[Insert Queen’s Wharf scores QUT graduation events

In a bit of a coup for the $3.6bn Queen’s Wharf project, QUT is moving all of its graduation events to the riverside precinct for the next two years.

Auditors have raised red flags over the Queen's Wharf project.

Some good news at last for Queen’s Wharf, which remains mired in the financial troubles of parent Star Entertainment Group.

In a bit of a coup for the $3.6bn project, QUT is moving all of its graduations from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to The Star Brisbane after signing a lucrative contract for 2024 and 2025. City Beat spies tell us QUT has secured the entire event centre in the heart of the Brisbane CBD, and will hold 25 ceremonies for graduates in December.

Each ceremony will have the capacity to accommodate up to 240 graduates with a total capacity of 1000 attendees per ceremony.

The move to The Star will give the university’s ceremonies a more boutique and intimate feel and will incorporate a post-ceremony function for all graduates, which has not been previously done. QUT also is moving its next Business Leaders Forum featuring BHP president for Australia Geraldine Slattery to Queen’s Wharf on November 18.

Daniel Finch at the opening of Queen's Wharf in August.

Star Brisbane chief executive Daniel Finch knows has to get more revenue in the doors if the company is to survive its current financial crisis.

Last week, the company was lucky to escape with a bit of a slap of the wrist from the powerful NSW casino regulator following the damning findings of the Bell II inquiry.

The company’s casino operations remain under the supervision of regulators both in NSW and Queensland and it is on notice it needs to improve its transparency and finances.

Star is banking on Queen’s Wharf, which still has lot of vacant retail and hospitality space, to become a revenue-earning flagship going forward.

With casinos no longer the money spinners they used to be, corporate events and conventions will become increasingly important to Star.

Travel role

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has hired Ana Pedersen as global chief

commercial officer as it moves to roll out international expansion plans.

Pedersen, who previously held executive roles with Hello World and BCD Travel, says she will be looking to boost global sales and account management, forge stronger supplier relationships, and introduce new technologies.

CTM founder and managing director Jamie Pherous says Pedersen’s appointment is integral to the company’s five-year strategic growth plan.

Legal star

Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP) legal eagle Jemma Barnard has been named a rising star in injury and compensation law in the Queensland rankings of the industry trusted Doyle’s Guide 2024. In an exciting double triumph, Barnard, 28, is also set to be appointed partner at

TSP, rising from senior associate to become the newest member of the firm’s leadership team.

Inclusion in Doyle’s annual rankings is one of the most sought-after accolades across all sectors of the legal profession, determined through peer-review surveys, as well as extensive telephone and face-to-face interviews with clients, peers, and industry bodies. TSP managing partner Travis Schultz says Barnard started with the firm as an administrative assistant, studying while working. “She stood out as raw talent, embracing challenges and learning from her mentors,” Schultz says. “Her career has accelerated rapidly, culminating in her upcoming promotion to partner at just 28. It’s time we challenge outdated notions of how long it takes to rise to the top – progress should be based on skill and merit, not years served.”

Rising legal eagle at Travis Schultz & Partners Jemma Barnard

Originally published as [Insert Queen’s Wharf scores QUT graduation events