EVENTS HIT THE MARK

How is it September?! I’m sure I’m not the only who sees Christmas on the horizon and wonders where on earth this year went. Part of the reason 2024 feels like it’s moved faster is we’ve had some exciting changes within the CHDC team and plenty of exciting projects to sink our teeth into.

For me, it always comes back to people and I think CHDC has been really fortunate to welcome Deb Barns and Jess Davison onboard. Both are extremely intelligent, capable women who are community focused and intentional in their work. I’m enjoying the dynamic of a group of staff who love what they do.

Events have really hit the mark this year, especially our Working Lunch/Dinner series that’s tackled the key themes to emerge from CHDC’s annual Central Highlands Business Survey. Here are some highlights so far:

– Our sold-out Workforce Development Working Lunch was a platform to launch the new Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy. The presentations shone a spotlight on game-changing opportunities for sustainable economic growth in the Central Highlands regarding our ever-changing workforce and accommodation challenges.

– Major Projects was the theme of our Working Dinner, an event designed for in-depth discussions on propelling regional growth and featuring presentations from the Queensland Resources Council and Whitehaven Coal. The night also launched CHDC’s Major Projects Register 2024-25, which captures more than $5 billion in key developments in play for the Central Highlands.

– The annual Farm to Fine Dining is an event close to my heart and especially this year as the evening fell only weeks after we said goodbye to our dear friend and colleague Liz Alexander. Liz was one of the founders of Farm to Fine Dining and her absence was sorely felt. Liz was honoured in acknowledgements on the night by QLD Agriculture Minister Mark Furner, Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and and event MC Peter Lewis. Liz’s impact within the industry was wide reaching. With AGTECH24 just around the corner, another event that Liz helped found, I am constantly reminded of her – the way she managed her projects, her passion in advancing ag in the Central Highlands – and I hope we make her proud.

– Our Regional Transformation Working Lunch is less than a week away and we’re looking forward to an informative and engaging time with our presenters Michele Bauer, Deputy Director-General – DSTI, and Sam Thomasson, Engineering Manager – Kestrel Coal Resources. Come along to take a break from work and get to know what’s happening regarding regional transformation in the Central Highlands and how it can affect your business. We always get feedback from our event attendees that they value the networking opportunities at CHDC events so there’ll certainly be time set aside for that at the Working Lunch.  We’d love to see you there so grab your ticket here.

The year is not over yet! Here are some dates to keep free:

– AGTECH24 will take place in Emerald on 20 and 21 November

– CHDC’s Tourism and Events Lunch – Building Industry Capacity is scheduled for 5 December 2024.

We’ll open ticket sales soon.