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Energy Costs, Board Seats & the Final Stretch | Dean’s Desk 18

1. 10,000 Voices

Regions Before Royalties has officially reached a milestone we’ve been working towards for the past 12 months: 10,000 signatures.

It’s a huge number, but if I’m honest, it’s also a bittersweet one.

We’re proud to have created a platform that has allowed so many people to have their say. But we certainly don’t celebrate the fact that more than 10,000 people have felt strongly enough about the impacts of the current royalty regime to put their name behind this campaign.

And what people don't see when they look at that number are the stories sitting behind it.

More than 3,100 people have taken the time to leave a written comment alongside their signature. Over the past year, we’ve read stories that have been incredibly candid, vulnerable and, at times, pretty tough.

We’ve recorded them. We’ve taken them to Brisbane. We’ve put them in front of decision-makers and used them to show what the impact looks like beyond the headline numbers.

We’ve said it from day one: this isn’t simply big mining versus government.

It’s about the people caught in the middle. Our SMEs, supply chain businesses, family-run operations, contractors, employees, community groups and sporting clubs.

We’ve seen some positive developments recently, and we’ll continue working behind the scenes towards an outcome that works for everyone.

For now, though, to every person who has signed, commented, shared or supported the campaign: thank you.

10,000 voices are pretty hard to ignore.

2. Let’s Talk Energy

Another issue we hear about regularly from members is the cost of energy.

For many businesses, particularly throughout Paget and our industrial areas, electricity is a significant operating cost. When businesses are already looking everywhere they can to reduce costs and remain competitive, it adds another layer of pressure.

RIN has been looking at what role we can play in this space and how we might help create access to more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy options for businesses across our region.

Towards the end of October, we’re planning to bring businesses together for a roundtable discussion to talk through what we’re exploring, hear directly from industry and better understand what could work in practice.

There’s more to come on this one.

If energy costs are a major consideration for your business, keep an eye on our upcoming eNews editions. We’ll share details about how you can be part of those conversations soon.

3. Practical Insights. Usable Knowledge. Back by Lunch.

Next week, we kick off our Leadership & Innovation Workshop Series, and I’m genuinely excited to see this new format come to life.

We had to rethink Leadership & Innovation this year, but that gave us an opportunity to focus on what people have consistently told us they value most: the practical sessions.

So that’s exactly what we’ve built.

Across four half-day workshops, we’re covering Technology & Marketing, Culture & Leadership, Financial Performance, and Strategy & Growth.

The idea is pretty simple: practical insights and usable knowledge, without the time crunch.

Come in for the morning, learn from people who know their stuff, have some useful conversations and be back in the office by lunch ready to actually put some of it into practice.

I’m also particularly pleased that we’re platforming so much local knowledge and expertise throughout the series. I say it often, but the capability we have in this region is second to none. This series gives us another opportunity to showcase that, this time through a very practical, business-focused lens.

Tickets are still available right up until we kick off next week, so if you know someone who could benefit, please share it through your networks and help us get the word out.

4. Could You Be Our Next Board Member?

Finally, nominations are now open for one Member Director position on the RIN Board.

Our Board plays an important role in guiding the direction of RIN, keeping us connected to what industry needs and helping shape where we go next.

If you’re a current financial member, passionate about our region and think your experience and perspective could add value around the table, I’d encourage you to consider putting your hand up.

Nominations close at 5pm Wednesday, 21 October, with the result to be announced at our AGM on Friday, 13 November.

To nominate, download and complete the RIN Board Member Nomination Form. Your nomination will need to be seconded by another RIN member company, and you’ll also need to include a short 100-word statement outlining your current role, business experience and why you’re nominating for the Board.

Once complete, send the form and your statement to me at dean@rin.org.au before the deadline.

If more than one nomination is received, we’ll hold an online ballot before the AGM, with the result independently validated and announced on the day.

It’s a great opportunity to represent your peers, contribute your ideas and help guide RIN into 2027 and beyond.

Looking Ahead

Between tomorrow’s Industry Briefing, four Leadership & Innovation workshops, our energy discussions and planning already underway for 2027, there’s still plenty to fit in before we put the out-of-office on for Christmas.

For now, though, I think 10,000 voices deserves a moment.

To everyone who helped us get there, thank you.

See you out and about.