Regional Development Australia Tropical North

11/06/2026

What a fantastic morning at Workforce Evolution in FNQ!

The event explored some of the biggest workforce questions facing employers today: What does the future workforce look like, and how do we attract, retain and support the next generation of workers?

Amazing things happen when we all work together.
Regional Jobs Committee (RJC), Local Jobs Program, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, and Regional Development Australia Tropical North brought together employers, industry leaders, educators and workforce professionals to deliver a morning of learning and knowledge sharing.

Kieren Benfield from DTET opened with a clear snapshot of regional workforce data and projections and what this means for workforce planning. Attendees were then treated to a standout keynote presentation from Sophie Renton, who challenged employers to rethink the way they view generational differences in the workplace and highlighted the shifting needs, expectations and motivations of younger generations entering the workforce.

The employer panel facilitate by Kate Montgomery, Local Jobs Program was equally insightful, with panellists sharing practical strategies they have implemented to attract and retain staff. Career pathways, mentoring programs and internal development opportunities were recurring themes, reflecting Richard Branson's philosophy:
"Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don't want to."

RDATN delivered a speedy and interactive Mentimeter survey, facilitated by CEO Lainie P**n. Participants shared some valuable insights on the current workforce landscape from an Employers perspective. Staff retention, recruitment and skills shortages are the biggest workforce challenges right now and increasingly, workers are looking for work/life balance and an attractive salary.

And the fast-paced “silent conference” sessions delivered real takeaways across a range of workforce topics that employers could implement easily.

Thank you to everyone involved especially Janelle Yarwood for her brilliant coordination and the attendees for making the event such a success and for your contributions to the discussion.

A special thanks to Ellen Cox and Sonya Barber for saying YES!!!

It was also a great to catch up with Anita Veivers, RJC Chair, Executive Director of Centacare FNQ and RDATN Board Member.

We hope everyone left with fresh ideas, practical strategies and renewed confidence to navigate the evolving workforce landscape.

11/06/2026

🌟 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 🌟

Meet Our Chair: Professor Hurriyet Babacan

Professor Hurriyet Babacan brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across higher education, public policy, regional development and community engagement.

Throughout her distinguished career, Hurriyet has held senior executive roles in universities, government and local government, including serving as CEO of Tablelands Regional Council and Foundation Director of The Cairns Institute. She has also worked extensively with national and international organisations, contributing to policy, research and community development initiatives across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

A passionate advocate for regional communities, Hurriyet brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic leadership and a strong commitment to advancing economic and social outcomes across Tropical North Queensland.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, public policy and multicultural communities, Hurriyet was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2014.

10/06/2026

🚨 Final days to enter 🚨

Time is running out to submit your application for the 2026 Premier of Queensland's Export Awards!

🗓️ Applications close at 11:59pm, this Friday, 12 June 2026.

These prestigious awards honour Queensland businesses making waves on the global stage, showcasing their drive, innovation and resilience.

Don't miss your chance to be recognised! Apply today 👉 https://bit.ly/4iWwlUr

10/06/2026

𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗲'𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Congratulations to Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council on securing $2.5 million through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) for the Heart of Doomadgee project.

The funding will support planning and partnership development to help revitalise the local and regional economy through new opportunities in tourism, cultural tourism and the arts, while progressing an investment-ready CBD precinct.

We acknowledge the work of our Northern RDA Alliance (NRDAA) colleagues at Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland (RDA Townsville and NWQ), who provided support during the application process.

Projects like Heart of Doomadgee demonstrate the value of collaboration, long-term planning and building on local strengths to create new opportunities for regional communities.

Well done to everyone involved.



📸 Photo Credit: Domadgee Aboriginal Shire Council

09/06/2026

We're looking forward to hearing from Eva Grabner, Founder and Director of Elite Executive Recruitment & Search Consultants, at tomorrow's Workforce Evolution in FNQ breakfast.

As part of our local employer panel, Eva will share insights from the frontline of recruitment and workforce planning, drawing on her extensive experience helping organisations attract, develop and retain talent in a rapidly changing employment landscape.

With workforce challenges continuing to evolve across Far North Queensland, Eva's perspective will contribute to an important conversation about building resilient, future-ready workplaces.

We're proud to bring together local business leaders, employers and workforce experts to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of work in our region.

I am pleased to be on the program for the Workforce Evolution FNQ breakfast event on Wednesday 10 June.

I will be joining other local business leaders for a practical, employer-focused conversation on how organisations can attract, prepare and retain the next generation workforce in Far North Queensland.

Workforce planning is no longer something businesses can leave until there is a vacancy to fill. The way we hire, develop and retain people is changing, and this event is a valuable opportunity to look at what that means for local employers.

Tickets are just $30, thanks to the support of event sponsors.

Register here: https://www.cairnschamber.com.au/events/WFEvolution

05/06/2026

💥Would you like to become a Cairns Festival sponsor?

Align your brand with Cairns’ biggest community event and connect with thousands of locals and visitors. Since 1961, Cairns Festival has been the heart and soul of our community.

And in 2026, we’re celebrating something extra special… Cairns turns 150! 🎉

🌟 Boost your brand visibility
🌟 Reach a highly engaged audience
🌟 Support arts, culture and community spirit
🌟 Be part of Cairns’ Celebrates 150 years!

Whether you’re looking to give back to the community or achieve tangible business outcomes, sponsorship opportunities can be tailored to suit your organisation.

Know a business that may be a good fit? Tag them in the comments below.👇
Visit our Sponsors page: www.cairns.qld.gov.au/festival/sponsors

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

REMINDER: FREE GRANT WORKSHOPS – INNISFAIL & MISSION BEACH

Learn grant writing and project planning skills with expert-led workshops!

📍 Innisfail: Sunday, 7 June 2026
📍 Mission Beach: Monday, 8 June 2026

Visit our website for more information: cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Our-Council/Publications/Council-News/Grant-writing-workshops.

To register email [email protected] or call 1300 763 903.

05/06/2026

🎤 Meet the Keynote Speaker: Sophie Renton

As workplaces continue to evolve, employers are navigating changing workforce expectations, shifting demographics, labour shortages, and the challenges of attracting and retaining talent.

At Workforce Evolution in FNQ, attendees will hear from Sophie Renton, Managing Director of McCrindle Research and an experienced social researcher and trends analyst. Sophie leads a team dedicated to uncovering evidence-based insights that help organisations understand change and plan for the future.

Drawing on research into workforce and generational trends, Sophie will explore how expectations around work, leadership, communication, career pathways, and workplace culture are changing, and what these shifts mean for employers in regional communities like Far North Queensland.

This keynote presentation will provide valuable context for the workforce challenges many organisations are currently experiencing, while offering practical insights to help employers adapt and thrive.

The event will also feature local employer perspectives, breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect with organisations supporting workforce development across the region.

📅 Wednesday 10 June 2026

📍 Reef Hotel Casino

🕢 7:30am – 11:30am

🎟️Tickets: https://www.cairnschamber.com.au/.../workforce-evolution.../

04/06/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO SECURE YOUR SEAT 🚨

Only a few seats remain for the Workforce Evolution in FNQ Event on June 10.

Have you registered yet? Don't miss out or you WILL kick yourself!

If you’re in HR, a business owner, or a manager, this is an event you need to attend! You’ll gain practical insights and connections that could make a REAL difference to your business.

On the day, you’ll experience:
✨ Fast-paced speaker sessions
✨ An engaging employer panel
✨ A keynote presentation + guest speaker
✨ Networking with exhibitors who can support your business growth

And the best part?

Thanks to the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee, Local Jobs Program, and RDA Tropical North, tickets are only $30, and include a plated breakfast 🍽️

Honestly - what are you waiting for?!
Seats are limited and bookings have exploded this past week.

👉 Register now before it’s too late! https://www.cairnschamber.com.au/event/workforce-evolution-in-fnq-understanding-adapting-to-a-new-landscape/