It’s been a week that reminded me how fast the world can move and how important it is to keep learning, keep perspective and keep looking out for one another.
Many of us are watching the ongoing crisis in the Middle East with deep and growing concern. For colleagues with family, friends or personal connections to the region, the news cycle can be especially heavy. Please take care of yourselves and perhaps use the Easter break to decompress for a while.
As always, Australian Industry Group is sharing your feedback and concerns with government to inform critical decisions to support business. Roundtables for the food and packaging sectors and the construction industry are now being held.
For those who missed it, a recording of the webinar we delivered on Tuesday about the Middle East conflict, looking at the fuel and supply chain risk implications for industry, is available to members here, and we are posting ongoing updates on the impacts of the conflict on our dedicated webpage here.
Our AI Frontrunner event, supported by Griffith University, was an impressive discussion that combined energy and practicality. The big takeaway: we’re past the “is AI real?” phase — the question now is how to use it safely, ethically and in ways that genuinely help our customers and teams.
One of the most talked-about examples came from Leigh Williams, Chief Information Officer at Brisbane Catholic Education, who shared what “enterprise AI” looks like when it’s designed around real users (teachers, students and families) and rolled out with discipline.
Leigh is pictured above with fellow panellists Anatoly Tulchinsky, of TechnologyOne and Dian Tjondronegoro, of Griffith University; along with myself and event host Bronwyn Harch, of Griffith University.
See our LinkedIn post and view our Photo Gallery.
At our webinar this week, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee Director of Procurement Rob McRuvie was refreshingly clear: there’s a sizeable pipeline ahead, and the organisations to benefit most will be those that get “procurement-ready” early and stay connected as packages come to market. With Brisbane set to be the smallest city ever to host an Olympic Games, it’s a genuine opportunity for businesses from across Australia to lean in and be part of the delivery story.
Our Corporate and Commercial Law team brings deep specialist expertise in Olympic-related contracting. Reach out if you need assistance.
Finally, huge thanks to Everhard Industries for supporting our International Student Engagement Program event in Brisbane on Wednesday. If you'd like to register your interest and stay informed about upcoming opportunities to participate, click here. Other ways to take part include hosting site visits and offering internships. It's a truly meaningful way of engaging in cultural exchange and connecting with bright and clever emerging talent.
Until next time,
Michelle
