Public Service staff at all levels and in all States and Territories have been recognised by the Queen for their commitment and excellence in serving the people of Australia to mark the occasion of Her Majesty’s birthday in 2022.

The Queen’s awards for members of the Queensland Public Service are presented in accordance with the Order of Australia and announced on Her Majesty’s behalf by his Excellency the Governor-General, General David Hurley.

Stadiums Queensland Chief Executive Todd Harris has been recognised with the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in Queensland’s sporting and major events, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Chief Executive, Mr Hariss oversaw the State’s biggest ever year of sport in 2021.

For the most part, Queensland was been open for business throughout the pandemic, with the state’s health response allowing resident to live with far less restrictions than other states.

Mr Harris made the most of this opportunity as he recognised that these sporting and major events gave Queenslanders and those watching from home in other states, a welcome distraction, a reason to dream and to be inspired in hard times.

Over the past two years, Mr Harris led the acquisition, negotiating and hosting of a number of headline events, including hosting two history making grand finals – the AFL grand final in 2020 and NRL grand final in 2021, international rugby events, international test match cricket and the entire 2020 Super Netball season, which relocated to Queensland for 2020.

In 2021, over 2.9 million people were able to attend events across SQ venues. In maintaining a full events calendar, Mr Harris continued to support those jobs and provide ongoing income for workers across the events industry, as well as catering, cleaning, maintenance and construction.

Throughout the 2021 sporting season, we saw a growing interest in our communities and regions, with Townsville having the opportunity to host the first game in the State of Origin series with only ten days’ notice, working to support wider community activations and offering a boost to the economy, all possible through Mr Harris’ leadership.

Mr Harris’ contribution to support active lifestyles, regional communities and keeping our visitor economy tracking during the pandemic has strengthened SQ’s reputation in leading national events which will support Queensland’s next steps onto the global stage, for the Brisbane 2032 Games.