Diversity & Inclusion Diversity

Employment

Create better working opportunities leading to growth in employment in the region.

Kickass Women

Supporting the career success of women of all ages in non-traditional roles & industries.

Contact: Jody Sainsbury

Web: www.kickasswomen.com.au

Email: jody@kickasswomen.com.au

Phone: 0427 291 440

  • Basic entry level resources and training opportunities
  • High Heels to High Vis book
  • Kickass Radio podcast
  • Heels in Demand work-ready resources

Sort it Seb

Sebastian lives with Autism and assists businesses with repetitive and support tasks.

  • Laminating
  • Packaging
  • Stamping
  • Sorting

Phone: 0430 726 190

Email: ijalf@optusnetcom.au

NDVR – Endeavour Foundation

Address: 418 Shakespeare Street, Mackay Q 4740

Phone: 1800 112 112

Assistance with repetitive task projects such as safety tags and similar work.

IDEAL Placements

Disability Employment Support.

Address: 5 Peel Street, Mackay

Phone: 07 4957 8177

Email: admin@idealplacements.com.au

Greater Whitsunday Communities

Address: 90–92 Sydney Street, CQUniversity, Building 3, Level 3, Mackay QLD 4740

Postal: PO Box 984, Mackay QLD 4740

Email: admin@gwcommunities.org.au

Executive Officer: Carol Norris – 0408 772 375, carol@gwcommunities.org.au

Greater Whitsunday Innovation recognises that diversity strengthens every aspect of our regional innovation ecosystem.

We are committed to creating a workplace and coworking environment that reflects the diversity of our community—welcoming people of all abilities, ages, backgrounds and experiences. Through accessible facilities, flexible workspaces and inclusive practices, we remove barriers where possible and ensure equal opportunity for participation, collaboration and leadership.

By embedding diversity and accessibility into our culture, we foster creativity, attract talent and drive sustainable innovation across the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.

Aimbig Employment

Contact: Andrea Campain

Workforce Australia and Disability Employment Services.

Address: The Hub, Suite 1.03, Level 1, 12 Greenfields Blvd, Mount Pleasant QLD 4740

Phone: 1300 034 997

Web: www.aimbigemployment.com.au

Education, Mentoring and Training

Provide education, mentoring and training to students and businesses.

Whitsunday STEM

Web: whitsundaystemchallenge.com.au

Phone: 0409 053 989

A not-for-profit charity aimed at increasing STEM participation by students in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

  • F1 in Schools
  • Mackay Robocup
  • Pedal Prix Super Series
  • WSC Drone Competition
  • Women in STEM
  • Festival of STEM
  • Lego League

Split Spaces

Web: www.splitspaces.com.au

Email: admin@splitspaces.com.au

Phone: 0428 486 937

  • Futurepreneurs Program – PD for teachers
  • MackHack – envisioning a circular economy future for METS & resources
  • Mine Pitch – showcase an innovative product or service
  • Code Convo – monthly event to talk all things coding

Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays

Web: www.rdagw.org.au

Email: info@rdagw.org.au

Phone: 07 4957 6160

Working closely with local business, industry representatives and all levels of government to prepare for a sustainable and positive future for our region.

  • Bowen Basin and Mackay Women in Leadership Program
  • EmpowerHER Collective networking events

Greater Whitsunday Communities

Address: 90–92 Sydney Street, CQUniversity, Building 3, Level 3, Mackay QLD 4740

Postal: PO Box 984, Mackay QLD 4740

Email: admin@gwcommunities.org.au

Executive Officer: Carol Norris – 0408 772 375, carol@gwcommunities.org.au

Regional Jobs Committee

Queensland Government initiative hosted by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3).

Host Organisation: Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3)

Project Manager: Georgia Lavers – georgia@gw3.com.au

Chair: Carissa Mansfield, North Queensland Bulk Ports

CQRSIP

Central Queensland Regional School Industry Partnership – Education Queensland.

Directly linking schools to industry.

Education & Mentoring (Continued)

Mackay Regional Council / RIN Networking Event

Contact: Tennille Allen – organisational.development@mackay.qld.gov.au

Phone: 07 4961 9955

Mentoring program.

At Mackay Regional Council, diversity and inclusion are seen as fundamental to delivering exceptional services and building a thriving community. The organisation is dedicated to creating an environment where every employee and customer feels welcomed, respected and valued for their unique contributions.

Their approach goes beyond compliance – it’s about fostering a culture of collaboration where differences are celebrated. Through inclusive policies, continuous education and open dialogue, diverse perspectives shape decisions and drive innovation.

Mackay Regional Council actively invests in partnerships with leading diversity and inclusion organisations, providing access to training, resources and development opportunities. These initiatives empower employees to grow cultural awareness, enhance inclusive leadership and create meaningful connections with the communities they serve.

shiift

Web: www.shift.com.au

Email: thedetails@shiift.com.au

Phone: 07 4858 1363

  • Women’s Online LEAP Program (Leadership, Engagement, Authenticity, Purpose)
  • Employee Career Development Program
  • Performance Coaching and Mentoring package
  • Coaching & Mentoring Executives package

WIMARQ – Central Queensland Branch

Web: www.womeninminingqueensland.com

Phone: 0428 720 744

Email: jenh@qrc.org.au

Regional events supporting women in mining and resources.

Queensland Manufacturing Hub

Contact: Teanna Ramsamy

Schools training program support and teacher tours.

Research and Performance

CQU Research Paper Options

Collaborative research opportunities and tailored research projects available through CQUniversity to support diversity, inclusion and workforce outcomes across the region.

Online Options

LinkedIn Learning – Diversity Training

A range of online diversity, equity and inclusion courses designed to support workplaces in building more inclusive cultures, enhancing leadership capability and improving team performance.

Collaboration

Just Sayin Project

Web: www.thejustsayingproject.com

Celebrating and sharing women’s stories through events, projects and storytelling.

Includes the Just Saying Project Annual Women’s Award.

Ko Work Mackay

Connecting Mackay’s business community.

Web: www.thekowork.co/about-us

Young Professionals Mackay

An inclusive social group designed to bring local professionals together around connections, education and community.

Ultimately, it’s all about getting together in a relaxed, fun setting – “it’s not all serious”.

Web: ypmackay.com.au

Zonta Club of Mackay Inc.

Web: Zonta Club of Mackay Inc.

Email: zontamackay@gmail.com

A passionate and diverse group of women reflecting a cross-section of the Mackay community.

From young professionals to business owners and retirees, members vary in age, careers, lifestyles, backgrounds and experience.