Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays

03/09/2026

Last week we held the second masterclass for our Bowen Basin Women in Leadership (WIL) program at the Isaac Events Centre.

The session covered topics surrounding stress management, public speaking, how to influence change and stress/burnout. We appreciate the opportunity to present this program and empower women to tackle more leadership roles in the future.

We’d like to thank Local Buying Foundation for funding the program and Isaac Regional Council for their in-kind use of the events centre for the workshop.

Lastly, we’d like to thank the team at the Isaac Events Centre for their impeccable service.

26/08/2026

To further foster collaboration, we recently held an Intel Sharing Session with 13 prominent stakeholders so we could all provide an update on what we’re working on.

Providing a space to bring people together for timely catch ups helps ensure that everyone is aligned in our mission – to create a thriving region.

Thank you to the organisations who attended:
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Greater Whitsunday Communities
Greater Whitsunday Innovation
Isaac Business Chamber
Isaac Regional Council
Local Buying Foundation
Mackay Isaac Tourism
Mackay Regional Council
Marabisda Inc.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation
Northern Queensland PHN
Resources Centre of Excellence
Resource Industry Network

We’d like to offer extra thanks to Resources Centre of Excellence for their in-kind venue support!

25/08/2026

Greater Whitsunday Regional Projects Forum | 10 September 📣

Businesses across the region are invited to connect with project representatives and gain an insight into upcoming development and procurement opportunities across our region.

The forum hosted by Growing Queensland will cover a range of major projects spanning infrastructure, resources, tourism, energy, transport and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a focus on potential opportunities for local suppliers.

📅 Thursday 10 September 2026
⏰ 9:00am–3:00pm
📍 Harrup Park Country Club, Mackay

A great opportunity for local businesses to learn about the project pipeline, build industry connections and better understand where future opportunities may exist.

Hear about opportunities for suppliers on major projects relevant to businesses in the Greater Whitsunday Region.

19/08/2026

Continuing the Conversation is being held on 17 September as part of the Decarbonisation Accelerated joint project between Greater Whitsunday Alliance and Resources Centre of Excellence.

This year’s event will focus on implementation and how that change might look in a workplace. The event also features two keynote speakers who will provide practical insights on identifying opportunities and how to navigate the changes that come with decarbonisation.

Attendees will also go on site tours of local businesses to see how decarbonisation and diversification are being implemented in our region.

If you wish to know more about the event, you can read about it on the Decarbonisation Accelerated website here: https://www.decarbonisationaccelerated.com.au/ctc2026
Or by visiting the event page: https://events.humanitix.com/ctc2026

18/08/2026

A fantastic opportunity for women in Clermont!

Patrice Douglas is hosting a Ladies who Lead workshop on Saturday 12 September, to assist local women in improving their communication skills – whether it’s in the workplace, in meetings, on stage or even catching up with friends.

The 3 hour workshop (9am-12pm) at the Clermont Heritage Centre will give women rounded, real-world tools for confidence, clarity and self-trust.

You can book tickets to the workshop here ⬇️

Ladies Who Lead with Patrice Douglas.

17/08/2026

What could your future career look like right here in the Greater Whitsunday region?

Future Finder Live is bringing young people and the wider community together to explore the industries, careers and opportunities shaping our region.

Check out the shared post for more information and registration details 👇🏻

HAVE YOU REGISTERED | Future Finder Live

You don't always have to leave home to build an incredible future.
Greater Whitsunday is creating exciting opportunities across:

🚀 Resources
🌱 Agriculture
⚡ Renewable Energy
🏥 Health
🌊 Tourism
💻 Technology

Discover the industries shaping tomorrow at Future Finder Live.

Come discover what's next.
📅 Wednesday 26 August
⏲️ 5.30pm to 7.30pm
🔗 Free event register here: https://greaterwhitsundayalliance.com.au/event/future-finder-live/

Mackay Regional Council
Isaac Regional Council
Whitsunday Regional Council
Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays
Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce
Isaac Business Chamber
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Greater Whitsunday Innovation
Resource Industry Network

13/08/2026

Have you thought about what your body language is saying in the workplace? Does it say ‘I am confident’ or does it say ‘I am anxious and don’t believe in myself’?

That’s what Judy Porter from Shiift Pty Ltd had us thinking about when she presented ‘Leadership Body Language – A blueprint to your sub-concious signals’ at our EmpowerHER collective event this week.

We want to thank the 35 women who joined us for another successful event - it was so interesting learning just how much we communicate to others in the workplace without saying a word!

Thanks to our supporters – Star 101.9 Mackay that help promote our events and to Ocean International for their venue.

Know someone who would enjoy these events? We always welcome any women along that would enjoy a morning of networking and learning – so keep an eye out for our next event.

13/08/2026

Looking for your next funding opportunity?

If you're planning to grow your business, invest in new equipment or explore new opportunities, it's worth keeping an eye on the Business Queensland Small and Family Business Grants Schedule.

The schedule is regularly updated with current and upcoming grant programs, helping Queensland businesses prepare ahead of application opening dates. It also includes useful resources to help you get grant-ready before funding rounds open.

Visit their website and stay up to date with available grant opportunities: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/financial/grants/schedule

View the small business grants schedule to find out about current and upcoming grants programs.

09/08/2026

Know someone who makes a positive impact in the Whitsunday community? Consider nominating them for a 2027 Australia Day Award!

These awards are a great way to recognise the people, volunteers and organisations whose contributions help strengthen our region. See the shared post from Whitsunday Regional Council for award categories and nomination details ⬇️

SmartyTip: Don’t miss any of your deadlines! This is one of the busiest times of the year for applications that are due by June 30 (end of financial year for many funders). Plan ahead now to avoid any rush and submit your application well before its due date.

07/08/2026

Last week, the RDA Greater Whitsunday Committee invited Directors from Greater Whitsunday Innovation and Mackay Isaac Tourism for two days of Directors training focused on strengthening knowledge across governance, finance, risk and strategy.

Completing the training together created an opportunity to share experiences, build stronger relationships and collaborate with others working towards positive outcomes for our region.

A sincere thank you to our facilitator David for delivering an engaging and highly interactive program and to CQUniversity for its generous in-kind support through the use of its venue.