Judging Panel

Sarah Smith

Chair, Director, Startup Growth and Investment
Growth Specialist
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Sarah is passionate about all thing’s innovation and start-ups, creating and leveraging partnerships, enhancing reputation and driving transformation.

Sarah has more than 22 years’ experience as a leader, business owner and board director in both the private and public sectors and is commercially minded, creative and collaborative with expertise in business strategy, marketing communications and stakeholder engagement.

James Frostick

Editor
The Weekend Edition

James Frostick is the editor of The Weekend Edition and one of Brisbane’s leading food journalists. James has documented the evolution of Brisbane’s dining and cultural landscape for more than a decade, engaging with the city’s hospitality figures to help shine a light on the River City’s ongoing evolution. Every week, James can be spotted with his camera at Brisbane’s newest openings, be it a charming neighbourhood cafe, edgy back-alley boozer or high-end restaurant. 

Kirstie Fuller

Director of Sales and Marketing
Hotel X

Kirstie Fuller is a respected hospitality leader with more than 13 years of experience contributing to the growth and evolution of Brisbane’s hotel industry. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in connecting business events, corporate travel and tourism opportunities with the city’s accommodation sector, helping to strengthen Brisbane’s position as a leading destination for both business and leisure travellers. Working across a range of internationally recognised and locally significant hotel brands, Kirstie has been involved in repositioning hotels in market, brand transformations and strategic commercial initiatives that have shaped the city’s hospitality landscape.

As a judge, Kirstie brings strong commercial acumen, appreciation for leadership and innovation, and a genuine passion for recognising individuals who are making a meaningful contribution to Queensland’s business community.

Maria Capati

Partner
Piper Alderman

Maria Capati is a Partner in Piper Alderman’s national Corporate & Commercial team, and a leading commercial lawyer with deep expertise in the Australian transport industry. She advises government, transport operators, manufacturers and suppliers on major government contracts, procurement processes, supply agreements, due diligence and OHS matters.

Maria is recognised for her extensive experience with government passenger service contracts across Australia and is regarded as an expert in government contracting. She is increasingly advising on zero emission vehicles and charging infrastructure, including contract variations, supply and energy agreements, and OEM negotiations.

Maria also advises on complex M&A transactions and transport-related property matters, bringing strong commercial insight to every engagement.

Nadine Moore

Chief Growth Officer
Children’s Hospital Foundation

Nadine Moore is a results-driven professional with expertise in Business, Marketing, and Philanthropy. She currently serves as Chief Growth Officer at the Children’s Hospital Foundation, where she leads strategic initiatives across the Foundation’s marketing and fundraising portfolio.

With a strong foundation in academic rigor, Nadine holds a Bachelor of Education, a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Relations, a Master of Business in Integrated Marketing Communication, and a Master of Education in Trauma-Informed Therapy. Her expertise in strategic leadership, business transformation, integrated marketing campaigns, and donor relationship management has driven both organisational growth and significant social impact.

At the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Nadine has focused on enhancing brand positioning, leading innovative philanthropic strategies and launching successful products, resulting in significant market growth. She is passionate about putting people at the centre of decision-making and creating meaningful connections between consumers, employees and communities.