Thursday, August 14, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Partnerships That Deliver: Conference Plenary to Spotlight Regional Impact Through Collaboration

A major highlight of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference will be the dynamic plenary session Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact, showcasing how strategic partnerships are creating real, measurable outcomes across the Whitsundays.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the session will explore how collaboration across sectors—government, business, community, First Nations and environmental groups—is transforming the region’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects and long-term liveability improvements.
The panel will feature local leaders actively involved in some of the region’s most exciting initiatives:
   • Terry Archer, Whitsunday Sailing Club – sharing how the Club is leveraging partnerships to create an Olympic legacy and world-class marine infrastructure.
   • Justin Butler, Whitsunday Sportspark – discussing the journey to securing $4.5 million in specialist lending to improve sports infrastructure, and the role of shared vision in reducing risk.
   • Carol Norris, Greater Whitsunday Communities – presenting outcomes from the Housing Alliance Project and how coordinated efforts across employers, developers and government are addressing workforce housing and investment challenges in Mackay and Bowen.
“Partnerships are how we move from idea to action,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic. “This session will give businesses real insight into how collaboration, not competition, is shaping the future of our region.”
The plenary will highlight how rethinking traditional business relationships is delivering mutual benefit, improved community outcomes, and smarter resource allocation.

Terry Archer from Whitsunday Sailing Club

Justin Butler from Whitsunday Sportspark

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