Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards recognise the Fortitude Music Hall, its builder and CrossFit Torian

The 14th annual Lord Mayor of Brisbane’s Business Awards have recognised the achievements of industry stakeholders - the Fortitude Music Hall, its builder Scott Hutchinson and CrossFit Torian - among its award categories.

Presented on 18th October at a City Hall gala ceremony attended by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and over 650 members of Brisbane’s business community, CrossFit Torian received the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) Award for Outstanding Small Business while The Fortitude Music Hall gained the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd Award for New Investment in Brisbane.

In addition to the 12 award categories, Lord Mayor Schrinner took to the stage to present a special Lifetime Achievement Award to Scott Hutchinson, Chairman of Hutchinson Builders.

Councillor Schrinner stated "the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented on discretion to an outstanding finalist who has contributed greatly to Brisbane in their lifetime.

“Mr Hutchinson has not only led the rise of Australia’s largest privately-owned building company but has also helped keep Brisbane’s music scene thriving through advocacy and investment in The Triffid and The Fortitude Music Hall.” 

Maxine Horne, co-founder and Chief Executive of leading Australian retailer Vita Group, received The Courier-Mail Award for Business Person of the Year.

CCIQ Award for Outstanding Small Business 
Winner: CrossFit Torian Pty Ltd
CrossFit Torian are much more than the largest functional fitness facility in Australia. Its fitness programs are designed for people of all backgrounds, ages, skill and fitness levels, and combine elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, functional movements and cardio to help people become stronger, fitter, healthier and more confident.

Its aim is to set the global standard in functional fitness, strength and athletic performance through world-class and holistic fitness programs designed to unlock full physical and mental health potential. CrossFit Torian is extremely passionate about building a community of motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated people who want to make real, positive and sustainable change in their lives.

For more information go to www.crossfittorian.com

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd Award for New Investment in Brisbane
Winner: The Fortitude Music Hall
The Fortitude Music Hall is the largest ballroom/theatre-style venue in Australia, with a 3,000-person standing capacity and a 1,100 seated capacity. Located within The Fortitude Music Hall lies The Outpost, an additional 300 capacity multi-purpose venue designed to nurture artists, offering them a springboard to the Fortitude stage.

The venue aims to enhance the area and be a place for the community to enjoy and benefit from for years to come. Inspiration was taken from some of the world’s most loved live music venues - from classic art deco theatres to larger clubs, while still paying homage to the iconic venues of Brisbane’s past.

The Fortitude Music Hall’s prime location in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment precinct and state of the art production make the venue a truly world class performance space.

For more information go to www.thefortitude.com.au

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Winner: Scott Hutchinson – Hutchinson Builders
Scott Hutchinson has been at helm of the century-old family business since the mid-1980s. Presently presiding as chairman, he is the fourth generation Hutchinson guiding the company which started in 1912. Hutchies - as the company is affectionately known - is now Australia’s largest privately-owned builder. Hutchinson is also recognised as a passionate advocate and philanthropist for the local music industry.

In 2018, he was ranked 36 in Queensland’s 100 most influential people by The Courier-Mail for his position in the building industry and support for the Brisbane music scene where he was responsible for creating The Triffid and The Fortitude Music Hall.

For more information go to www.hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

Image: CrossFit Torian (top) and The Fortitude Music Hall (middle and below, courtesy of Morgan Roberts).