The Northern Rivers Young Professionals Network is on!

We're on a mission to support, retain and attract the best minds in the region - our emerging and future business, industry and entrepreneurial leaders.

You are invited to be part of one of our most inspiring Business NSW initiatives, the Northern Rivers Young Professionals Network.

Launched in December 2025, the network established with over 85 young professionals from across the region aged 21–39 exploring the topic of Leadership.

Business NSW, along with program partners BNSW Regional Leaders, Southern Cross University, TURSA, Ballina RSL, Rainbow Power Company and the Northern Rivers NSW Brand are excited to be bring these professional development and connection events across a range of topics to the group this year.

We invite you to our Third 2026 session: Drive Innovation. Gain your competitive advantage - and we encourage you to invite other young professionals in the region to come along too.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of connection and insight.

Brad Twynam will deliver the keynote presentation and workshop followed by an engaging presentation and conversation with Rainbow Power CEO Matthew Wittemeier and Business NSW Regional Director Jane Laverty.

Professional Development Topic:

Drive Innovation. Gain your competitive advantage

Learn about a powerful new model for leading in uncertain times

...

Brad Twynaham - Keynote presenter and workshop leader

Brad is a global speaker in resilience, innovation and leadership. Inspired by Brad's book Radical Thinking, this session will equip leaders with five essential skills to create dynamic stability in an unstable world. He will show us how to use these skills to drive innovation, challenge old beliefs and lead challenge with courage and clarity.

More about Brad Twynam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradtwynham-speaker/

Matthew Wittemeier - Presenter and fireside chat

Matthew is the CEO at Rainbow Power Co, a regional leader in renewable energy solutions based in Nimbin and a long-term Northern Rivers trailblazer at the forefront of sustainability - before it was mainstream cool! Matthew will be sharing his leadership journey and approach to innovation with us.

More about Matthew Wittemeier - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wittemeier/

DATE: Thursday 13 August 2026

TIME: 3.00pm – 6.15pm

LOCATION: Ballina RSL Club

🎟️ We encourage young leaders (21 - 39) from across the region to secure their ticket as spaces are limited.

Connect. Learn. Be inspired. And enjoy river views, great company, and conversations that count.

The Northern Rivers Young Professionals Network is on!

Professional Development Topic:

Contact Suzanne Fawcett, suzanne.fawcett@businessnsw.com for further event information.

This thought leadership event is powered by Regional Leaders

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