Page 22 - Port Douglas Magazine 39

Taylor’s College, a decision that set the stage Townsville coastline, captured his attention. comfortable island transfers but also offering
for his future. It was the acquisition of this island in 2011 visitors once in a lifetime experiences. Aerial
Keep in mind that this was a time when that ignited the expansion of his Queensland perspectives of famous reef, rainforest and
computers were still shrouded in mystery. tourism empire. outback destinations but also custom-made
It was in 1978 that Chris founded stock transfer When we gently enquired, “Was investment adventures like a picnic on top of a waterfall
company Computershare. in the Far North part of your original 5- or 10- or a remote sand cay wedding elopement?
During these early days of computers, year plan?” a small chuckle escaped his lips: No problem.
characterised by uncertainty over share “Nothing I have done in life has ever really In search of a mainland base, Chris then set his
ownership, Computershare emerged as a been planned!” Wow! A strong belief in, “Trust sights on the Townsville casino, recognising
pioneer in developing systems to bridge this and follow your gut instinct!” Certainly, for its value as a worthy addition to his portfolio.
gap. Chris and his family, it has provided for an While the $70m million price tag seemed
It is safe to say that thanks to his mother’s interesting and prosperous life. high at the time it has proved to be one of
the best investments he has ever made.
instrumental decision, Chris went on to
establish one of the globe’s most significant Chris appreciated that visitors to the
companies, now boasting offices spanning “A SMALL CHUCKLE region seemed keen to experience the
20 countries across five continents and unique. Conscious of their environmental
employing 18,000 staff. ESCAPED HIS LIPS: impact, this was an important factor too.
After taking Computershare public in 2001, “NOTHING I HAVE It was Chris’ daughter, Hayley, who has
dedicated a lot of time and energy into this
Chris stepped away from the board in 2021 area. Hayley’s portfolio includes a strong
while maintaining a significant shareholding. DONE IN LIFE HAS emphasis on sustainability, encompassing
The stage was set for his journey into the initiatives to help preserve the Great Barrier
realm of his tourism empire. EVER REALLY BEEN Reef amongst others. As a family, they also
PLANNED!”
BUILDING HIS QUEENSLAND established Morris Family Foundation.
TOURISM EMPIRE Their goal? To continue to invest in projects
and organisations with meaningful social,
From that point forward Chris began investing economic and environmental impact both at
in things that interested him - aviation, a Focused on the guest experience, Chris home in Australia, and internationally.
brewery, and a resort portfolio centred on realised he needed to ensure the journey to Contrary to the common notion that working
North Queensland. Orpheus was comfortable, consistent and with family can be challenging, Chris believes
His very first acquisition in 1988 was close easy to organise. In this vision, the decision in the advantages of working with family,
to home, buying the well-known Victorian to buy Nautilus Aviation aligned perfectly. highlighting the natural trust that builds these
Portsea Hotel. It was a decision that ignited a From humble beginnings of one seaplane bonds.
series of actions. and a small helicopter, the fleet has grown One such bond is with his sister, Penelope
The first allure of North Queensland called to an impressive 45 helicopters. Nautilus now Maclagan. Penny contributed significantly to
out when Orpheus Island, situated off the dominates the top end of Australia, facilitating
24 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner