Together for a cause, since 1959.

The Xavier Dinner Committee was formed in 1959 by the late and great Tim McCarthy.

Mr McCarthy formulated the concept for an annual black tie dinner for men and enlisted support for the idea from Dr Clive Uhr (later Sir Clive Uhr) the president of the Xavier Society at that time.

Mr McCarthy who was well known in the community, coerced Sir George Green from Eagers Ltd to donate a Holden motor vehicle to be given away at dinner. Despite the hefty ticket price of £25 and contrary to the expectations of some, the inaugural dinner at Lennon’s Hotel was a great success. The Xavier Dinner was born.

It’s been 65 years since 1959. Since then the Xavier Dinner has raised over 4.5 million, and continued supporting under funded and under appreciated causes with transparent, targeted donations.

At the Xavier Dinner we have a fundamental belief: that small gestures have meaning, and enough of them mean change.

The Committee

We’re about providing a space for mates new and old, to give back and broaden perspectives, all whilst having a cracking good time.

We do this through a grassroots effort from our volunteer committee of local business leaders, and the generosity of our partners and attendees.

You can read a bit more about these guys below. If you are interested in being a part of the committee in the future, or you are a business wanting to lend your support, please get in touch.

A few highlights

$180,000

2024

$124,000

2021

$70,000

2009

$60,000

2006

  • Jack Gardner

    Jack Gardner is the Group Manager for FKG Developments and Managing Director for GFG Projects. In these roles, he oversees strategic direction and guides projects from feasibility to completion, ensuring high-quality outcomes. His leadership supports the continued growth and success of FKG and GFG’s diverse portfolios.

  • Tony Gleeson

    Tony is the policy advisor for City Planning for Cr Adam Allan and Lord Mayor Schrinner. He has formerly advised at both state and federal government levels. Tony is also the long serving secretary of the Nudgee Old Boys Assoc, and has advised and assisted Youngcare and several other community organisations. He looks forward to bringing those in his network to future Xavier Dinners.

  • Jimmy Huynh

    Jimmy is a Project Director at Cavcorp, one of Australia’s most awarded privately owned development groups specialising in built form legacy developments within Queensland. Jimmy attended Iona College and completed a Bachelor of Architectural Design at UQ (University of Queensland). Jimmy is now responsible for the delivery of key residential and retail developments within Newstead and Teneriffe.

  • David Jackson

    A founding partner and Director of Keystone Private. David is a fiercely independent, financial, and commercial trusted advisor to many of Australia’s most successful individuals, families, and enterprises. David is also cofounder of the Keystone Private Foundation, providing philanthropy with planned purpose for clients and other participants in the philanthropic sector.

  • Sean McMahon

    Sean has more than 25 years’ experience in the funds management and corporate sectors and co-leads the Hall & Wilcox Investment Funds team. Prior to joining the firm, Sean lead the award-winning Funds Management team at McMahon Clarke.

  • Fraser Power

    Fraser is a licensee within the McDonald’s system. Having longstanding involvement and engagement with RMHC and other charitable organisations, he brings a genuine interest and desire to give back to those less fortunate.

  • Nick Stevens

    President

    Nick is co-founder and director of Benstead Holdaway, a privately owned real estate advisory and funds management business. Nick is a proud Brisbane local, having attended Marist College Ashgrove and further completing a Bachelor of Laws and Masters of Business (Applied Finance) at QUT. As a supporter of the dinner since 2014, Nick is dedicated to ushering the next generation of supporters to the Xavier community.

  • Jack Stickley

    Jack is an Investment Adviser at Morgans Financial, Australia’s largest national full-service stockbroking and wealth management network. He was introduced to the Xavier Dinner in 2018 and looks forward to contributing to the event's rich history and actively participating in its charitable initiatives.

  • Andrew Swaney

    Andrew is a qualified Architect who now manages property development for McDonald’s restaurants in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Andrew is engaged in a number of charity endeavours in Brisbane and having joined the committee in 2023 is passionate about the opportunity to actively contribute to the causes chosen for the Xavier dinner.

  • Harry Tynan

    Harry is a Gregory Terrace old boy who has joined the Xavier Foundation in 2022. Harry is a Senior Adviser at Tynans Advice with a focus on building wealth and creating retirement strategies for private clients. His role is also as a member of the Tynans Investment Committee.