5 February Back in Action for February | Dean’s Desk 3 February 5, 2026 By Admin RIN Dean's Desk 0 Welcome back to 2026 I’ll be honest - I’ve managed to skilfully skirt my Dean’s Desk responsibilities for the first few weeks of the year, but with February here, there’s no avoiding it any longer. We’re well and truly back into the swing of things, and it’s the perfect time to lock in these fortnightly updates. Going forward, Dean’s Desk will be a regular snapshot of what’s happening across Resource Industry Network - the events, advocacy, projects and conversations happening behind the scenes - so you can see how we’re continuing to work for our members and our region. 1. A Milestone Year: 25 Years of RIN 2026 marks 25 years of Resource Industry Network, a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Over the past two and a half decades, RIN has grown alongside our region’s resources and METS sectors, supporting connection, advocacy and collaboration across the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region. To mark the occasion, we’ve developed dedicated 25-year anniversary branding, which you’ll start to see rolled out across our communications and at each of our signature events throughout the year. This anniversary is about more than just looking back - it’s about celebrating the relationships, capability and collective impact that make our network what it is today. We’d also love to hear from you. We know there are plenty of great stories out there - members who’ve met collaborators they never would have without RIN, businesses that have worked together through connections made in the room, and opportunities that started with a simple introduction. If RIN has played a role in your journey, we’d love you to share it with us. Send your stories through - we’re keen to celebrate them as part of this milestone year. 2. First Industry Briefing for the Year - This Friday Our 2026 events calendar officially begins this Friday with the February Industry Briefing Luncheon, and the level of interest has been unprecedented. Tickets sold out in just seven days, a strong signal of how keen members are to be back in the room and reconnecting after the break. We’ll welcome Adam Lancey, Asset President of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), who will provide an update on BMA’s operations alongside a broader outlook for the mining, METS and resources sectors. Adam will cover key priorities across BMA’s Queensland footprint, including safety, procurement and regional social investment. There’s real value in these conversations happening face-to-face, and I’m genuinely looking forward to a full room as we kick off the year together. 3. International Women’s Day Momentum Builds Tickets are now on sale for our International Women’s Day Business Lunch, and with more than 80% already sold, the response has been outstanding. Taking place on Friday 6 March at the MECC, this year’s event is themed Give to Gain and continues RIN’s long-standing commitment to celebrating leadership, diversity and connection. With new activations, more networking opportunities and a brand-new After Party, the 2026 event is shaping up to be another standout on the Mackay social calendar. 4. Advocacy Continues Behind the Scenes While events are back in full swing, our advocacy work continues behind the scenes. As part of our ongoing Regions Before Royalties efforts, I’ll be travelling to Brisbane next week to present at the QRC Resources Roundup at Parliament. I’ll continue communicating the importance for surety and security for regional businesses to the decision makers in state parliament. These forums are an important opportunity to engage directly with government and industry leaders as priorities for the year are set. Our work continues behind the scenes to ensure regional businesses and supply chains remain front of mind, and we’ll keep members informed as these conversations progress. Looking ahead With February underway, our first Industry Briefing tomorrow, and a milestone year ahead, 2026 is off to a strong start. I look forward to connecting with many of you at our events in the weeks ahead. Related Articles From Parliament to Projects: Wrapping Up 2025 | Dean’s Desk 2 As 2025 comes to a close, this edition of Dean’s Desk reflects on a big fortnight for RIN - from taking regional voices to Parliament, to delivering meaningful project outcomes and finishing the year with strong member connection. Representing the Region on the Global Stage | Dean’s Desk 1 In this first edition of Dean’s Desk, we take a look at a busy fortnight for RIN — from international engagement at the ASEAN summit, to advocating for our region at the QRC State of the Sector Lunch. Dean also shares insights from our recent team strategy day as we prepare for a milestone 25th anniversary year, and acknowledges important Board transitions shaping RIN’s leadership going forward. Momentum, Reality & Building What’s Next | Dean’s Desk 4 Momentum builds for RIN in 2026 with sold-out events, strong advocacy in Brisbane, major port infrastructure progress and a renewed focus on diversification and future capability for our region. Knowing your game key to career advancement PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE | OCTOBER 20TH | MACKAY Resource Industry Network’s upcoming Professional Development Conference theme ‘Know Your Game’ encourages delegates to play to their strengths when it comes to improving their career prospects. Annual Safety Conference remains a powerful tool in helping create safe work environments 2022 Safety Conference MEDIA STATEMENT: Difference in mining royalties should be directed to the regions Resource Industry Network statement in relation to the delivery of the QLD State Budget. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.