Update from the General Manager
As we approach the half-way mark of our 30th anniversary year at BCEC, there is much to reflect on and even more to look forward to with a packed calendar planned for the first half of 2026.
Prior to embarking on celebrations for our 30-year milestone, we pledged to creating meaningful economic and social impacts for Brisbane and our community.
I am delighted to announce that in honouring our long-standing commitment to social impact, BCEC is donating a total of $30,000 to local charitable organisations providing essential services and support for the homeless in our community.
The initiative continues a lengthy tradition of BCEC supporting locally based charities and social enterprise organisations, and coincides with Legends Global Month of Giving, 15 November to 15 December, uniting teams worldwide through acts of service within their local communities. More on this story in the newsletter.
We also previously announced that the Centre has retained the compelling All Shades exhibition by Kamilaroi documentary photographer and filmmaker Dean Saffron, as part of the Centre’s 30th anniversary– an extraordinary body of work highlighting the Centre’s commitment to showcasing the cultural diversity and extraordinary talent of Australian artists.
In recent weeks we have welcomed a number of high-profile events at the Centre including the 40th anniversary of the Queensland Tourism Awards, drawing an audience of 900 industry leaders .
Addressing a VIP welcome for the Awards, I was reminded of the importance of events and the role they play, vibrant hubs of activity providing a platform for collaboration and innovation. I was also very honoured to present New Tourism Business Award and Accommodation Categories and offer my congratulations to all winners and finalists.
The Queensland Tourism Awards was just one of 853 events held at BCEC during the 2025 calendar year.
It has been a bumper few weeks in the lead-up to the end of the year with conference season now extending right through to December, alongside a packed schedule of graduations, formals and speech nights, not to mention our very popular Christmas movies in concert, and on- stage events.
At the close of a busy and successful year, I wish to pay tribute to and thank our BCEC Team for their determination and dedication to the cause, their resolve and unrelenting commitment to excellence in everything they do each day and each event they deliver.
Kym Guesdon
$30k for 30 Years of Giving Back
As BCEC celebrates 30 years, we’ve marked the milestone with a $30,000 donation to three South Bank charities supporting people experiencing homelessness and vulnerability. Micah Projects, which advocates for housing, healthcare and safety; Orange Sky Laundry, providing free laundry, showers and conversation to those doing it tough; and Community Friends, a grassroots group offering food relief and essential supplies.
“This generous donation from BCEC will help us to continue providing meals, clothing and essential supplies to people doing it tough. Every contribution makes a real difference in ensuring no one in our community goes hungry or feels forgotten” Mark McDonnell, Founder of Community Friends expressed.
This contribution was made possible by raising funds through our Containers for Change program, driven by the dedication of our proactive service and kitchen teams. Working behind the scenes, they champion this initiative to support local charities and environmental innovation, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and community impact.
Mental health is also a priority. We’ve partnered with TradeMutt to introduce Funky Shirt Fridays, a permanent uniform change for our Building Services and Chef teams. These vibrant shirts and aprons are designed to spark conversations and include QR codes linking to TIACS, a free counselling service for trade workers.
In November, BCEC joined the global Movember movement with a sausage sizzle that raised over $2,000 for men’s health, thanks to the generous support of Bidfood, one of the Centre’s main suppliers. Beyond fundraising, the event encouraged conversations about cancer, mental health and the importance of regular check-ups.
As we mark our 30-Year Anniversary, we’re continuing to invest in community connections and local initiatives that have been an integral part of our journey.
QLD Tourism Awards celebrate 40 years
Queensland Tourism Awards took to the stage to celebrate a record-breaking year for the tourism industry and 40 years of showcasing Queensland’s best-of-the-best in tourist offerings.
BCEC was delighted to welcome more than 900 tourism operators, industry leaders and guests from across the state to a very special evening of wine, food and great entertainment. This was the 16th occasion that the Centre has hosted the popular event which attracts attendees from across the state.
Centre’s chefs prepared a bespoke Queensland menu which was a showcase of Queensland seafood and local produce, with Mooloolaba prawns, local spanner crab and barramundi, slow roasted fillet of beef, Scenic Rim chicken and Brisbane Valley Quail.
A proud Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell told the audience the awards were recognition of the sensational offerings put forward by operators the length and breadth of the state, with the real recognition coming from the millions of visitors to Queensland who take home memories of an incredible destination with incredible people making their visit unique.
Setting the stage for the event was a packed house for Destination Indigenous Queensland and Destination Queensland 2045, held at BCEC in the two days prior to the Tourism Awards, with the Awards event closing a very successful Tourism Week 2025.
Conferences In House
2025 saw the Centre host 126 conventions, including 28 international events.
The Oceanic Palliative Care Conference was a stand-out among the National Conventions line-up. The largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and a first-time event for BCEC, the conference attracted a record 1,592 delegates over three days. The flexibility of the Centre allowed the conference organisers to do some very different things, including a flat floor stage in the shape of an orange heart, and a jacaranda tree adding to the atmosphere of the trade exhibition.
An exciting addition to the Conference was the Live Well. Die Well Art Prize exhibition, featuring works by more than 30 finalists from across Australia, celebrating reflections on living, dying and grieving well.
At the same time, long-time friend of the Centre, Care Expo Brisbane (2025) was in-house, with inspiring speakers and the latest in care and providers, helping to empower those in need, to live their best lives.
Global loss of biodiversity and climate change were under scrutiny at the International Congress for Conservation Biology delivered by Queensland’s former Chief Scientist, BCEC Advocate and passionate environmentalist Professor Hugh Possingham. Brisbane’s science excellence in conservation biology was on show to a global audience at the Conference which exceeded the anticipated delegate numbers, welcoming some 2,000 delegates.
Science was on the conference agenda these past months with IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, addressing threats to earth with global solutions using remote sensing technology and introducing the fascinating world of drones and remote sensing to school children at a drones’ school within the conference. The conference attracted 3,000+ delegates, well above expectations.
Brisbane city and surrounds were on show when 3,500 Baptists from 130 countries descended on the Convention Centre for their 23rd Baptist World Congress with delegates taking over the city for six days this past July. The conference, which occurs every five years, occupied four levels of the Convention Centre, marking the first time in 26 years it has been held in the Asia Pacific region.
Meet the Team
Jodie Summers has joined BCEC as our recently appointed Sustainability and Community Engagement Coordinator, a role that reflects our evergreen commitment to environmental leadership, cultural preservation and meaningful community connection.
Jodie brings a wealth of experience in business operations and project management, along with a passion for sustainability and strong community ties. In her role, she will lead the integration of sustainable and socially responsible practices across Centre operations, coordinating environmental programs and fostering engagement with staff and key partners.
“I’m excited to influence positive change, turn ideas into action and help BCEC continue to lead the way in sustainability and social responsibility.” Jodie shared.
Her vision aligns closely with BCEC’s values and we look forward to the impact she will make. Jodie is also a key member of our Corporate Social Responsibility Team, led by Facilities Director Cliff Jones, a team that has achieved significant milestones this year and continues to champion initiatives that reflect our mission.
Among these achievements, BCEC was awarded EarthCheck Platinum Status, a recognition that places us among global leaders in sustainable venue management. We also welcomed six beehives in partnership with Bee One Third, a local beekeeping company installing and maintaining urban hives across the East-Coast of Queensland These hives are now actively producing honey and supporting pollination across South Bank Parklands, Musgrave Park and surrounding green spaces.
With Jodie poised to contribute to our sustainability and community engagement efforts, we’re excited to see how her involvement will support the Centre’s ongoing work in strengthening partnerships, enhancing environmental outcomes and deepening our connection with the local community.
Reminiscing with Kay McGrath
Recognising our 30th Anniversary milestone, BCEC was recently featured on Channel 7’s Weekender, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, stories and spaces that have shaped the Centre’s legacy over three decades. General Manager, Kym Guesdon took Kay McGrath on a tour through the Centre, exploring the Centre’s architectural design and art collection, with a highlight showcasing our culinary team, whose contribution over the past 30 years has been nothing short of exceptional.
The Weekender crew spent time in our kitchens, capturing the scale, precision and passion that define our food and beverage operations. Executive Chef Matthew Arnold and the team have catered for thousands of events, serving everyone from local community groups to world leaders and global icons. Their work has consistently elevated the guest experience, earning BCEC recognition not only for our hospitality but also for our innovation and sustainability in food and beverage. You can follow the Seasoned by Queensland teams work and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram – @seasonedbyqld
Celebrating our Team Members of 30 Years
Our 30th Anniversary is not only a significant milestone for the Centre, but also a proud achievement for the team members who have been part of the journey from the very beginning. Since BCEC opened its doors, an incredible group were here to welcome our first guests, prepare our first menus and deliver our first events. Still with us today, they’ve helped ensure our Centre operates seamlessly and contributes to our success for three decades.
Ten individuals reaching this milestone is a true testament to the BCEC culture and the value of a workplace that fosters collaboration, meaningful contributions and team recognition.
To commemorate this occasion and give thanks to their unwavering dedication and loyalty, the team was invited to a special dinner hosted in our Plaza Gallery. A celebratory night of reminiscing, gifts and delicious food with a bespoke, premium four course meal curated by our talented chefs.
We’re so fortunate to have such an exceptional team and we look forward to creating many more memorable moments together.
Around the Precinct
South Bank is set to shine brighter than ever this festive season, welcoming visitors with a precinct-wide installation of larger-than-life inflatable elves from 5 December. These playful characters will pop up across iconic locations, from the QPAC balcony to Streets Beach, each with its own personality and story to tell. The Christmas program also includes Lost Worlds Cinema, an outdoor film experience in Rainforest Green in partnership with BIFF, plus family-friendly activities with Dead Puppet Society. Little Stanley Street will come alive with The Collective Markets: Christmas Edition, offering unique gifts and seasonal treats.
South Bank has also introduced a dedicated website to help visitors and locals stay informed about upcoming events and planning their visit with ease. The site brings together What’s On updates, dining options and visitor information like parking and accessibility. Explore more at Visit South Bank.
Queensland Museum’s Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends is a must-see for visitors and locals. Walk alongside one of the planet’s most powerful and fascinating animals, on a journey stretching back over 130 million years. This interactive all-ages exhibition will bring you face-to-face with the mighty crocodile. From ancient ‘supercrocs’ that once roamed with dinosaurs to the unique crocodile species living across the world today. Crocodiles survived the dinosaurs, evolved and made their mark on culture, fascinating humans from early First Nations’ stories to Hollywood block busters of today.
Experts from Queensland Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory have created this world premiere exhibition. Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends | Queensland Museum Kurilpa – On until 5 October 2026
Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art are gearing up for a busy holiday season leading into the new year, kicking off with a Brisbane exclusive Olafur Eliasson: Presence.
If you are in Brisbane, head along to GOMA and immerse yourself in ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence’. This exhibition draws from the three-decade career of one of the world’s most influential living artists. Only at GOMA, 6 Dec 2025 – 12 Jul 2026
While you are there visit The Big Hose. In a first for the Queensland Cultural Centre, the artist-designed play sculpture in the form of an oversized 119-metre-long garden hose — outside the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — joins Australia’s list of iconic ‘big’ things. The artwork alludes to Queensland’s domestic architecture.
Farewell to Gail Sawyer
After more than 25 years as an integral part of our team, Gail Sawyer is retiring from her role as Communications Manager at the Centre. Many of you will know Gail and appreciate the immense contribution she has made since joining us in 1998.
Gail brought a wealth of experience to the Centre, having previously served as Features Editor and Deputy Editor at The Herald newspaper, the first woman to hold that position on a major Australian daily. Her professionalism and editorial insight have shaped how we communicate and connect with our audiences.
As Gail begins her next chapter in Melbourne, we thank her sincerely for her dedication and the positive impact she has had on colleagues, clients and the Centre over the years. We wish her every happiness for the future.
The Communications team, now led by Karyn Sutton, will continue to build on the strong foundations Gail has helped create.
