence and outstanding innovation in the provision of technology solutions and services throughout Australia. |
| 2024 | Piñata Farms Pty Ltd | outstanding leadership and innovation in Australia’s food production industry for over 60 years. |
| 2023 | Dr Terri Irwin AM | outstanding business leadership and for internationally recognised contributions to wildlife and habitat conservation and to Australian tourism. |
| 2023 | Sir Arthur Petfield | outstanding contributions to Queensland’s business and industrial development, Australia’s international communications’ infrastructure and for significant community service. |
| 2023 | Lorraine Martin AO | groundbreaking, visionary contributions of national significance to private education businesses, and for enduring and significant community services. |
| 2023 | Bundaberg Brewed Drinks | of sustained success in international export markets and for significant contributions to Queensland manufacturing, agribusiness and the economy of the Bundaberg region. |
| 2023 | Morgans Financial Limited | substantial contributions to the national and international financial services sector and its significant contributions to the community. |
| 2023 | Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology | sustainsd excellence and innovation in the delivery of pathology services to Queensland and beyond. |
| 2022 | Clive Berghofer AM | groundbreaking contributions to the Toowoomba region through pioneering property development and construction, civic leadership, and nationally significant and diverse philanthropy. |
| 2022 | Dr Cherrell Hirst AO | outstanding leadership contributions to health services, education, biotechnology and business as a trailblazing leader. |
| 2022 | Peter & Jane Hughes | sustained excellence and innovation in the Australian cattle industry and becoming a world leader in Wagyu beef production. |
| 2022 | Capilano Honey | remarkable service to Australia’s honey production industry, its iconic status as Australia’s leading honey brand and continuing major success in global markets. |
| 2022 | Culture Kings | building a Queensland start-up business into a unique global retail brand through unstinting creative entrepreneurship. |
| 2022 | QML Pathology | its pioneering contributions to Queensland and its communities through world class pathology service delivery over 90 years. |
| 2021 | Finlayson’s Timber & Hardware | their outstanding contribution to Queensland's timber industry and internationally recognised timber products. |
| 2021 | Australian Country Choice | visionary leadership in establishing the largest privately-owned vertically integrated beef and cattle business in the world. |
| 2021 | Katie Page-Harvey | sustained contributions to national and international business expansion, leadership excellence and distinguished service to the community. |
| 2021 | Sir John Beals Chandler | significant contributions to retail and radio broadcasting networks in Queensland and exceptional community service. |
| 2021 | T.C. Beirne | pioneering forward-thinking leadership and significant achievements in retailing, community service and philanthropy. |
| 2021 | The Coffee Club | its successful development from Australia’s leading coffee retail business into a major, thriving international brand through sustained entrepreneurship. |
| 2019 | Philip Bacon | his status as Australia's leading art dealer and outstanding contributions to philanthropy. |
| 2019 | George Fisher | his eminent business leadership, driving the long-term success of Mount Isa Mines and Mount Isa's growth and development as a city. |
| 2019 | Birch Carroll & Coyle | being Australia's leading provincial film distributor and its industry leadership throughout Queensland for 80 years. |
| 2019 | Evans Deakin Industries Ltd | its major contributions to the Queensland economy for nearly a century through excellence in heavy engineering, construction and ship building. |
| 2019 | Springfield City Group - Maha Sinnathamby and Bob Sharpless | their visionary entrepreneurship in establishing Springfield, a nation-building project and Australia's first privately-constructed city. |
| 2019 | Wallace Bishop | its sustained leadership in jewellery making and retailing for over 100 years. |
| 2018 | George Marchant | his significant national business success, internationally recognised innovation and for creating an enduring legacy for Queensland through outstanding philanthropy. |
| 2018 | George Miller | his unparalleled contributions to producing and directing commercially successful internationally award-winning films and for his outstanding contributions to the Australian and international film industries. |
| 2018 | John Moffat | his pioneering entrepreneurship in establishing North Queensland's mining industry and for his extensive business and community developments in the Cairns hinterland. |
| 2018 | Thérèse Rein | outstanding international business achievements as a ground-breaking social entrepreneur leading to unprecedented employment outcomes for people with disabilities. |
| 2018 | Domino's | its 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. |
| 2018 | Wagners | their intrepid entrepreneurship in successfully completing highly challenging infrastructure projects nationally and internationally. |
| 2017 | Walkers Limited | its 150 years of outstanding contributions to Queensland and Australian heavy engineering manufacturing, and for its sustained service to the community of Maryborough. |
| 2017 | Queen Fine Foods | its national market leadership and status as an iconic Australian brand for 120 years. |
| 2017 | Blackmores | its international success as a major Australian exporter and as Australia's leading vitamins and supplements manufacturer. |
| 2017 | Halfbrick Studios | its international leadership in mobile video games development, including the highly successful game Fruit Ninja, and for its outstanding contribution to the global games industry. |
| 2017 | Dr Dimity Dornan AO | her pioneering work in building Hear and Say into an international leader in the treatment of hearing loss in children. |
| 2017 | Dr George Chapman AO | his 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. |
| 2016 | Suncorp Group | its important and sustained contribution to the Queensland economy through the provision of insurance, banking and financial services for 100 years. |
| 2016 | Mincom | its pioneering contribution to Queensland's information technology industry and for becoming a global technology leader through world class innovation. |
| 2016 | North Australian Pastoral Company | its sustained and significant contribution to the Queensland economy for 140 years as an innovative cattle breeder, beef producer and leader in land care practices. |
| 2016 | Margaret Mittelheuser | her groundbreaking achievements as Australia's first female stockbroker and for her significant contributions to women in business and philanthropy. |
| 2016 | Rodney Wylie | his 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. |
| 2016 | Manuel Hornibrook | his distinguished contributions to Australia's construction industry, national infrastructure, iconic bridges, the Sydney Opera House and for becoming the nation's leading builder. |
| 2015 | The Courier Mail | its distinguished contribution to reporting Queensland affairs for close to 170 years and its recognised status as Queensland's leading newspaper. |
| 2015 | Lawrence Wackett | his visionary and tenacious leadership and innovation in establishing Australia's aircraft design and manufacturing industries and their contribution to the defence of Australia. |
| 2015 | Hyne Timber | the Hyne family's significant contribution to the timber industry, regional employment and the innovative production of timber products for over 130 years. |
| 2015 | Ellen O'Brien and Defiance Flour | her pioneering leadership in establishing Defiance Flour Mills and its signature product Defiance Flour, a leading Australian brand for over 100 years. |
| 2015 | Blue Care | its national leadership and outstanding contribution to developing world class services in aged care throughout the communities of Queensland for over sixty years. |
| 2015 | Benjamin Wickham MacDonald | his excellence in leadership in the Australian shipping industry, leading to his recognition as the Napoleon of Australian shipping. |
| 2014 | Sarah Ann Jenyns | her audacious leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation in designing and manufacturing health and fashion garments, gaining worldwide recognition and national industry leadership. |
| 2014 | Bank of Queensland | its excellence in providing banking services to Queensland for over a century and its continuing expansion nationally. |
| 2014 | RACQ | its iconic contribution to motoring services, public advocacy for motorists, road safety and community service throughout Queensland for over 100 years. |
| 2014 | John Williams | his 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. |
| 2014 | Vincent Fairfax | his outstanding contributions to leadership in Australian business and community organisations and for his visionary, enduring philanthropy. |
| 2014 | Teys Australia | their highly successful and resilient leadership and innovation in beef processing and exporting for over sixty years. |
| 2013 | Charles Chauvel | his pioneering contributions to the Australian film industry, his entrepreneurship and his iconic status as a Queensland and Australian filmmaker. |
| 2013 | Paula Stafford | her fashion industry innovation, establishing her brand name nationally and internationally and significantly enhancing the reputation of the Gold Coast. |
| 2013 | Brett Family | highly diverse major contributions and industry leadership within Queensland business for over 100 years, especially in the timber and hardware industries. |
| 2013 | QUF | its success as a listed Queensland public company and its outstanding contribution to the national dairy industry through innovations in production technology, products and marketing. |
| 2013 | Mackay Sugar | its sustained excellence in sugar production and its substantial contribution to the Mackay region and to the Queensland economy. |
| 2013 | Queensland Country Women's Association, Queensland branch of the Country Women's Association | its exceptional contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of country women and rural communities for over 90 years. |
| 2012 | Eva Burrows | her far-reaching contributions to the community through exceptional global and national leadership of the Salvation Army. |
| 2012 | William Knox D'Arcy | his 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. |
| 2012 | Cyril Golding | his major contributions to civil infrastructure and mining services in Queensland as well as to philanthropy and the community. |
| 2012 | McDonald family | their continuing leadership and innovation in beef cattle production for more than 150 years in Queensland as well as substantial contributions to the community. |
| 2012 | ALS Limited (formerly Campbell Brothers) | its distinguished global business achievements and sustained contributions to Queensland's economy for nearly 150 years in testing, inspection, and certification services. |
| 2012 | Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | the Royal Queensland Show's iconic standing and its outstanding contribution to Queensland industry and society for 136 years. |
| 2011 | John Nosworthy | outstanding economic and social contributions to Queensland through leadership excellence in business, professional life and community service |
| 2011 | Rhonda White, wife of Terry White | her exceptional entrepreneurship and innovation in national retailing and significant contributions to the community |
| 2011 | Terry White | his exceptional entrepreneurship and innovation in national retailing and significant contributions to public leadership and the community |
| 2011 | A P Eagers Limited | its sustained success and excellence in motor vehicle retailing and service to the community for 100 years |
| 2011 | Queensland National Bank | its critical contribution to Queenslands early economic development by providing vital banking services throughout the State |
| 2011 | Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland) | its iconic contribution to rural health and rural community building in Australia through exceptional standards of service and innovation |
| 2011 | Thiess Pty Ltd | its outstanding contribution to infrastructure development in Australia and for its pioneering of international trade |
| 2010 | Jack Hutchinson | his major and sustained contribution to Queensland's construction industry and economy |
| 2010 | Kate Mary Smith | her historically significant business leadership, developing a Queensland funeral business now in its sixth generation |
| 2010 | Graham Turner | his creation of Flight Centre, Australia's leading domestic and international travel sales business, through outstanding entrepreneurship and innovation |
| 2010 | James Tyson | his outstanding rural entrepreneurship, significantly contributing to Queensland's development |
| 2010 | Bundaberg Distilling Company redirects to Bundaberg Rum | its development of an iconic national and international product, Bundaberg Rum and contributing significantly to Queensland's rural industry |
| 2010 | Golden Circle (company) | its significant contribution to processing Queensland produce and developing high quality national product brands |
| 2010 | Queensland Institute of Medical Research redirects to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute | its distinguished contribution to community wellbeing through world class medical research and its commercialisation |
| 2010 | Ray White Group | its building of Australia's leading real estate business, contributing significantly to national and international property sales and development |
| 2010 | Mount Isa Mines | its sustained and outstanding contribution to Queenslands economy, the mining industry and rural development |
| 2009 | Don Argus | his outstanding business leadership significantly contributing to national and international business |
| 2009 | Bob Bryan | his outstanding entrepreneurship in the mining industry significantly contributing to Queensland's economic development |
| 2009 | Steve Irwin | his outstanding international entrepreneurship, both in business and wildlife conservation, significantly contributing to Queensland and its international reputation |
| 2009 | Clem Jones | his outstanding business and community leadership significantly contributing to Queensland's development |
| 2009 | Jim Kennedy | his outstanding national business leadership and significantly contributing to Queensland business and the community |
| 2009 | John Pidgeon | his outstanding business leadership significantly contributing to Queensland business and the community |
| 2009 | Valmai Pidgeon | her outstanding business leadership significantly contributing to Queensland business and the community |
| 2009 | Joe Saragossi | his outstanding and sustained business leadership significantly contributing to the Queensland economy |
| 2009 | Sister Angela Mary | her outstanding organisational leadership significantly contributing to Queensland and its health and social wellbeing |
| 2009 | Burns Philp | its significant contributions made to the development of Queensland and its economy |
| 2009 | Castlemaine Perkins | an iconic Queensland brewing business significantly contributing to the Queensland economy and community |
| 2009 | Qantas | iconic 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

| Year | Fellow | Project |
| 2024 | Dr Robin Trotter | T C Dixon & Sons: Boots: Makers of 'Shoes of Distinction' |
| 2022 | Mary Howells | Trittons: Furnishing Queensland |
| 2021 | Dr Robin Trotter | Sir Arthur Petfield: From tinplate to porcelain |
| 2019 | Rutian Mi | The history of Chinese business in Queensland |
| 2018 | Hilary Davies | Putting Queenslanders on the Road: The Canada Cycle and Motor Agency Ltd |
| 2017 | Toni Massey | Diving into the history of Queensland's pearl-shelling industry |
| 2016 | Dr Toni Risson | Greek Cafes in Brisbane |
| 2015 | Julie Hornibrook | Sir Manuel Hornibrook: Father of the Australian Building Industry |
| 2014 | Madeleine King and Dr Nadia Buick | High Street Histories: Queensland's fashion business leaders |