Wealth of speakers to front Douglas Business Expo

A diverse array of guest speakers and key industry players will front the Douglas Business Expo tomorrow, Friday 25 March.

The collaborative event organised by the Douglas Chamber of Commerce and Douglas Shire Council is set to connect businesses with government and industry experts to share knowledge and to discuss ideas for the future of business in the Douglas Shire.

This event is free to attend, however, online registrations are essential, limited ticket remain, register here.

The impressive assortment of speakers include:

Maree Adshead, Queensland Small Business Commissioner

Maree Adshead is an experienced advocate and small business owner having spent 10 years in the legal profession, as a partner of a tier-one national law firm.

The role of the small business commissioner is to give a voice to the challenges and needs of small businesses in Queensland and ensure they are brought to the forefront of government policy and decision-making.

She has also co-founded and built her own successful software start-up businesses which received multiple awards for excellence in innovation and has also been instrumental in helping others to build their own businesses.

Kupa Teao, CEO, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation

Mr Teao drives the strategic direction to achieve the goals and objectives of the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation located in Mossman giving direction and leadership to ensure the organisation achieves its philosophy, mission, and strategy.

In conjunction with the Board of Directors and staff, Mr Teao enables Jabalbina to fulfil its vision to be caring custodians of Bubu (Land) so Bama (Indigenous People) can benefit culturally, economically, academically and socially, while enhancing Eastern Kuku Yalanji lore and cultural values.

Nick Trompf, Executive Chairman, Advance Cairns

Mr Trompf has played an active role as a senior business leader as well as in the wider community. Having joined Advance Cairns in 2018, after two years as CEO he accepted the role of Executive Chairman, a combined role of both Chief Executive and Chairman.

Advance Cairns is the peak independent non-government Advocacy and Economic Development Organisation for Tropical North Queensland.

Mr Trompf’s presentation will focus on Advance Cairns’ Federal and State Budget submission, with key messaging including support for tourism and aviation, and the diversification of the economy.

Robert Soyra, Director of Research and Digital, Construction Skills Queensland

Construction Skills Queensland is an independent industry-funded body supporting the building and construction industry.

Responsible for driving CSQ’s research agenda, Mr Sobyra is a leading thinker at the intersection of construction and skills.

He writes and speaks regularly on all things relating to construction and the workforce. He has a special interest in the future of work, skills and training.

Leanne Kruss, Regional Manager, Queensland Agricultural Workforce Network

An industry-led rural jobs initiative funded by the Queensland Government.

Ms Kruss has extensive agribusiness skills and facilitates development opportunities for rural areas to be competitive, responsive and focused on sustainable growth.

Ms Kruss provides advice on workforce services and initiatives to regional agribusinesses. She works with local growers to understand their workforce needs, and to connect them with appropriated solutions. Her services include workforce planning, sourcing labour and skilled workers, and requirement and funding opportunities.