Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays

22/10/2026

Applications open for Queensland Health First Nations Cadetships 🩺
With cadetships available across all 16 Queensland Hospital and Health Services, this program assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with starting a career in health while completing tertiary study. Providing opportunities for both Clinical and Corporate Services cadet positions, the program is focused on creating a culturally safe and inclusive work environment, as well as respecting and recognising the unique cultural, social and spiritual knowledges and experiences that First Nations employees bring to our health service.
Apply now for a January 2027 start ⬇️
www.careers.health.qld.gov.au/working-for-us/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-careers/cadetship-program

Allied health professionals must be registered with the relevant Australian national board for their profession or be eligible for membership with the professional association.

20/10/2026

Leading with Heart with Kim Kleidon.
The EmpowerHER Collective met yesterday to hear from Kim, Founder and Director of KK Creative Communication.
Kim spoke about her journey striving for authentic leadership and how a life-threatening situation gave her a gift – a new perspective and a chance to be more present. Her message around the power of the stories we repeat to ourselves and others was very inspiring.
Thank you for your insight, Kim!

19/10/2026

Explore Queensland’s AI & robotics capabilities with Hub
The Queensland Government’s Manufacturing AI Uplift Trial Program is working directly with participating businesses to identify practical AI applications that can improve productivity, compliance and competitiveness. Eligible manufacturers access up to $250,000 in project funds, with 80% of eligible project costs to be covered by the program. Projects will be developed and delivered by ARM Hub, with at least one Flagship Project awarded to a regional Queensland manufacturer.
Expressions of Interest are now open and close at the end of October 👇
www.armhub.com.au/qld-ai-uplift

The Queensland Regional Manufacturing AI Uplift Program helps regional manufacturers deploy AI.

15/10/2026

Got an idea to help at-risk youth?
Applications are open for the Queensland Government’s Kickstarter grant program, giving non-government organisations a share of $7.5 million to help deliver early intervention programs deterring youth crime.
Individual grants of up to $300,000 will be available to trial the best new ideas to help youths displaying anti-social behaviours get back on track. Organisations will receive grants to design and deliver programs that focus on reducing youth crime, identifying and addressing the range of needs for at-risk youth, repairing relationships with family and kin, and supporting re-engagement with education, training, or employment.
Applications close 5 November.
www.youthjustice.qld.gov.au/kickstarter

The Kickstarter grants will pilot evidence-based programs that contribute to restoring community safety through community-led initiatives.

12/10/2026

Thanks to Local Buying Foundation, whose funding of the Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program has received a Highly Commended at the 2026 SPERA Australia Rural Education Awards!

With a focus on mentoring women from regional, rural and remote communities, we’re helping them step into leadership positions and build both their confidence and network. This award was presented to Kirsty Miron, Melissa Westcott and Rob Cocco for their support in demonstrating outstanding practice in rural education.

Thank you for your investment in the future of women in leadership in our region.

09/10/2026

Intake open for Work, Study + Play in the Whitsundays.
Flight Centre Travel Academy and On Common Country are partnering to support First Nations people looking to make a career in the tourism sector. Delivered with Torrens University Australia, you’ll get a sneak peek into the travel industry and graduate with practical experience and a Diploma of Travel and Tourism.
Supported by Indigenous Skills to Employment Program, applicants can receive funding for study materials, travel to the Whitsundays, moving costs and additional training.
Start your career in paradise with the right skills today 👇

 Build real skills, earn while you learn, and start your career in the paradise with Flight Centre Travel Academy’s Work, Study + Play Whitsundays program. 

05/10/2026

Need a space that suits your workplace? Expressions of Interest for the Issac Resources Excellence Precinct are now open – the perfect place to work, meet, co-locate, train, undertake research, demonstrate technology, host an event or explore a strategic partnership!

The Resources Centre of Excellence is inviting businesses, industry, education and training providers, researchers and organisations to explore opportunities to connect with and become part of the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct (IREP) in Moranbah.

Explore the Lunch & Learn sessions and register your interest 👇
https://bit.ly/4AE3nCv

02/10/2026

HAVE YOUR SAY | Your Insurance Experience

Complete the Greater Whitsunday Insurance Experience Survey to help us advocate for change in our region.
We want to know how insurance conditions are affecting you and your budgets. Have your say on your experience with affordability, premiums, excesses, availability and access to appropriate cover. With this data, we gain a better understanding of what’s happening in our region for liveability, resilience and sustainable economic growth.
Survey closes 16 October 📝
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8DHB2V8

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

27/09/2026

To close the program out, our final Bowen Basin Women in Leadership masterclass featured a panel on leadership. We'd like to thank Teanna Ramsamy, Juliet Garnett and Isaac Deputy Mayor Jane Pickels for taking the time to talk to our cohort and lend their knowledge and experience.

We’ve been inspired to see how far our participants have come during the program, and we can’t wait to see how they use the skills gained for the betterment of our region.

We’d like to offer a massive thank you to the Local Buying Foundation for funding this Women in Leadership program and to Isaac Regional Council for their in-kind use of the events centre. Without your generous support, we wouldn’t be able to run programs like this, thank you.

24/09/2026

Our latest committee meeting was also an opportunity to welcome our four new members: Peter Thomson (Axiom Partners), Teanna Ramsamy (Marabisda Inc.), Kate Cross (Whitsunday Green) and Linda Berry (Berry Excavations). We are excited at the breadth of professional knowledge that our new committee members will bring to RDA GW and look forward to seeing how their input will help move our region forward.

As always, we’d like to thank CQUniversity Australia for their generous in-kind support of their venue to host our committee meetings – including the catering team for the delicious refreshments.