ABOUT US
Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) is the lead economic and tourism development agency for the Central Highlands in Queensland, Australia.
We’re a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for a sustainable region and economic growth by:
- Enhancing the region’s workforce
- Promoting the Central Highlands as a ‘region of choice’
- Supporting our region’s businesses
For more than 25 years, CHDC has partnered with industry, business, government and communities to drive growth and empower businesses.
Our rich understanding of the local economic landscape has allowed us to deliver insights and strategic action plans for the region.
In turn, this has contributed to building strong, capable businesses and industries that are supply-chain ready and optimised for expansion.
CORPORATE STRATEGY
CHDC has a three-year vision to drive economic opportunities to support the Central Highlands as a dynamic region of choice.
Our Corporate Strategy 2023-2028 defines CHDC’s purpose and values, and identifies seven priorities and objectives, including business growth, workforce development, and advocacy and promotion.
This important document maps out a clear direction forward for CHDC and underpins all the work we do in our role as the region’s key economic and tourism development organisation.
Our Team
CHDC’s dedicated staff members are committed to facilitating a wide range of projects and initiatives across the Central Highlands and providing relevant advice, statistical information, workshops and networks to support business, industry, government and community.
Staff
Whether it's through events, networking, or one-on-one chats, Ashleigh has a knack for bringing people together and making meaningful connections.
She's a proud parent to two amazing teenagers and finds joy in family adventures and hitting the gym.
She also specialises in board coordination.
Her proficiency in coordinating and documenting Board meetings, drafting agendas, and ensuring compliance with governance protocols has positioned her as a trusted resource in the corporate world.
She has called Emerald home for almost 20 years, working and volunteering across the agriculture industry in different capacities, including but not limited to farm workplace health and safety, business management, organisational governance, project management, event facilitation and system development.
Committed to community growth, she collaborates with various stakeholders to uplift the region, fostering strategic investments.
Passionate about connecting with others, Deb supports industry professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs in building a prosperous future for the Central Highlands community.
Kelly is extremely passionate about yoga and mindfulness, spending her free time teaching to create community and connections as well as discovering all things yoga!
Other interests include time away at the beach with her husband Michael and cattle dog Red.
The mum-of-two now mostly works from her home in QLD's far north but her heart and mind remain in the Central Highlands, with a passion for spreading the word about CHDC's many projects and events.
The fluent French, Creole and English speaker holds qualifications in Practice Management and Sales and Marketing Management.
Volunteering at the Visitor Information Centre led to Pamela discovering a passion for welcoming tourists and she has been in her current role since 2019.
The former merchandiser has seen many changes in Emerald since moving here from Victoria in 1976.
She's met many lovely people while working at the VIC and recommends volunteering for anyone with a bit of spare time.
Since then, Delma and her husband have travelled extensively in their van.
Delma enjoys working voluntarily in the community and particularly enjoys her time at the Visitor Information Centre meeting the travelling public.
Sharyn spends a lot of time with her now-grown children and their families, who still live in Emerald, and she also enjoys running and walking the many trails in the area – Emerald Botanical Gardens being her favourite spot.
Sharyn loves to share her local knowledge with tourists in her volunteer role at the Visitor Information Centre.
BOARD
GAI SYPHER
RACHAEL CRUWYS
KAREN NEWMAN
He brings a strong track record of success across both public and private sector organisations, with expertise in energy, resources, and infrastructure.
JOSEPH BURNS
JOIN OUR TEAM
There are currently no vacancies at CHDC but for career opportunities in the Central Highlands, tap the blue button to check out our free and local job search site.
OUR REGION
The Central Highlands is a robust and diverse region situated at the heart of Australia’s resource and agricultural sectors.
Spanning almost 60,000km2, the region encompasses a significant portion of the Bowen Basin, Australia’s largest coal reserve, and is home to eight metallurgical and four thermal mines.
With the largest cattle inventory in Australia, the Central Highlands stands as a beef powerhouse. It is also characterised by thriving broadacre cropping and horticultural industries, sustained by irrigation sourced from water storage on the Nogoa and Comet Rivers
Our region is a three-hour drive west of Rockhampton and a 1.5-hour flight from Brisbane, and includes the communities of Arcadia Valley, Bauhinia, Blackwater, Bluff, Capella, Comet, Dingo, Duaringa, Emerald, Rolleston, Sapphire Gemfields, Springsure and Tieri.
