October Business Luncheon
October 27 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are not just a sporting event.
They are a catalyst for economic growth, business innovation, investment attraction, workforce development, tourism expansion, and community transformation across every corner of Queensland, including us here in Cairns.
The experience we provide to the Olympians, Paralympians and the spectators, will set us up for future visitation for years to come.
At our October luncheon we will have the privilege of hearing firsthand from not one but two Olympians who will share the memories and experiences from previous games.
This is our city’s time to Shine – Let’s get ahead for the Games as a Regional Host City.
Stay tuned to hear who our special guests will be!
When: Tuesday 27 October 2026
Time: 11.30am – 2.00pm
Where: Hilton Cairns
Cost: $75 Members | $95 Non-Members
Inclusions: Welcome Drink on Arrival, Alternate Drop Main Course, Freshly Brewed Tea & Coffee
Meet the Olympians
Deborah Acason (née Lovely) is an Australian Olympian and one of Australia’s most accomplished weightlifters. She has represented Australia at two Olympic Games (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008) and five Commonwealth Games, winning one gold, three silver and one bronze medal. She is the first female inductee into the Australian Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame and has served as a director of the federation. She also competed in athletics as a junior in discus and hammer throw, won track cycling medals during rehabilitation from injury, and was selected for the Australian Rugby Training Squad. Deborah holds honours degrees in Law and Criminology from Griffith University and recently completed a Master of Teaching and Learning, adding to an already distinguished career spanning elite sport, governance and education.
Elle Steele is a is a five-time Australian Swimming representative, Paralympian and Gold medallist, strategist, speaker, founder, consultant, and lifelong student of what makes us human. Born with a congenital disability called arthrogryposis, Elle’s life has been full of moments of great joy and sadness due to the continual change in her physical capabilities. Despite her challenges, Elle has represented Australia at the 2000 Paralympic Games and later made history as the first woman to play wheelchair rugby for Victoria. With over a decade of experience in leadership, mentoring, and inclusion projects, Elle brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the Freedom Sports Foundation board. She is passionate about making sport accessible for all and is dedicated to shaping programs that champion diversity, visibility, and empowerment through inclusive sport.
About the speaker
Dominique Lamb has a diverse background in corporate affairs, industrial relations, and not-for-profits. Dominique was previously the CEO of the National Retail Association and a director of NRA Legal.
In her role as CEO, Dominique advocated on behalf of 60,000 shop fronts across the country about a diverse range of issues, including but not limited to crime, ESG, youth employment, industrial relations, leasing and tenancy, franchising, and the digital economy.
Dominique served as the Queensland Small Business Commissioner from December 2022 until October 2025, where she focused on improving the operating environment for small businesses and reducing the time and cost of resolving disputes.
From October 2025, Dominique has taken on the role of Director of Community Affairs for the Brisbane Olympic Games, where she will continue her commitment to community engagement and advocacy.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence and closing the gap in our regional, remote, and rural communities.
Dietary Requirements: If you, or any of your guests, have dietary requirements, please email admin@cairnschamber.com.au immediately after making your booking. We cannot guarantee that dietary requests advised after registration has closed for the event will be catered for.
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