It was a sold out out event at the Shipping Australia Queensland Gala Ball 2026 held at The Star Brisbane!
Ably hosted by Australian Football League and Brisbane Lions legend, Simon Black, our guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner at a fabulous venue.
Shipping Australia CEO, Capt Melwyn Noronha, addressed our guests. After acknowledging the Turrbal and Jagera people as the Traditional Owners of the Lan, the Captain gave an overview of the industry.
But first, he had to acknowledge the stunning victories of the Brisbane Lions in the AFL and and both the Brisbane Broncos (Women) and the Brisbane Broncos (Men) in the NRL.
“The State of Queensland is clearly the State of Champions!” he declared to the crowd’s cheering and applause.
The Captain reviewed maritime security matters, world trade, Australian trade, and the near-term outlook.
He also discussed the remarkable news from the World Trade Organisation that artificial intelligence systems could boost global trade by nearly 40% and global GDP by up to 13%.
Quoting technologist Roy Amara, who argued in the 1970s that we tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run, the Captain paused before that thinking into his own words. “Only idiots bet against technology,” he quipped!
Captain Noronha also thanked guests for their support over the year, along with our sponsors and the members of the Secretariat who arranged the event.
“Your continued support ensures we can gather not only to celebrate, but to strengthen the relationships that underpin our shared success. We must also thank the incredible work done by the Organising Committee, which comprises our Qld Chair, Jaz Mir, and our QLD Secretary Geoff Dalgliesh. Jaz & Geoff, your hard work ensures that tonight will be an event to remember. On behalf of all present here today, thank you!” the Captain declared.
Following the Captain on stage was our second guest speaker, Jenny Ruffell Smith, a Brisbane-based maritime professional with nearly 20 years of experience across shipping and logistics in the Asia-Pacific and European regions. She recently completed a secondment at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping in Denmark, where she worked on strategic decarbonization initiatives and policy engagement.
As ever, our Lucky Door Prizes were a hit!
The top prize was the Flight Center Gift Voucher: valued at $2000, and which was sponsored by Shipping Australia.
The next prize was a case of RWT Bin 798 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2015, at $1200 and which was sponsored DP World.
The Star Brisbane also provided a wonderful prize, a “Gateway Starcation,” which was overnight Luxury accommodation at The Star Grand Brisbane in a city King room, including breakfast and complementary parking. This prize was generously sponsored by Star Brisbane.
Logistics group Qube sponsored two dinner packages at Alchemy, a leading restaurant in Brisbane. A further dinner package was sponsored by the Port of Brisbane.
An autographed AFL ball and golf goodies bag was sponsored by Qube, and a further ball and golf goodies bag was sponsored by Simon Black and Qube.
Three Nespresso coffee machines were sponsored by Be4U.
Catherine Hindley, President of Mission to Seafarers Brisbane, was invited onto the stage and was presented with a formal pledge that a portion of the night’s proceeds – to be determined after the event – would be donated to the Mission.
Guests were entertained by the band, and drinks and dancing followed until late night.
Events like the Shipping Australia Gala Ball simply could not take place without the support of our generous sponsors.
We would like to thank:
Lead & Presenting Partner
DP World
Platinum partners
- ACFS
- MCC
- Qube
- Tyne Container Services
- Port of Brisbane
Silver partners
- AAT
- Svitzer
- Smit Lamnalco
Prize partner
- BE4U
Menu and photo partners
- ES Randle & Co
- JBS
Pictures and videos of the night!
Our expert photographers captured the event for you in pictures! Click here to see the pictures!
Did you take part in our video booth? Check out your videos here!
