Central Markets are important links joining on e vast horticulture supply chain. Fresh Perspectives provid es an insight into this rich and varied industry, focusi ng on the characters, and characteristics, of the wo rld of horticulture.
New era for Brisbane Markets Limited With the retirement of inaugural Chair Tony Joseph, the Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) Board has undergone a transformation with new leadership and new blood amongst its Directors and a clear mission to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and services to facilitate the marketing and distribution of fresh produce.
Leading the pack Both the new Chair, Anthony Kelly, and Deputy Chair, Peter Tighe, have served on the BML Board since 1999 when it was known as Landacq Limited – the investment company created to explore opportunities for an industry-driven markets precinct. Mr Kelly’s start at the markets occurred when he took on a role in the export/ import division of the Carter & Spencer in 1987. He then led the wholesale division and worked his way up to Director of the Group. “It was a great learning experience, and I loved every minute of those days. Working in the fresh produce supply chain is a very unique experience,” Mr Kelly said. “I have been ‘hands on’ in the markets and have been involved in industry bodies for long periods of time, including my recent election to the Board of Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited and chairing their advisory panels for international trade and market access. “This extensive experience provides me with a solid understanding of the fresh produce supply chain and Brisbane Markets. I think I have a strong understanding of what market
24 FRESH SOURCE
Summer 2021
businesses need to be successful, and if they’re successful, BML is successful.” Mr Tighe’s association started much earlier in life, when he used to join his father on the selling floor as a 17-yearold after his father purchased J.H. Leavy & Co in 1971. Along with his extensive experience as the principal of J.H. Leavy & Co, which he recently sold to Global Fresh Australia Pty Ltd, Mr Tighe served as a director of Brismark from 1988 until the conclusion of Brismark’s AGM in October this year. “Understanding all the facets of BML and its ownership role in managing the entire site for all of the tenants has been a constant learning curve. It continues to be a rewarding and challenging position that I enjoy to this day,” Mr Tighe said. 2022 will mark the 20th anniversary of BML’s purchase of the Brisbane Markets site from the state government, and both Mr Kelly and Mr Tighe said it was a very exciting time at the markets and both wanted to play their part in the historical milestone. “By that point the markets were in my veins, I loved the passion of the people who worked here and those that put their hands up to contribute to the purchase,” Mr Kelly said. “I was president of Brismark at the time of acquisition so initially being on the BML Board felt like a natural progression for me.” Mr Tighe said, “I joined the BML Board because the mission to purchase the site was something I wanted to be involved with. It provided an exciting plan for the future of the market and all the businesses that called it home.”
New directors, long history The two new Brismark-appointed Industry Directors, Nicole Radice from HopgoodGanim Lawyers and Stephen Edwards from Murray Bros, will provide a fresh perspective for the BML Board but their association with the markets extends back decades. Mrs Radice has considerable experience as a practicing lawyer with a focus on corporate governance, having been with HopgoodGanim for over 24 years, and first became involved with the markets at the time of its acquisition from the state government. “Since then, I have worked with BML and Brismark in a number of areas, such as advising on capital raisings, preparation and review of contracts, and the acquisition of interests in the Perth and South Australian central markets,” Mrs Radice said. “I feel my involvement as an external adviser has helped me to develop an understanding of the business and joining the Board provides an opportunity to continue to enhance my understanding and to use my skills and experience in a more involved way. “The Board and Management team at BML are of an exceptional standard, so I am very confident that my transition into the role will be well supported by the hard work and dedication of those I am joining.” Mr Edwards said that the growth of Brisbane Markets had instilled a desire to contribute to the process as a director.
