A Message from the CEO

Tropical Cyclones in our region bring us closer together and very focussed. Such events are a real focal point and drive collaboration in sharing information and purpose.
This is the same strategy we take for our region when we are advocating for policy and infrastructure.

We need to ensure that our consensus is maintained in our cohesion and focus on ensuring the key messages are consistent with both State and Federal Governments.

Advance Cairns’ engagement with the new Palaszczuk Government has been comprehensive, building on a well-established foundation of trust and confidence.
And the same goes for our continuing work at the Federal level. With all political parties.

We are in the budget cycle, and we look to innovative ways of pursuing our region’s 8+8 policy and infrastructure initiatives.

We also look forward to the launch of the Federal Government’s White Paper on the Development of Northern Australia – an important work in our future growth and prosperity.

In all of this, we must ensure that our region’s agenda for growth is maintained.

It is a continual narrative that keeps our region’s priorities top of mind. Long after the cyclone has passed.

Dive into Digital News & Events

The Digital Enterprise Program provides FREE group training and face-to-face support for small-to medium enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, to help improve the way you do business and deliver services online.  New events:

Marketing tips - Cairns
15/04/2015 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Arc Disabilities Service, Cairns North QLD

Business/Organisation tools - Cairns
13/05/2015 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
ARC Disability Services Building, Manunda, Cairns QLD

eCommerce - Cairns
17/06/2015 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
ARC Disability Services Building, Manunda, Cairns QLD

Marketing tips - Cairns
15/07/2015 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
ARC Disability Services Building, Manunda, Cairns QLD

To read the latest Dive into Digital news  CLICK HERE

CEDA News

Advance Cairns is a member of CEDA and therefore all Advance Cairns members have access to CEDA member benefits. 
View CEDA Member New and Opportunities HERE.

The ANZIAs are Open!

The Australia & New Zealand Internet Awards (ANZIAs], co-created by .au Domain Administration (auDA) and InternetNZ, is an annual awards event which acknowledges those who excel in making the Internet a more inclusive, accessible and safe place. Now in its 7th year, the ANZIAs celebrate the achievements of organisations, businesses and individuals that have made significant contributions to the development and use of the Internet in Australia and New Zealand.  READ MORE

Free Business Planning Templates

Investing time and focus in creating a business plan is one of the most valuable activities you can undertake, providing a roadmap for your business's future.  business.gov.au has a great range of free tools, templates, and advice from expert business advisers to help you with your business, marketing and emergency management planning, to get your business to the next level.

Message from Advance Cairns Economic Development Team

As we approach the first quarter of 2015 the Economic Development team has been busy on a number of fronts.  Work centred around supporting the 8+8 is ongoing with members of the team holding discussions with various Queensland Government departments to quantify the economic impact of the proposed Nullinga Dam project.  This has involved understanding issues around the extent of irrigable land, types of crops that can be grown, value of those crops, possible job creation and a host of other data. 

The team has also focussed on developing a profile for the regions bilateral trade and investment potential.  A new Tropical North Queensland Investment Leadership Group (see next article) has been formed comprising of members from both the public and private sectors with a focus and skill set in areas that are essential for trade and investment.  The team has forged ahead in forming direct links with Trade Commissioners and members of trade teams in overseas locations for Austrade and Trade & Investment Queensland.  Advance Cairns CEO and Economic Development Manager have also had one on one meetings in Brisbane with senior managers of both previously mentioned organisation with commitment made by all parties for increased collaboration and further joint activities over the year.  READ MORE

In support of these activities the team is in the process of developing a suite of Industry Capability Profiles that showcases the regions breadth  of industry and innovation.   The team is also completing a set of Country Profiles and associated Engagement Plans that are focussed on informing the decision making processes associated with entry by the region into a specific country.  The current countries of focus are China, India, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and PNG.  To contact the Economic Development Team, CLICK HERE.

Industry Skills Fund - Applications Open

The Industry Skills Fund – Growth Stream (the fund) assists industry to invest in training and support services and to develop innovative training solutions. The fund will help build a highly skilled workforce that can take advantage of new business growth opportunities and adapt to rapid technological change.  LEARN MORE

SEGRA - A National Conversation on Regional Policy

The SEGRA National Steering Committee has recently released the latest issues paper - A National Conversation on Regional Policy, discussing:

• Federalism, Multi-level Governance & Regional Australia;
• Focusing Regional Development Policy
• Northern Development
• Rural & Remote Regional single industry and service towns

To view the full report, CLICK HERE

2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit

23-24 March 2015 - Washington DC, USA
The 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit will be attended by U.S. Ambassador to Australia John Berry, along with senior Australian business leaders.
This significant event will bring together investors from all over the world, economic development organizations from every corner of the United States, high-level government officials, and others working to facilitate investment in the United States.
The Summit is expected to draw more than 2,500 participants from around the world and will provide networking opportunities and online matchmaking along with discussions on the latest issues affecting investment.  READ MORE

Feast of the Senses

21st-29th March 2015 - Innisfail

It is arguably North Queensland’s premier tropical food experience and showcases an impressive variety of rare and exotic fruits and other produce including meat, seafoods, herbs, spices and wine. In 2015, the Feast of the Senses Festival celebrates ‘Tropical Fiesta’, reflecting the regions of South America and the West Indies from which much of our tropical produce originates.  MORE INFO

Austrade Mission to Manila

24-27 March 2015 - Manilla, Philippines
Austrade invites you to participate in the 2015 Australian Consulting Services Mission to the Asian Development Bank Business Opportunities Fair.   MORE INFO AND REGISTRATIONS

Quarterly Business Seminar hosted by Miller Harris

Thursday 26th March 2015 - Cairns

Hosted by Miller Harris, the next Quarterly Business Seminar will focus on "Business Succession Agreeemtns - Tricks and Traps for the Unwary" and "Keeping up with Reality - Statutory Wills in Qld".  MORE INFO 

Policy Briefing - Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia (JSCNA)

Monday 30th March 2014 - Room A3-2, JCU Campus
The Australian Parliament’s Northern Australia Committee has commenced an inquiry into the development of Northern Australia and has been tasked with the important role of helping to define the future of Australia’s North—a region vital to the economic future of the nation.
This policy briefing will have an open Q&A session with the Select Committee Chair - Warren Entsch MP, offering invaluable learning opportunities to all stakeholders in the region, kindly hosted by James Cook University - Smithfield Campus.  MORE INFO

Tablelands Investment Readiness & Capital Raising Workshop

Monday 30th March - Mareeba & Atherton

This workshop is specifically designed for Tablelands businesses that are actively looking for investment or are considering growth options. All industries including primary industries are encouraged to attend.  MORE INFO

TradeLinked Cairns & PNG Business Networking

Tuesday 31st March - Ba8, Shangri-la Hotel

This is a monthly networking event where businesses can meet and share contacts, experiences and market intelligence.  All businesses with an interest in PNG are welcome - bring plenty of business cards along.  Tradelinked Cairns & PNG business networking event is held the LAST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH commencing 5.30pm-7.00pm at Ba8, Shangri-La Hotel, PierPoint Road, The Marina.

Gulf Futures Day

Tuesday 31st March 2015 - Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

We cast a spotlight on the future of the Northern Gulf for regional stakeholder organisations operating in FNQ, in a fascinating day full of panel discussions and facilitated workshops. 

Together we will launch the engagement program, which will drive regional strategies & investment through the Northern Gulf regional NRM Plan.  MORE INFO

ECOfiesta

Tuesday 31st March 2015 - Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal

The Cairns ECOfiesta is an annual celebration of environment and community. ECOfiesta is an evolution of the popular Sustainable Living Expo and builds on the success of this community event which has been held in Cairns since 2010.  The ECOfiesta showcases all things sustainable in the Cairns region - from community garden and tree planting groups to fair trade shops and solar panel suppliers. It's a who's who of sustainability in a festival atmosphere.  READ MORE

Australiasian Cluster Conference & Workshop

16-17 April 2015 - Sydney
TCI Network Oceania in collaboration with RDA Brisbane is pleased to present the 2nd Australasian Cluster Conference at the University of Technology, Sydney.  The theme for this year's conference is "Linking Clusters Globally: the heightened role of clusters in global value chains.  MORE INFO

CEDA Event - Competition Policy

Thursday 23rd April - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Competition is a source of productivity and efficiency; it drives pricing, delivers choice to consumers and positively influences businesses. Renewed competition policy is now thought essential to meeting future economic challenges.  CEDA welcomes the Australian Competition & Consumer commission (ACCC) Chairman to discuss what competition policy adjustments will best improve productivity, reduce costs and stimulate business activity.  MORE INFO

Making Online Your Business

21st April 2015 - Online Behaviour: Yours, Employees and Others (Cairns)

Safe guarding your business' social media reputation, protecting your data, and managing your employee's professional conduct online will be some of the topics discussed during a seminar series hosted by MacDonnells Law.  MORE INFO

Medico Legal Seminar Series

29 April / 3 June / 15 July 2015 - Cairns

MacDonnells Law invites you and your associates to attend our tailor-made seminar for medical professionals.  Learn the latest tips on how to reduce your exposure in receiving a medical negligence claim as we examine the latest cases, and an insight into the latest Privacy Act changes relevant to your industry.  READ MORE

Advancing Economic Development of Indigenous Land

29-30 April 2015 - Darwin
With the recent COAG decision to improve land rights, and a key policy direction of the White Paper on ‘Developing Northern Australia’ to improve land use and access; focus is growing to maximise land management practices for improved Indigenous outcomes.  This conference brings together key stakeholders in land management & economic development.  MORE INFO

11th Australia New Caledonia Business Forum

4th May 2015 - Noumea, New Caledonia

The Forum brings together annually representatives of business and government from Australia and New Caledonia to discuss and explore opportunities to further grow the bilateral business and economic relationship between our two economies.  MORE INFO

Dili Timor Leste Building & Construction Expo

5-7th May 2015 

This event will be a major opportunity for Australian construction firms interested in opportunities in Timor-Leste to present their services to potential clients, contact potential partners and learn about opportunities in Timor-Leste’s construction sector. Construction is one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative sectors of the Timorese economy so there’s a good case to be made for Australian construction firms to participate.  For more information, please contact Ana Parada at IADE via EMAIL.

Burdekin Value-Adding Seminar

Friday 15th May 2015 - Ayr

Be part of this seminar and learn from companies, both large and small, who are already value-adding to our primary resources.  READ MORE

2015 Mayors Charity Golf Day

Friday 8th May 2015 - Cairns Golf Club

This year’s charity recipient is The Salvation Army, with all monies raised for projects relevant and local to our community.  The Salvation Army has recently been busy supporting those affected by the tragedy in Murray Street and other projects, and continue to need all the local support they can get.  FOR INFO

APNG Business Forum - Early Bird Registrations Open

17-19th May 2015 - Lae, PNG
The Business Council of Papua New Guinea and the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council are pleased to launch the 31st Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum.
The Forum theme is “Bridging the Gap: Meeting Expectations” aimed to capture the important message that Papua New Guinea has unprecedented opportunity to turn the economic value of today’s resources boom into tomorrow’s future prosperity for all its people.

For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.

Austrade Education Roadshow to PNG

5-11th June 2015 - PNG

Promote your institution in Papua New Guinea, the fastest growing economy in the Pacific, through participation in this Education Roadshow to PNG in June 2015.  READ MORE

7th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum

15-19th June 2015 - Honiara, Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands economy has continuing opportunities for Australian business to trade into the market and also for investment in existing and new industries.   This three-day Business Forum and Business Mission in Honiara, Solomon Islands, will be the first time the Forum has been held outside Australia.  This is made possible by the depth of the bilateral business relationship and the strong support of the recently elected Solomon Islands Government and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry which is keen to further build the business relationship with Australia.  MORE INFO

EOI - Australian & PNG Industrial & Mining Resources Expo

22-23rd August 2015 - Port Moresby, PNG

Trans Tasman Media Pty Ltd (formerly InFlight Publishing) is organising this event in conjunction with a company on the ground in PNG.  Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2015 Australian and PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition can forward an 'Expression of Interest' to Nicola Jones, Sales and Event Manager @ InFlight Magazine.

Expressions of Interest - SSPU Study Tour

September 2015

Expressions of interest are now been called for a Study Tour based at SSPU (Shanghai Second Polytechnic University) with either a Chinese Language and Culture focus or Dragon Boat Training and Culture focus.  The programs are aimed at adulsts who are keen to experience some first hand knowledge of China and its culture through language or sport.  More more information, please contact Sim Haywood VIA EMAIL.

2015 PNG Advantage Investment & Infrastructure Summit

27-28th August 2015 - Brisbane

The 2015 PNG Advantage Investment and Infrastructure Summit will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre over a two day period.   This event is co-hosted by the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Business Advantage International. MORE INFO

Australasian Bioenergy and Bioproducts Symposium 2015

12th October 2015 - Brisbane
Approximately 40% of the world's population live in the Tropics; and globally, we are experiencing increasing demand for solutions that provide environmentally sustainable and healthy living conditions.   TABBS 2015 provides a platform to ensure that the Bioeconomy is recognised as a key opportunity and influence on economic development.  READ MORE

Life Sciences Qld (LSQ) Upcoming Events

Advance Cairns is a member of LSQ and therefore all Advance Cairns members have access to LSQ member benefits.
View upcoming LSQ Events HERE

Advance Cairns Welcomes New Members

Advance Cairns looks forward to partnering with the following new members to continue to build a self-sustaining, resilient and prosperous TNQ community:

FNQ MEDICARE LOCAL is responsible for coordinating primary health care delivery and tackling health care needs and service gaps in the Far Northern region. They are driving improvements in primary health care and ensuring services are better tailored to meet the needs of local communities.  LEARN MORE

If you are interested in becoming a member of Advance Cairns, simply EMAIL our office and we will organise for one of our Board Directors to meet with you personally.