QME & GW3 Conference Sessions

OUR NEXT CHAPTER: Workforce at the centre of regional transformation

Greater Whitsunday has long been defined by mining excellence. For decades, mining has shaped our communities, trained our workforce, built our engineering and METS ecosystem, and positioned this region as a global leader in operational capability.

But the next chapter is not just about what we mine — it’s about who we grow and what our businesses can deliver. The region’s future competitiveness depends on our ability to develop the workforce and the METS capability that will power emerging industries and new supply chain opportunities.

When we partner with QME this year to deliver two sessions in the conference program, Greater Whitsunday Alliance will explore one central idea:

Mining built the workforce and the businesses that built this region — now that combined capability is the platform for our future economy.

We are driving the conversation from “diversifying the economy” to “building the workforce and business capability that makes diversification possible” — with a strong emphasis on engaging the next generation and strengthening the ecosystem that supports them.

Across two sessions, we’ll unpack how regional talent, technology adoption, commercial readiness and supply chain depth can position Greater Whitsunday to compete, grow and lead in the opportunities emerging across resources, advanced industry and future‑facing supply chains.

SESSION ONE - REGIONAL FUTURES (12:35pm - 1:15pm)

Regional Futures: Building the Workforce for a Diverse and Connected Economy

Mining has provided Greater Whitsunday a highly skilled technical workforce — one of the region’s biggest competitive advantages. But the next decade demands a workforce that is more digitally capable, more adaptable, and more connected across sectors. This session focuses on what this shift means for businesses on the ground — how they attract, retain and upskill the workforce needed to stay competitive, win work, and expand into emerging sectors.
Dr Neville Plint – CEO at Mining3
Jennifer Hoyle – Deputy Director Skills, Education and Diversity at QMEA
Deb Allan – Manager at Queensland Manufacturing Hub Mackay
Moderator: GW3 Diversification Lead Jodie Thompson

SESSION TWO - FUTURE TECH (1:15pm - 2:00pm)

Future Tech: What You Need to Stay Competitive in a Digital Mining Industry

The technology curve in mining and METS is steepening fast. Automation, AI, autonomy, electrification and quantum enabled optimisation are no longer future concepts — they are current operating realities. This session focuses on what technology adoption means for cost, capability, competitiveness and decarbonisation — and how businesses can prioritise and practically respond.
Justin Doherty – General Manager BMA Caval Ridge
Dr Benjamin Carey – Quantum-enabling sensing and precision measurement specialist at UQ Ryan Norris – President at Vayeron
Moderator: GW3 Diversification Lead Jodie Thompson

THESE SESSIONS ARE FREE TO ATTEND - however you MUST register to attend QME separately. Go to: https://www.queenslandminingexpo.com.au/

Those who also register for GW3's two conference sessions via this platform will go into the draw to win a GW3/Decarbonisation Accelerated Tech Pack.