Hello and welcome to our February Newsletter.

Just recently in late January we had our AGM and it gives us tremendous pleasure to announce the re-election of our entire committee with the addition of Bruce Holmes who joins as a general committee member and Bruce wants to help with the engagement of guest speakers. Bradie Tynan, also a member provided us all with some very useful information and hot tips when it comes to Cyber Security. Thanks again Bardie for being our January speaker and facilitating our technical lunch & learn.

Our February luncheon approaches and will take place on last Friday of this month where another F4BG advocate Lainie Phoon who heads up relationships at RDA Tropical North and Lainie will be presenting on new Developments on Regional Business Projects for the Tropical North.

Join Regional Development Australia Tropical North (RDATN) for an insightful presentation on how the Tropical North Queensland Economic Development Strategy (TEDS) 2024-2029 is activating the regional vision to be a thriving, diverse and sustainable powerhouse of Northern Australia, linking the nation to the Indo-Pacific. This session will highlight key priorities, and opportunities for local businesses, investors, and regional stakeholders.

As the leading and independent advocate for regional economic development, RDATN plays a pivotal role in driving investment, innovation, and growth across TNQ. The presentation will touch on:

✅ TEDS 2024-2029 – A blueprint for regional prosperity
✅ Investment & government funding pathways
✅ The role of connection and collaboration – Strengthening regional networks for sustainable economic success

As key support to the RDATN Executive Team and CEO in this current role, Lainie regularly reports on regional development and engagement activities, identifies opportunities that align with the RDA Network Charter and assists in project management. Her current focus is activation of the ‘Tropical North Economic Development Strategy’ that will crystalise the current economic development landscape and provide reference for a regional vision and direction.

Having initially joined RDATN in 2019 as Office Manager, her contribution to RDATN is derived from her extensive work experience across a wide range of industries including self-employment, hospitality, travel, tourism, sport and finance. She thrives on being super-organized and who doesn’t love a good ‘list’, but she is very aware that lists alone do not make an operation or project run smoothly, sustainably or profitably. She is always investigating and considering ways to streamline policy and procedures to maximise operational efficiencies and enjoys exploring new opportunities to enhance the customer/stakeholder experience and connect more broadly with the RDATN region.

She is acutely aware it is critical to nurture relationships, both up and down the line and to recognize the value and contribution of others in your team or stakeholder circle. And the importance of bringing them along with you to achieve the ‘dream big’ goals and aspirations.

Additionally, Lainie has also held a Board Member position with the Cairns Business Women’s Club (CBWC) in 2018 and was responsible for sponsorship and event management. She was also recognized as a finalist of the CBWC Businesswomen of the Year Awards (2024 Manager in Business) and as a national finalist (2017,2018) of NAB Women in Finance Awards, for the design and implementation of “Creating Wealthy Women Seminar Events”.

A Brisbane girl, she has travelled extensively and has lived overseas on Christmas Island (Indian Ocean), in Hamilton - New Zealand and Hanoi - Vietnam before making Cairns home for the past 14 years, with her husband and two teenage children.

Come along and find out the latest on the FNQ state-of-play with business projects and gain ideas on how to positively contribute to growth & employment for our region.

Once again, this will be a most informative, not-to-be-missed lunch providing you with both personal & professional development your business and some great networking and we look forward to seeing you there.