Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays

15/06/2026

EOFY is fast approaching – now is a great time for small businesses to get organised.

The Australian Taxation Office provides a free video series covering practical topics such as record keeping, GST, deductions, employing staff, super and running a business from home.

The short videos are designed to help small business owners better understand their tax and reporting obligations ahead of the end of financial year.

Find the video series here: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/starting-registering-or-closing-a-business/starting-your-own-business/tax-basics-for-small-business-video-series

These short videos answer common questions about running a small business.

11/06/2026

Understanding the opportunities, challenges and investment priorities shaping our region is important for businesses, industry and community leaders alike.

If you'd like to hear more about what the Queensland Budget means for the Greater Whitsunday region, we encourage you to take a look at the upcoming Priorities & Pipeline event hosted by Greater Whitsunday Alliance. See the shared post for further details and ticket information.

GW3 NEWSROOM | GW3 invites Business and Community to hear directly from Deputy Premier on QLD Budget.

GW3 is hosting Priorities & Pipeline on Wednesday 1 July at the Mackay Turf Club, featuring a keynote address from The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations.

As GW3 CEO Kylie Porter said:

“It is important our business and community leaders have the opportunity to hear directly from Government about what the Budget means for our region.”

Hosted in partnership with local MPs:
• The Hon. Amanda Camm MP Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
• Glen Kelly MP Member for Mirani
• Nigel Dalton MP Member for Mackay

✅ Tickets are available now via the event page on the GW3 website: https://greaterwhitsundayalliance.com.au/event/priorities-and-pipeline/

Read more here: https://greaterwhitsundayalliance.com.au/gw3-invites-business-and-community-to-hear-directly-from-deputy-premier-on-qld-budget/
Event details
🗓 Wednesday 1 July
🕦 11:30am - 2:30pm (doors open 11:30am)
📌 Mackay Turf Club, 9 Peak Downs Highway, Ooralea
🍽 Two-course lunch included
👔 Dress code: Business attire



Queensland Government
Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce
Isaac Business Chamber
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays
Mackay Regional Council
Isaac Regional Council
Whitsunday Regional Council
Greater Whitsunday Innovation
Greater Whitsunday Communities
YP - Young Professionals Mackay
Canegrowers Mackay
Bowen Gumlu Growers
Bowen Collinsville Enterprise - BCE

10/06/2026

What is the Greater Whitsunday Geospatial Hub and why does it matter to our region? 🗺️

Geospatial technology uses maps, satellite imagery, sensors and data to help industries make smarter decisions about land, infrastructure, water, agriculture, mining and the environment.

The proposed Greater Whitsunday Geospatial Hub is exploring how these technologies could support future jobs, innovation and investment across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions. From improving farming efficiency and infrastructure planning to supporting mining operations and disaster resilience, the opportunities are broad and growing.

An economic impact assessment released by Greater Whitsunday Alliance found geospatial and earth observation technologies could contribute significant long-term value to the regional economy while supporting both traditional and emerging industries.

Learn more about the project and its potential for our region here: https://greaterwhitsundayalliance.com.au/greater-whitsunday-geospatial-hub-to-connect-the-dots-across-future-workforce-landscapes/

Geospatial and Earth Observation (EO) technologies could be the next frontier for the Greater Whitsunday region’s workforce to explore.

09/06/2026

The 2025-26 Greater Whitsunday Regional Projects Pipeline highlights more than $600 million in public infrastructure investment planned across the region, alongside significant private sector projects.

Key areas include transport and road upgrades, social and community housing, health infrastructure, renewable energy developments, port infrastructure and major regional industry projects.

Take a look at the progress of these projects on the Queensland Government website: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/regions/queenslands-regions/greater-whitsunday/greater-whitsunday-regional-projects-pipeline

We provide strategic support and regional development services throughout the Greater Whitsunday Region. Our work is focused on three key objectives: expanding businesses, growing industry and developing our region.

03/06/2026

Exploring your next career step can feel overwhelming – but opportunities and support are closer than you think.

Greater Careers Connect is designed to help young people build confidence, connect with industry mentors and learn more about career pathways available across our region.

See the shared post for more information and registration details.

REGISTER TODAY | Greater Careers Connect

You don’t need a 10-year plan. You just need your next move.

If you’re 18–24, Greater Careers Connect can help you explore careers, meet mentors, and get a clearer picture of what’s possible — without the pressure.

✅ Ask questions
✅ Hear real stories
✅ Build your network
✅ Choose your next step with confidence

Join as a mentee — register today.

https://greaterwhitsundayalliance.com.au/program/greater-careers-connect/

Greater Whitsunday Innovation


Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce

Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays

01/06/2026

Looking to strengthen your business operations and leadership capability?

The upcoming Inside the Engine Room networking event in Moranbah will bring together local businesses for an evening of practical insights and industry discussion.

Hear from experienced operations leader Keenan Jansen as he shares lessons from nearly three decades across multiple industries.

See the shared post for event details and registration information.

Greater Businesses event Moranbah: Keenan Jansen shares practical strategies to improve leadership, systems and business performance. Get your tickets today.

27/05/2026

Are you looking for funding opportunities?

Regional Development Australia Tropical North offers a handy SmartyGrants search tool on their website, making it easier to find current grant opportunities relevant to your project, business or organisation.

Whether you’re planning a new project or looking to expand an existing one, it’s a great resource to help you stay up to date with available funding.

Take a look and see what opportunities are available 👉 https://www.rdatropicalnorth.org.au/funding/grants-open/

Grants RDA Tropical North collates information on upcoming grants from government, corporate, philanthropic and private sectors. Agriculture / Farming / Forestry / Fishing Organisation Details Amount Closing Department of Primary Industries (QLD) Queensland Biosecurity Boost Grants Program. These gr...

25/05/2026

Last week, participants in the Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program came together for the first Masterclass, with 22 women taking part in the session 👏🏻

The workshop was facilitated by Rowena Hardy and Nick Bennett from Minds Aligned, who have been supporting the program since 2022 and continue to deliver valuable leadership and professional development opportunities for participants.

As always, we would like to thank Isaac Regional Council for their ongoing in-kind support through the use of the Isaac Events Centre. We also extend our appreciation to Bec and the team for their consistently outstanding catering and service.

A special thank you to the Local Buying Foundation for its continued investment in the Women in Leadership Program. Through this support, the program is able to provide meaningful opportunities for women across the Isaac region to build their skills, confidence and professional networks.

25/05/2026

A new report highlights an important opportunity to strengthen Australia’s AgTech capability through a coordinated approach to testing and validating new technologies.

For the Greater Whitsundays, this presents a chance to play a leading role in supporting innovation and helping new solutions scale more effectively across the agriculture sector.

To find out more, visit: www.greaterwhitsundayagtechhub.com.au/resources/

Greater Whitsunday Alliance

19/05/2026

At our latest EmpowerHER networking session, we were joined by 30+ women looking to connect 🫱🏻‍🫲🏻

A big thank you to Joanne Mulchay, who delivered an engaging and insightful presentation on the importance of taking time to look after yourself. From building small daily habits to prioritising rest and balance – it was a timely reminder for us all.

There was good engagement and open conversation throughout the session, reinforcing the value of creating spaces where women can connect and support one another.