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From the Pitch to Parliament | Dean’s Desk 15

1. Last Call for the RIN Awards

We’re officially one week out from the 2026 RIN Awards, and it’s all starting to feel very real.

The trophies are here. The programs are printed. The finalist videos are coming together. Now it’s time to celebrate with you all.

This year also marks 25 years of RIN, so there’s even more reason to make it a special night.

If you’ve been thinking about coming, this is your final reminder. Ticket sales close at 3pm TODAY.

We cannot wait to get everyone in the room, celebrate our 18 incredible finalists and shine a light on the people, businesses and stories that make this region what it is.

Get your tickets before 3pm:
https://www.resourceindustrynetwork.org.au/Book-Now/Book-Event/SelectedEventId/183

2. Taking Regional Voices to Parliament

Earlier this week, we headed to Queensland Parliament as part of our ongoing Regions Before Royalties advocacy.

Importantly, we weren’t there alone.

We were joined by three incredible regional delegates: Matt from Dowdens Group, Mick from Jennmar Australia and Darrin from Viking Mechanical.

Together, we met with multiple MPs and the Treasurer to provide an update on the campaign and, most importantly, give businesses the opportunity to share directly what they’re experiencing on the ground.

These conversations were constructive and productive, and we came away with some positive outcomes and opportunities to keep working together.

I’m incredibly grateful to Matt, Mick and Darrin for taking the time to join us. There’s enormous value in decision-makers hearing directly from the people behind our regional businesses, and their voices added another important dimension to the conversation.

There’s still plenty of work ahead, and we’ll keep advocating, listening and making sure our region is represented.

3. A Few Days to Learn Ourselves

From Parliament, it was straight into ACE 2026: Driving Impact, the Australasian Society of Association Executives Conference and Exhibition.

It was two days surrounded by association leaders from across Australia and New Zealand, with plenty of fresh ideas, some good habits validated and a few of our own biases challenged along the way.

A big focus for us was exploring new technology and tools that could create more value for our members and improve the experience for people attending RIN events. There were some genuinely exciting opportunities on show, and we’ve come back to Mackay with plenty of ideas worth exploring.

It’s always valuable to step outside our own organisation, see what others are doing well and ask what we could be doing even better.

4. Regional Capability Comes in Many Forms

Last week, we held our RIN Board meeting at Hastings Deering’s new Mackay Parts Fulfilment Centre in Paget.

It was impressive to see the scale of the facility and the technology behind it, including automated storage and retrieval, robotic picking and upgraded parts and hose manufacturing capability. It’s another strong investment in Mackay’s role as a major service and supply hub for the resources sector.

And while we’re talking regional capability, how about that cricket? It was huge to see Mackay hosting Test cricket for the first time at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

I had two days booked in. The Aussies had other ideas and wrapped it up early, so I only got to enjoy one.

Still, seeing Mackay host an international Test was another great reminder of what this region can deliver.

Looking Ahead

For now, though, all eyes in the RIN office are firmly on next Friday.

After months of nominations, judging, filming and planning, the 2026 RIN Awards are almost here.

I’m looking forward to celebrating our finalists, recognising 25 years of RIN and, most importantly, getting a room full of our industry together for a great night.

Last chance: tickets close at 3pm today.

See you there.