Why I Joined: A Conversation with Sally McCray

Some memberships last a lifetime. Others span generations.

For Past President Sally McCray, The Brisbane Club has been woven into the fabric of her life for as long as she can remember. Long before becoming a Member herself, she celebrated family milestones within its walls, following in the footsteps of her father, grandfather and generations before her.

As part of our Member Stories series, Sally reflects on the enduring friendships, shared traditions and family connections that have shaped her journey—and why she believes today’s Members play the most important role in welcoming the next generation.

A Club Across Generations

I joined The Brisbane Club in 2010 at the invitation of my father, Alan McCray. In truth, however, the Club had been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Both of my grandfathers were Members, and my paternal grandfather, Sir Lionel McCray, served as President in 1970–71. To have later followed in his footsteps as President of the Club is something I will always treasure. My father joined in 1972 and was a proud Member for 38 years before his passing in 2010.

Some of my happiest family memories were made at the Club. Birthdays, milestone celebrations and even celebrations of life were shared here. As a teenager and young adult, I regularly accompanied my father to what were then the Father–Daughter Dinners, alongside my uncles and cousins, many of whom were also Members.

When I eventually joined, with my father as proposer and my uncle, Philip McMurdo, as seconder, Dad gave me a piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since:

“You will make friends that you will have for the rest of your life.”

He was absolutely right.

As a self-confessed foodie, I quickly became involved with the Gourmet Special Interest Group, where I formed lasting friendships with fellow convenors and Members. Gourmet soon became a regular family tradition, with my mum, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins gathering around the table whenever they were in town.

I later joined the Gourmet convening team alongside Mike Gould, Andrew Corrigan, Mike Robertson and Peter Cowley, before eventually leading the group for eight wonderful years. When I stepped into the role of President in 2025, I proudly handed the reins to Adam Gilmore.

Throughout my career, I have worked with many talented chefs, yet the Club’s culinary team, led by Head Chef Matt and Sous Chef Tom, continues to impress me with the exceptional experiences they create for Members.

Like many Members, I also developed a passion for the Cellar, co-hosting the popular Pop Voyage Champagne evenings with Wine Committee Member Ros Seeney over several years.

Serving on the Principal Committee from 2018 and later as President gave me the privilege of meeting many remarkable Members, industry leaders and dignitaries. Yet, for me, what has always made the Club truly special is much simpler than that.

It is the friendships.

The shared meals.

The conversations over a glass of wine.

The sense of belonging that keeps drawing me back.

As a third-generation Member, I believe our greatest responsibility is to ensure future generations have the opportunity to experience those same connections. There is no greater ambassador for The Brisbane Club than one of its own Members, and I hope more Members will consider introducing their family, friends and colleagues to become part of the Club’s next chapter.

— Sally McCray