Northern Business Achievement Awards: June 2026 Breakfast

Join us for the Northern Business Achievement Awards Breakfast on Thursday, 4 June 2026, bringing together business owners, industry leaders, and community stakeholders from across Melbourne’s north to celebrate excellence, innovation, and contribution to our local economy.

This breakfast, we are pleased to welcome James Baulderstone, Chief Executive Officer at National Intermodal, as our keynote speaker on the topic – Beveridge Intermodal Precinct: Driving Growth in Melbourne’s North.

James will provide valuable insights into:

• An update on the progress and key milestones of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct
• Insights into project timelines and upcoming stages of development
• The strategic importance of the precinct for freight and logistics in Melbourne’s north
• How the project will enhance supply chain efficiency and connectivity
• Economic impacts, including job creation and future industry opportunities in the region

This breakfast is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, recognise outstanding achievements in our business community, and gain first-hand perspectives on one of Victoria’s most important economic gateways.

Whether you are a business owner, professional, or community leader, this event offers meaningful networking and practical insights into the future of our region.

Hosting Councils: Merri-bek City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council

About the speaker:

James Baulderstone is the CEO of National Intermodal, a Federal Government Business Enterprise that is developing and operating a network of modern intermodal precincts along Australia’s east coast to support the Government’s delivery of Inland Rail.

James has over 30 years of international experience in major infrastructure developments covering energy, utilities, resources, and transport industries. He has been responsible for managing major integrated interstate energy hubs and leading and developing large international joint venture energy terminals in Queensland and NSW. ​

With honours degrees in science and law, James spent over a decade at Santos in senior executive roles where he oversaw integrated operations across the eastern seaboard. ​

As the CEO of National Intermodal, James works with the logistics industry, property developers and major freight customers to develop a network of independent, intermodal precincts in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland to ensure Australia’s supply chain is resilient, efficient and sustainable in order to improve living standards for future generations.

Event Details:

The event will be held in ‘The Market Ballroom’ on level 1 at Novotel Melbourne Preston from 6:45 am (for a 7:00 am prompt start) – 9:00 am.

Guests can park in the underground car park at Novotel Melbourne Preston, accessed via Hotham Street, for a flat fee of $5.00. Street parking is also available around the venue; please check signage for parking times and restrictions. Note: Free Parking is no longer being offered by Novotel Melbourne Preston.

For nearby public transport: There is a bus stop in front of the hotel, the 86 tram stop is just minutes away, and the train station is a 10-minute walk.

Event Photography: Please be advised that this event may be recorded, and photographs will be taken. This footage may be used after the event on the NORTH Link website or other marketing materials. Please notify us if you do not consent to us recording or photographing you and using your image and likeness as mentioned.