Brisbane-based film and television industry leader Tim McGahan ACS has won the Channel 7 Award for Business Person of the Year at the 13th annual Lord Mayor’s Business Awards at a gala dinner at City Hall on Friday 19 October.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Managing Director of Blacklab Group had spent more than two decades building a brand that is internationally recognised for producing feature films, television series, commercials and digital content. “Tim McGahan has carved out a multifaceted career producing high-end film and television content, including two international and award-winning feature films Predestination and Winchester,” Cr Quirk said. “Tim has made an outstanding contribution to the industry. He was the youngest ever cinematographer accredited by the Australian Cinematographers Society, and is passionate about mentoring new talent. Working across all arms of the Newstead-based Blacklab Group, from creative development through to financing, production, delivery and exhibition of projects, Tim exemplifies the dedication, excellence and leadership that we look for in a Business Person of the Year.”
The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards are staged by the city’s economic development board Brisbane Marketing. The Singapore Airlines Award for Young Business Person of the Year Award went to Sam Hussey, co-founder and CEO of leading immersive technology agency, Lightweave. “Sam Hussey has worked with some of the biggest companies in Australia and overseas on virtual reality, augmented reality and new technologies, and has led world-first experiences for brands including the Brisbane Heat and Brisbane Festival,” Cr Quirk said. “Overseeing offices in Brisbane and Singapore, and expanding into the UK and North America, Sam has built a successful business while contributing to Brisbane’s reputation as a hub for the creative industries and technology.”
The Optus Business Platinum Award recognising one outstanding business award winner, went to Tritium Pty Ltd, which also won the Queensland Urban Utilities Award for Product Innovation. “Tritium is an outstanding Brisbane business with a 20-year record of innovation in e-mobility and renewable energy,” Cr Quirk said. “The company’s latest world-first innovation – the Veefil-PK DC High-Power Charger – is capable of charging an electric vehicle up to 475kW, giving it the ability to travel 150km from just five minutes of charging. Tritium designs and manufactures its revolutionary products in Brisbane – creating employment opportunities and upskilling the local workforce. I couldn’t think of a more deserving winner of the 2018 Optus Business Platinum Award. I congratulate all winners of the 2018 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, which have contributed greatly to Brisbane’s economy, community and reputation as Australia’s new world city.”
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