Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to an esteemed Australian and Ryan constituent, Mr Robert O'Keeffe, who was recently presented with a 2013-14 Lifetime Achiever Award for Queensland by the Restaurant and Catering Association. With more than 25 years experience in the meetings and events industry in Australia, Bob has held a number of positions on national and local industry boards and committees and is currently a member of the peak industry bodies Business Events Council of Australia and the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia. Bob has been at the helm of the award-winning Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre as its general manager since its opening in 1995. Under his leadership the centre has established an enviable reputation as Australia's most awarded convention centre and one of the world's leading venues. Bob has been the driving force behind the centre's uncompromising commitment to quality and the philosophy of using only the best local seasonal produce.

The centre has won over 62 catering awards including being judged Australia's best function centre caterer on three occasions and has been voted world's best in the international customer survey. I commend Bob for his outstanding contribution to the industry and congratulate Bob and Julie on this well-deserved award.