Annual Turnaround & Private Equity Lunch

The TMA Queensland Committee invites you to join its annual, popular lunch at Blackbird Restaurant & Bar.  This event is the perfect opportunity to make new connections, forge relationships and connect over a relaxing lunch.

The Brisbane Lions’ journey to winning the 2024 AFL Premiership was a story of belief, which ultimately culminated in a dominant Grand Final victory.  After claiming the wooden spoon in 2017, a roster and coaching overhaul drove a turnaround in game-day and organisational performance.  Spurred by continued belief and optimism, this led to a remarkable nine-game winning streak in 2024 and their first premiership in 21 years.   

Led by Brisbane Lions’ Chief Operating Officer and moderated by avid supporter and McGrathNicol partner Jamie Harris, we’ll hear about the Lions’ journey to winning the Premiership in 2024 and how that shapes their role in the Brisbane sporting landscape moving forward towards Brisbane 2032.

After 18 years with the AFL across a variety of positions, Sam Graham joined the Lions in late 2023. He’s seen the evolution of the club across a long period of time and will share his unique perspectives on the AFL’s growth into Queensland and the Lions success. Prior to the AFL, Sam worked in London and Melbourne for British Gas and KPMG.

Sam will be joined by Urbis Director, Paul Hardyman. Paul leads Urbis’ Brisbane Studio of Urban Designers and Landscape Architects. Paul began his career in Sydney in 1988 and is now one of the country’s most experienced landscape architects. He has worked in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Hawaii on an extensive array of projects including Brisbane’s new Queen’s Wharf Integrated Resort Casino development and the dynamic revitalisation of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Paul has a deep knowledge of Brisbane’s Olympic journey since its origins in 2015 right through to today.

Guest Speakers: Sam Graham, Chief Operating Officer, Brisbane Lions; Paul Hardyman, Studio Lead/Director, Urbis; Jamie Harris, Managing Partner, McGrathNicol (Moderator)