BTS23 opened with a wonderful who’s who

While it seems like a long time ago now – water under the bridge and all that – the BP Official Opening Breakfast at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show deserves a special mention.

Apart from the 300 leaders of industry in attendance, the event featured an array of entertainment and inspiration that kicked the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show off to the very best of starts.

Performer Mitch Tambo kicked the morning off with his incredible Gamilaraay version of John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice”, and a modern, educational and respectful acknowledgement of country.

The Hon Mark Bailey MP, Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads provided a warm welcome and detailed account of Queensland Government projects and priorities, ranging from bridges to hydrogen and everything in between.

Keynote speakers included cricket legend Glenn McGrath, Co-Founder and President of the McGrath Foundation. His easy style, dealing with deeply personal issues punctuated by witty anecdotes, took us on a ride and left us with a message – mostly about optimism and not wasting a day.

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner gave a vote of thanks as well as a warm welcome to Brisbane.

Glenn had been introduced by BP Australia’s Tanya Ghosn, Vice President, Fleet & Deal, who also gave a brief and insightful outline of BP’s strategy to guide customers through the transition including on-shore investment in biodiesel production.

​Paul Graham, Group CEO & Managing Director of Australia Post, as Chair of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (BTS23 official charity partner), gave an informative view of why it is every company’s responsibility to understand and respond to mental health pressures in their business. He outlined HHTS’s strategy for rest areas and the work being done to accelerate action in that area.

Two stunning framed prints by BTS23 ambassador Ben “The Drone Way” Stamatovich, were auctioned raising $2,000 for HHTS.

HVIA President John Drake (2nd from left) joined Paul Graham (HHTS), Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Ben Stamatovich and BTS23 Platinum Partner NTI Managing Director Tony Clark, to cut the ribbon and officially open the show.