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What a Night! Here's What’s Next | Dean’s Desk 16

1. What a Night!

Last Friday we celebrated the 2026 RIN Awards and, importantly, 25 years of Resource Industry Network.

What a night it was.

There was a fantastic atmosphere in the room, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our finalists’ stories come to life and celebrate the people and businesses doing exceptional things across our region.

Once again, congratulations to all of our winners and finalists, and a huge thank you to our sponsors, partners and everyone who joined us. These events simply don’t happen without the support of industry.

We’ve already started receiving some great feedback, and I’d encourage everyone who attended to complete our event survey. We know there’s also been plenty of conversation around event date clashes. We release our dates well in advance and do our best to avoid them, but ultimately, a region with plenty happening is never a bad thing in our books!

So, while you’ve got the diary open, here’s one for next year: Friday, 3 September 2027.

And if you have thoughts about this year’s event, good or constructive, please complete the feedback. It helps us make the next one even better.

2. A Breakfast That Matters

Tomorrow morning, we’re heading to FMS Group for our annual R U OK? Day Breakfast.

This is always one of those events that feels a little different. It’s relaxed and positive, but there’s an incredibly important message behind it.

Creating workplaces where people feel comfortable checking in with each other, having genuine conversations and asking a simple question can make a real difference.

I’m looking forward to seeing plenty of familiar faces tomorrow morning and starting the day with an important reminder to stay connected with the people around us.

3. What’s Coming for Our Region?

From there, I’ll be heading straight to Harrup Park for the Greater Whitsunday Regional Projects Forum.

There’s plenty on the agenda, with updates on major projects planned or underway across Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday.

We’ll hear about a whole mix of projects across the region, from Peabody’s Centurion North development and the next stage of Great Barrier Reef Arena, through to Roadport Mackay, NQBP works and local government projects.

There’ll also be a look at what Brisbane 2032 could mean for our region and where local businesses might be able to get involved.

For our local businesses and suppliers, these conversations matter. Understanding what’s coming down the pipeline, where opportunities might sit and who you need to be talking to gives businesses the best chance to position themselves for future work.

I’m looking forward to hearing what’s ahead and, as always, making sure our members and regional capability are part of those conversations.

4. Meet Saff!

I’ve saved some of our most exciting news for last.

We have a new member of the RIN team!

Saff joined us last Thursday, which meant her first proper introduction to RIN was... the day before our biggest event of the year.

Nothing like a bit of trial by fire.

She handled it brilliantly and is already proving to be a fantastic fit. She’s an absolute ball of energy, and we’re very pleased to have her on board.

A few of you may have already met Saff at the RIN Awards. If not, you’ll see her out and about at upcoming events, including tomorrow’s R U OK? Day Breakfast and our Twilight Networking Drinks at Mackay City Auto Group.

If you spot her, make sure you introduce yourself and help us make her feel welcome.

Looking Ahead

After the huge build-up to the RIN Awards, you might think things would quieten down a little.

Apparently not.

There are plenty more events, industry conversations and opportunities ahead, and we’re looking forward to finishing the year strongly with our slightly bigger RIN team.

For now, thank you again to everyone who helped make last Friday such a special celebration of our industry and 25 years of RIN.

See you out and about.