Lachie locks in epic global journey in aid of men’s mental health

Brisbane personal trainer Lachie Stuart is celebrating a world first after running a marathon in every state of the USA and Australia in 58 consecutive days.

Lachie Stuart.

Brisbane personal trainer Lachie Stuart is celebrating a world first after running a marathon in every state of the USA and Australia in 58 consecutive days.

The epic journey in aid of mental health began in Alaska on January 22 and concluded at Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) with a big bash on Friday.

Stuart (illustrated) raised over $160,000 in funds for the Brisbane-based Mental Awareness Foundation with a helping hand from the business community. City Beat hears that about 500 of Stuart’s supporters ran the last five kilometres of his Brisbane marathon, with sponsors including Haesley Cush and Matt Lancashire from Ray White, Jarrod Doyle of Whairo Capital and Ben Cleary and Jack Gallagher from Tribeca Investment Partners.

Stuart was never far from his local roots during his global journey and ran one of the marathons in the US dedicated to the Brisbane Broncos wearing the team jersey.

Also spotted at the HSW event was LSKD founder Jason Daniel, horse trainer Tony Gollan, cattle baron Mike Buys and Hong Kong hedge fund trader Marty Brown.

Why take on this massive task? Stuart says many men, especially those aged under 40, are losing hope, and we need to change that. “The journey was about more than just a number and was about inspiring men everywhere to rise above their challenges,” he says.

Lachie Stuart.

Lady luck

Gambling industry veteran Sue van der Merwe is heading for the exit doors as chief executive of Brisbane-based The Lottery Corporation (TLC).

The retirement comes after a career that has spanned 35 years in the sector, including the past three as chief executive of TLC. She has led Lottery Corp since it was spun out of Tabcorp, which retained the sports betting and gaming services operations, in 2022.

The hunt for a new managing director and CEO will commence shortly with Van der Merwe working with the board until December on a smooth transition.

South African-born Van der Merwe says she was fortunate to find her passion at an early stage in her working career. “The close to 35 years I’ve spent in the lottery industry, culminating in leading TLC, has been an incredible career journey,” she says

TLC chairman Doug McTaggart says van der Merwe has played an instrumental role in the success of the lottery industry in Australia over more than three decades.

“Her expertise has helped TLC to become the leading operator of lottery and Keno games in Australia and one of the best performing lottery businesses in the world,” he says.

Sue van der Merwe

Doctor, Doctor

Is there a doctor in the courthouse? Well there have been two during the current court battle between ASIC and former executives and directors of Star Entertainment including ex-CEO Matt Bekier and chairman John O’Neill.

Dr Ruth Higgins, chief counsel for ASIC, completed a doctorate in legal philosophy at Balliol College, Oxford University. Meanwhile it turns out Bekier holds a PhD in finance from St Gallen University in Switzerland, a fact borne out when he was constantly referred to as “Doctor Bekier” by his counsel during his testimony.

It remains to be seen which doctor prevails in the case where ASIC is seeking big fines and disqualifications against Bekier, O’Neill and seven other defendants for alleged breach of duties in relation to money laundering controls.

The trial has been adjourned until the middle of May.

Dr Matt Bekier is seen leaving the Federal Court in Sydney,