3 minute read
Tighe recognised for years of service
The people, the colours, the trading – it was the dynamic atmosphere of the Brisbane Produce Market that Peter Tighe fell in love with when he joined his father on the selling floor as a 17-yearold. After 45 years, he continues to pass on the values he learned in his early days to the next generation. Mr Tighe was recently recognised for his service to the industry, being presented with the 2021 Fresh Markets Australia Meritorious Service Award during the 2021 Hort Connections Gala Dinner on 9 June. “It seems like one of those awards that someone else gets. I was very humbled and appreciative to receive it. I love the job that I’ve done and the business I’ve been in; it doesn’t feel like I’ve been here for 45 years,” he said. Mr Tighe’s connection to Brisbane Markets began in 1971, when his father purchased J.H. Leavy & Co, one of the longest established fruit and vegetable wholesaling businesses in Brisbane. A few years later, Mr Tighe joined him. “I used to go to the markets in school holidays, and very early I fell in love with the place,” he said. “It was the hard work, the friendship and camaraderie - working with the older fellows, the learning was invaluable. I try to instil upon the next generation the same values that I learned.” Mr Tighe said he thinks he has done well in business and family because of his principles. “They’re basic principles of hard work, being organised, and treating people how you’d like to be treated. There’s not a job in the business I can’t do, and there’s nothing that I ask of anyone that I haven’t done myself.” Along with his extensive experience as the principal of J.H. Leavy & Co - which he recently sold to Global Fresh Australia Pty Ltd, and in which he still retains strong involvement - Mr Tighe has been a director of Brismark since 1988, and a director of Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) since 1999. Brismark chair, Gary Lower, said the Award is recognition for the devotion and loyal commitment Mr Tighe has shown the fresh produce industry and Brisbane Markets over time. “When the state government announced its plans to sell the Brisbane Markets site in 2001, Peter was one of the Brismarkappointed members of the negotiating committee. He made a significant commitment to the capital raising used to fund the winning bid, which allowed the site to transition to industry-based ownership,” Mr Lower said. “Since then, his involvement as a Brismark and BML director has assisted in ensuring that the BML Board culture retains its strong recognition of the wholesaling sector of the industry. “He is a consummate professional in all aspects of his life, working hard to improve the standing and status of the sector.” Mr Lower said Mr Tighe is a strong advocate for Brismark, the Brisbane Markets, and the industry as a whole. “Peter is one of a handful of Brisbane Market Principals who are always ready to put up his hand to assist, support, participate and advocate for Brismark” Mr Lower said. “He is a worthy recipient of the Meritorious Service Award, and a worthy peer to stand alongside prior recipients of this prestigious industry accolade.” To read more about Hort Connections and those awarded at the event’s Gala Dinner, see pages 11 to 13.
A worthy recipient: Peter Tighe was presented with the 2021 Fresh Markets Australia Meritorious Service Award during the peak industry event, the Hort Connections Gala Dinner.
