2024 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The 15th annual Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame welcomed five new inductees at a gala dinner in Brisbane last night, celebrating outstanding contributions to the state. The 2024 inductees span self-made celebrity hairdresser and entrepreneur Stefan Ackerie AM, corporate, Indigenous and reconciliation leader Shelley Reys AO, Australia’s largest pineapple growers Piñata Farms, information and communications technology company Data#3, and tourism, property and boating entrepreneurs the Longhurst Family. The Business Leaders Hall of Fame was established in 2009 and is a partnership between QUT and the State Library of Queensland. It recognises outstanding Queensland business leaders for their public contribution to the state’s reputation, and economic and social development. This year saw the 99th member inducted at a black-tie dinner event at the Brisbane Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre attended by more than 700 people

2025 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, which now has 105 members, was established by QUT and the State Library of Queensland in 2009 to recognise the state's most influential business leaders. The 16th annual Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame welcomed six new inductees at a gala dinner in Brisbane celebrating outstanding contributions to the state. The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame has welcomed six new members at a gala induction dinner last night at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The business icons have been recognised for their outstanding economic and cultural contributions to the state – and for being part of the Hall of Fame’s milestone 100th inductee cohort. The 2025 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees are: Buderim Ginger; The late Betty Byrne Henderson AM; Keri Craig-Lee OAM; Harvey Lister AM; Euan Murdoch; Sunny Queen Australia QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil AO said the legacy of the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame was a testament to the power of collaboration between education and cultural institutions. “These Queensland business leaders are shaping our communities, economies and futures,” Professor Sheil said. “And their journeys offer powerful examples to our students of what is possible across industries and generations, reflecting the dynamism and diversity of our state. “The awards celebrate our deep connection with Queensland’s business community and exemplify our commitment to real-world impact through collaboration with industry leaders. Their stories enrich our curriculum, and many inductees go on to contribute to QUT programs as guest lecturers, mentors and partners.” State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM said by celebrating these visionary leaders, we recognise not only their achievements, but also the important role of business in shaping Queensland’s cultural and economic story. “This year’s inductees reflect the ingenuity and resilience that define our business landscape, and their stories will inspire future generations. “The remarkable contributions of the state’s business leaders are captured in State Library’s extensive collection, and we are proud to add these extraordinary inductees to that enduring legacy.

Dr Cherrell Hirst AO: Business Leaders Hall of Fame interview

Dr. Cherrill Hirst, AO digital story: Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame 2022, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Dr Cherrell Hirst was Queensland University of Technology's first female Chancellor from 1994 to 2004

2021 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, was established by QUT and the State Library of Queensland in 2009 to recognise the state's most influential business leaders

2017 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, was established by QUT and the State Library of Queensland in 2009 to recognise the state's most influential business leaders

2014 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, was established by QUT and the State Library of Queensland in 2009 to recognise the state's most influential business leaders

2012 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, was established by QUT and the State Library of Queensland in 2009 to recognise the state's most influential business leaders

2015 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, was established by QUT and the State Library of Queensland in 2009 to recognise the state's most influential business leaders

2011 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, was established by QUT and the State Library of Queensland in 2009 to recognise the state's most influential business leaders

2023 Business Leaders Hall of Fame inductees

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, was established by QUT and the State Library of Queensland in 2009 to recognise the state's most influential business leaders. Dr Terri Irwin AM : outstanding business leadership and for internationally recognised contributions to wildlife and habitat conservation and to Australian tourism. Sir Arthur Petfield : outstanding contributions to Queensland’s business and industrial development, Australia’s international communications’ infrastructure and for significant community service Lorraine Martin AO: groundbreaking, visionary contributions of national significance to private education businesses, and for enduring and significant community services. 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 Morgans Financial Limited: substantial contributions to the national and international financial services sector and its significant contributions to the community Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology: sustained excellence and innovation in the delivery of pathology services to Queensland and beyond