1 minute read

MGA TMA Industry Event

Under the cover of darkness we arrived at the MCG on Wednesday 22 March 2023 in preparation of the first MGA TMA Industry Event of the year.

With 60 plus MGA TMA members, industry friends and suppliers in attendance, there was a real buzz to the morning with everyone catching up on the last few months and looking out onto the hallowed turf of Melbourne’s iconic MCG.

The first guest presenter 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. The audience was very engaged with his presentation.

Following Kevin, was industry expert Jim Houghton. Jim was a welcomed lastminute addition to our line-up as, Kevin Peachey was unwell and unable to attend. 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 the building industry, the housing market was covered. Jim discussed prices being down, new building approvals also down and outlined building material supply relative to local production and imports. With the formalities of the morning complete, attendees were met by official Melbourne Cricket Club guides to be taken on a tour around the ground imparting knowledge about the rich history of the MCG, including the Long Room of the Melbourne Cricket Club and navigated its way through several interesting locations including the media room, players room, as well as ground level. A great way to end the morning. Future networking events for MGA TMA are being planned.