This piece was written and provided by MGA TMA

On Wednesday 22 March 2023, over 60 MGA TMA members, industry friends and suppliers came together at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the first MGA TMA Industry Event of the year.

Before the event officially kicked off, there was lots of chatter with everyone catching up on the last few months while taking in the hallowed turf of Melbourne’s iconic MCG.

The first guest presenter of the morning was AFL great Kevin Sheedy. Kevin spoke of the need to grow and diversify businesses and used examples of his time with the league – when AFL moved into Sydney and also recruiting indigenous players to the league. At the end of his talk, guests had the opportunity to ask questions, which they made the most of.

Carbon Warriors with Lara Worthington (Dahlsens)

MGA TMA’s David Inall and Marie-Claire-McKiernan
with Kevin Sheedy

Due to illness, a replacement speaker was needed to fill the industry expert position and luckily Jim Houghton was able to assist.

Jim leads the consultancy group Hire Thinking and was formally with Forest and Wood Products Australia. Jim spoke of the current state of the industry with interest rate rises and the economy slowing. With timber dominant in building, it was important to cover the housing market and Jim discussed prices being down, new building approvals also down and finished off outlining building material supply relative to local production and imports.

MGA TMA members rely on the expert advice and guidance of the MGA TMA employment law team to help them navigate complex situations. MGA TMA’s Head of Legal, Martin Stirling addressed the room and spoke about current issues facing members and some proposed IR reform changes.

When the formalities of the morning were complete, the official Melbourne Cricket Club tour guides were ready to take groups on a guided tour of the MCG.

It was such an experience to be walked around the ground and have the knowledgeable guides talk about the rich history of the MCG. The tour included The Long Room, with participants were allowed to sit in the best seats of the house – the leather lounges facing onto the ground. The tour navigated its way through many interesting places including the media room, players room as well as heading down to ground level. It was a great way to end the morning.

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