LARGER-THAN-LIFE LOCAL FIGURE LEAVES OUTSIZE IMPRESSION IN NEW BOOK
Author Michael Blucher’s latest biography tackles Brisbane’s biggest champion
Steve Wilson AM is a name synonymous with Brisbane, and now a new book charts the rise of the enterprising local visionary, business leader and philanthropist and his city-shaping vision of the Queensland capital as Australia’s most successful and sustainable city. A
At its core, Steve Wilson: Little City, Big Dreams is a lively character study of Brisbane from 1886 to present day, which will appeal to those passionate about local history and lore. Steve Wilson: Little City, Big Dreams spans seven decades, weaving together one man’s grit, determination and inner drive with the parallel nascent trajectory of Brisbane, sharing the city’s intriguing stories along the way.
Born into Brisbane’s premier stockbroking family, Wilson established his financial career in London before returning at age 31 to helm Wilsons after his father died in 1986. Steering Wilsons through the 1987 global stock market crash and other challenges, the forward-thinking Wilson led the stockbroking firm to become a national leader in emerging companies, establishing Hyperion and Pinnacle – two of Australia’s fund management success stories.
While Steve Wilson: Little City, Big Dreams is a triumphant tale set in the financial industry, it is equally the real-life story of a local vision of a better Brisbane and a plucky small town growing up to become a world-class capital that is now globally recognised as one of the most liveable cities.
Wilson was instrumental in the transformation of South Bank, and has steered pivotal tourism, sports, cultural, conservation and place-making projects in Brisbane as chair of Racing Queensland, St John’s Cathedral Completion Fund and Queensland Rugby Union.
He has also served as a director with Tourism & Events Queensland, Telstra, QUT and Great Barrier Reef Foundation, to name a few of his other board appointments, and was awarded an Order of Australia for his services to the finance industry and community.
From his formative years with parents John and Pam Wilson to his accomplished wife, Dr Jane Wilson, a veteran board director herself, and their five children, the book details a colourful journey with rarefied success, but also ample moments of disappointment, reflection and shortfall. For his 15th book, local author Michael Blucher was drawn to Wilson’s larger-than-life personality and genuine interest in making a difference.
“Growing up in Brisbane in the 1980s and ‘90s, it was hard not to notice Steve Wilson. A big man with a big personality and big ideas, he was somebody who was never satisfied with good when he knew better was possible,” Blucher said. “He bobbed up everywhere – in the news, at business events, at corporate events, at the footy – it was like there were four of him, working alternate 12-hour shifts.
“For the sake of Brisbane’s history, it’s important that the stories of people like Steve Wilson are captured, because they’re interwoven into the tapestry of the city. “He has his detractors – people like Steve always do – but nobody can challenge his passion, his energy and his determination to make Brisbane one of the most liveable cities in the world. Without question, Steve believes in the city of Brisbane, perhaps more than anyone else alive,” Blucher said.
Steve Wilson: Little City, Big Dreams also continues Blucher’s keen interest in sport, particularly rugby union, with Wilson’s strong ties to the code.
The Brisbane author has previously published Perfect Union, about Wallabies players Tim Horan and Jason Little, and Bubble Boys, delving into the lives of professional athletes.
Steve Wilson: Little City, Big Dreams by Michael Blucher is available for purchase now for RRP$49.95 from mobshop.com.au
