F4BG Monthly Networking Luncheon November 2025 - Cairns Region Economic Review with Pete Faulkener of Conus

Hello and welcome to November and the frenetic run-up of work and parties all fused into our working weeks!

A good number enjoyed Raoul Wilson's from Rights in Action present on their successed as well as explaining the free first Microcredential self-paced course, titled “Practice and Foundational Principles of Independent Advocacy”.

This in-depth Microcredential offers a solid foundation in advocacy practices, created for both experienced and aspiring independent advocates, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills to support individuals in need.

The program is designed to help individuals deepen their understanding of advocacy principles and practices, especially in applying strength-based and rights-based approaches to community engagement, incorporating practical learning through real-world case scenarios to develop and enhance skills.

Our November 2025 luncheon approaches and will take place on last Friday of this month where notable local economist and demographer Pete Faulkner will be presenting on Cairns Region's Economic Performance.

Hear from the highly regarded Pete Faulkner, Partner and Economist at Conus Business Consultancy Services, as he provides an in-depth analysis of the Cairns Region economy. Currently living in beautiful Mission Beach in the Tropical North of Queensland, Australia with his wife Ruth where they operate Conus Business Consultancy Services. 

Pete is widely acknowledged as an authority in regional economic data analysis, as well as in strategic planning, business modelling, and organisational leadership. His economics blog attracts a diverse audience of business leaders, politicians, economists, journalists, and business owners. He has developed a valuable resource, the Conus Trend series, which provides labour market and building approvals data for all Queensland regions.

Pete’s wide-ranging network of business and community contacts throughout the region, and his expertise and ability to talk to the right people have been heavily utilised by corporates, Councils, not-for-profits and community groups alike.

Pete has been involved with conservation and natural resource management for more than three decades and was Chairman of UK-based Coral Cay Conservation from 2006 to 2013 and a Director of Reef Check Australia from 2011 to 2019 (Chairman from 2011 to 2014); he is now a Director of Terrain NRM, Australian Chocolate Pty Ltd and Chair of the AICD Cairns Forum.

• Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair: Terrain NRM, Chair Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, Chair Natural Capital Fund

• Non-Executive Director: Australian Chocolate Pty Ltd.

• Non-Executive Director and Chair: : AICD Cairns Regional Forum

• Graduate Member: Australian Institute of Company Directors

• Member: The Economic Society of Australia (Queensland)

• Member: Professional Association of Dive Instructors

• Past Non-Executive Director: Aboriginal Carbon Foundation

• Past Non-Executive Director: NQ NRM Alliance Ltd.

• Past Chair: Reef Check Australia

• Past Chair: Coral Cay Conservation Advisory Board

• Past Executive Director: Sumitomo Finance Intl, London

• Past Associate Director: New Japan Securities, London

• Past President: Mission Beach Community Assn. Inc.

• BSc (Honours) Banking and International Finance: Bayes Business School London (UK)

Discover key insights into the most pressing issues impacting regional businesses today and what’s expected in the coming year.

His specialties: Economics Consultancy, Human Resources Services, Strategic Planning, and Business Mentoring.

Come along and find out the latest on the FNQ Economy and gain ideas on how to positively contribute to growth & employment for our region.

Once again, this will be a most informative, well-attended, 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.