Greater Careers, Brighter Futures Forum
Discover Your Future in the Greater Whitsunday Region
Ready to turn your study into something real?
Get ahead of the curve and discover where your skills can actually take you in the Greater Whitsunday region.
Industries here are growing fast and they’re not just looking for experience; they’re looking for you. Whether you're studying tech, passionate about sustainability, or interested in making a difference in health and community, there are real opportunities waiting.
This webinar connects you with young professionals working across fast-growing industries including Technology & Innovation, Environment & Sustainability, and Health & Community:
Hear how they figured out their career path (even if they weren’t sure at first)
Learn what they wish they knew when they were in your position
Get practical tips on standing out and building a future-focused career
Not sure where you fit yet? That’s exactly why you should come.
Whether you're in your first year of study or about to graduate, this is your chance to get inspired, ask questions, and see what’s possible beyond your study framework.
Big opportunities. Real impact. A lifestyle to match.
The Greater Whitsundays isn’t just a place to work - it’s a place to build a career and a life.
This is an online event is held using Microsoft Teams meeting and the link is in the notes section of the Order Confirmation and Emails sent to registered participants.
Lineup
Ashleigh Lawson
Ashleigh Lawson is the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Resource Industry Network (RIN), leading brand, marketing and media across digital and traditional channels. A proud Mackay local and CQUniversity graduate, she has supported hundreds of small businesses and not‑for‑profits through her own business and now also teaches at CQUniversity. Passionate about storytelling and design, Ashleigh describes herself as a “vibe translator” — bringing ideas and brands to life in ways people genuinely connect with.
Georgia Lavers
Georgia is passionate about shaping the future of the Greater Whitsundays. As a Project Coordinator at the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), she works on big ideas in workforce development and biomanufacturing bringing fresh thinking, sustainability knowledge and a strong problem‑solving mindset to the region. Since relocating from Canberra, Georgia has jumped straight into tackling real challenges, from building future‑focused career pathways to supporting innovative regional industry projects. With a degree in Environment and Sustainability from the Australian National University, and experience across government and a Big 4 consultancy, she brings a unique mix of insight, creativity and community focus. On the panel, Georgia will share how regional careers can be meaningful, future‑focused and full of opportunity and why the Greater Whitsundays is a great place to build your “Future You.”
Harry Parker
Harry is a Mechatronics Engineer who thrives in regional, small‑team environments where versatility, curiosity and problem‑solving are essential. Working across robotics programming, mechanical design, data analysis and hands‑on technical support, Harry brings a practical, can‑do approach to tackling complex challenges and supporting business innovation. After relocating from Brisbane to Mackay following university at QUT, Harry quickly learned that building a life in a regional community takes more than technical skills alone. By stepping beyond the workplace and actively engaging with the community, he discovered the breadth of professional opportunity and lifestyle on offer in the region. Through his work and lived experience, Harry is passionate about encouraging others to consider regional pathways, showing that the Greater Whitsunday offers not only diverse and meaningful careers, but the chance to build strong connections and a balanced, fulfilling future.
Tayah McKinnon
Tayah is a physiotherapist at Mackay Base Hospital and a proud local, having grown up in Mackay. After finishing high school, she moved to Townsville to study physiotherapy at James Cook University. In 2025, Tayah was grateful for the opportunity to return home and begin her career at the local hospital. As a new graduate, she values the strong, supportive team environment at Mackay Base Hospital, which has helped her build confidence and develop her foundational physiotherapy skills. Tayah is passionate about physiotherapy, finding genuine fulfillment in helping patients recover, increase their mobility, and regain independence.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
