From Parliament to Projects: Wrapping Up 2025 | Dean’s Desk 2

1. Finishing the Year Together: Christmas Networking Drinks

We wrapped up our 2025 events calendar with our Twilight Christmas Networking Drinks, and it was a fantastic way to close out the year. The evening was all about connection, catching up with familiar faces, welcoming new ones, and taking a moment to reflect on what has been a big year for our industry and our region.

The event marked the first official RIN function for our new Board Chair, Glenn Anderson, and it was also great to have outgoing Chair Tim Magoffin join us to enjoy the evening. A big thank you to our event sponsor, S&W Asset Management, with Andrew sharing an update on their ongoing support of RIN and the broader sector. We also heard from Toni-Marie and Nicolette from The Neighbourhood Hub, whose update was a timely reminder of the positive impact local organisations are making across our community. While I was away at the Ashes, the RIN team did a great job delivering a warm, well-run event to finish the year strongly.

Events like this are a key part of how RIN brings members together, creating space for meaningful connections, shared understanding and relationships that continue well beyond the room.

2. Regions Before Royalties: Taking Local Voices to Parliament

This past week we took a delegation of local suppliers Wallace & Wallace Lawyers, QCCS, and Jenner Engineering to State Parliament as part of our Regions Before Royalties campaign. Joined by Board Member Emma Coburn, the group met with decision-makers to share the real, on-the-ground impacts being felt across regional Queensland under the current coal royalty scheme.

We met with Nigel Dalton MP, Member for Mackay; Bryson Head MP, Member for Callide; Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday; Glen Kelly MP, Member for Mirani; and Minister Dale Last MP, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development.

These conversations were constructive and important. Our meeting with Minister Last was particularly positive, with a strong focus on future opportunities for our region and local businesses. He shared several ideas and pathways that could create meaningful growth opportunities across multiple sectors. Our work continues behind the scenes as we investigate these opportunities further and ensure our members are well positioned to be at the forefront of future announcements and initiatives.

Advocacy like this is central to RIN’s role, ensuring member voices are heard at the right tables and regional businesses are considered in decisions that shape the future of our sector.

3. Turning Strategy Into Action: Port Project Progress

Last week, the project team and I presented findings from the Port of Mackay Collaborative Energy Transition Project, which has now reached an important milestone. The project has confirmed strong interest from port tenants in practical energy solutions such as rooftop solar, shared infrastructure and staged electrification, all focused on reducing costs, managing risk and improving long-term resilience.

Importantly, the project provides a clear pathway for next steps, starting with early-adopter sites and a collaborative delivery model that allows businesses to participate without large upfront investment. Thanks to NQBP for being leaders in helping the region embrace opportunities that support resilience, innovation and long-term planning.

This project is a strong example of how RIN works alongside industry and partners to deliver practical outcomes that support member businesses and strengthen regional capability.

4. Thank You, and Looking Ahead to 2026

As things quieten down in the RIN office this week, I want to take the opportunity to say a genuine thank you for being a member of Resource Industry Network in 2025.

Your support has shown up in so many ways. Attending events, sharing your expertise, engaging with our communications, opening doors, inviting others along, and backing the work we do to champion the METS and resources supply chain across our region. Despite some significant challenges this year, our members have continued to demonstrate the capability, innovation and depth of experience that exists within the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region, and that’s something we should all be proud of.

As a reminder, the RIN office will be closed from 19 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, with the team back on deck in the new year. Looking ahead, we’re excited about what 2026 holds and would love to help you get even more value from your membership.

Until next year

Thank you again for your support and involvement throughout 2025. I wish you and your team a safe, happy and well-earned break, and I look forward to working with you again in 2026.