Decarbonisation Accelerated: Continuing the Conversation
Register early for this one!
The conversation continues.
Decarbonisation Accelerated: Continuing the Conversation
Following the success of our inaugural Continuing the Conversation event in 2025, businesses, industry leaders, and stakeholders will come together once again to explore the practical opportunities emerging through decarbonisation, diversification and innovation.
This year's event is focused on implementation. What does change look like in practice? How are businesses adapting, identifying new opportunities, and positioning themselves for future growth?
Across the day, attendees will hear from leading voices in decarbonisation and diversification, including two keynote presentations that will challenge thinking, share practical insights and explore the pathways ahead for industry and regional businesses.
Featured speakers include Arron Wood AM, one of Australia's leading advocates for sustainability and business-led climate action, and Deb Archbold, a recognised expert in major projects, local content and supply chain development. Their sessions will provide practical insights into navigating change, strengthening competitiveness and identifying future opportunities for growth.
One of the strongest messages from last year's attendee feedback was clear: people wanted to see more real-world examples in action.
We listened.
For the first time, site tours will form a key part of the program, giving participants the opportunity to step beyond the conference room and explore local examples of decarbonisation, diversification and innovation in practice. Site visits to CSE Linked and FMS Group will showcase how two businesses are responding to industry change and creating new opportunities for growth.
Outside of the site tours, participants will also hear from a number of other businesses including BioGenesis and De Goey Contractors about the actions they are taking within their operations.
The event will explore key themes including:
Decarbonisation and ESG
Diversification into emerging industries
Technology and innovation
Presented by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) in partnership with the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs Program, this event is designed to connect industry, share practical experiences and help businesses navigate an evolving operating environment.
Places are strictly limited due to the inclusion of site tours and venue capacity.
If you're looking to stay ahead of industry change, discover new opportunities and connect with others shaping the future of the Greater Whitsunday region, secure your ticket early.
Register now and be part of the conversation. Further details including site tour announcements to follow.
Speakers
Arron Wood AM
Arron Wood AM is one of Australia's leading advocates for sustainability, climate action and community engagement. A former Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, current CEO of Yurringa Energy, Australia's first Indigenous-owned energy retailer, and an award-winning small business owner, Arron has spent more than two decades championing environmental leadership and sustainable development. His achievements include being named Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year, receiving a United Nations Award for Outstanding Service to the Environment, and being recognised as Young Australian of the Year for the Environment. At Continuing the Conversation, Arron will explore how sustainability, decarbonisation and innovation are reshaping the competitive landscape for businesses and regions. Drawing on his experience across business, government and the clean energy sector, he will challenge attendees to think differently about the opportunities emerging through change and how organisations can position themselves for long-term success.
Deb Archbold
Deb Archbold is Managing Director at Deborah Wilson Consulting Services and has undertaken over 250 major project and major client reviews in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand across a range of projects. Deb now works with projects, lead contractors and local suppliers on supplier capability development to support local content. Deb’s clients include Inland Rail, Squadron Energy, Origin APLNG, Arrow Energy, and government agencies in Qld and NSW. At Continuing the Conversation, Deb will share practical insights into how businesses can better position themselves to secure work with major projects and supply chains. Drawing on extensive experience working with project proponents, lead contractors and suppliers across Australia, she will explore what buyers are looking for, the key capability areas businesses can strengthen, and how to identify and respond to emerging opportunities.
Site Tours
CSE Linked
CSE Linked is engineering practical decarbonisation from the ground up. Headquartered in Mackay at a fully off-grid commercial and manufacturing facility, CSE Linked is at the forefront of regional decarbonisation, clean energy innovation, and industrial diversification. CSE Linked specialise in the design, local manufacture, and deployment of commercial solar, battery storage, and hybrid power systems engineered specifically for the harsh conditions of regional, remote, and heavy industrial operations. From mobile mine-spec solar trailers (EcoHub) and deployable hybrid power units (ECOG3N) to large-scale commercial solar carports (EcoPort), CSE Linked demonstrates how regional businesses can transition away from diesel dependence, cut carbon emissions, and build true energy resilience. Attendees will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how clean-tech hardware is locally engineered, assembled, and deployed right here in Mackay to decarbonise heavy industry across Australia.
FMS Group
FAQs
- What time does the event start?
Registration and networking commence from 7:30am, with the official event and presentations beginning promptly at 8:00am.
- What does the Full Event Experience ticket include?
This ticket includes access to all presentations, catering, networking opportunities and site tours. We recommend this option to gain the full value of the event, with the opportunity to see local examples of decarbonisation, diversification and innovation in practice.
- What does the Presentations Only ticket include?
This ticket includes access to all presentations, catering (morning tea only) and networking opportunities. Site tours are not included.
- Who should attend?
This event is designed for businesses of all sizes and industries, along with professionals interested in the opportunities emerging through decarbonisation, diversification and innovation. Whether you're exploring new markets, considering operational improvements, or looking to stay ahead of industry change, you'll gain practical insights and valuable connections.
- Why should I attend?
Gain practical insights into decarbonisation, diversification and innovation from industry leaders, hear real-world case studies, visit local businesses putting these concepts into practice, and connect with others shaping the future of the Greater Whitsunday region.
- Will catering be provided?
Yes, catering is included as part of the event. Morning tea and lunch will be provided for Full Event Experience participants and morning tea for Presentation Only participants.
- Are places limited?
Yes. Places are strictly limited due to venue capacity and site tour allocations. Early registration is recommended.
- How do I get to the site tours?
Get ready to board the Continuing the Conversation bus! Full Experience tickets include transport to site tours via bus. Sit back and relax as we take you on tour. You will be dropped back at the RCOE following site tours where lunch will be served.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
