The Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay saw as many as 360 attendees gathered for the Queensland Resources and Innovation Expo on 11 July 2025, a full-day event showcasing the strength, innovation and collaboration of Queensland’s resource sector.
The Expo featured 56 businesses and organisations, including Indigenous representation, and welcomed attendees from across the Mackay, Isaac and Central Highlands regions. The event was designed to spark meaningful conversations and connections, and it delivered in spades.
From panel sessions on ESG innovation and critical minerals to underground exhibitor chats and the dynamic Mine Pitch, the program was packed with opportunities to learn, share and connect. Attendees described the event as “relaxed,” “well-organised,” and “a great opportunity to meet and speak with industry leaders and innovators”.
The evening before, the VIP Networking Event set the tone with 140 guests enjoying a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With representatives from 62 organisations, including 5 Indigenous participants, the night was praised for its hospitality and the genuine connections it fostered.
As shared in her address, “This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to get to know each other, especially as we may be sharing stands or standing side by side tomorrow. It’s always beneficial to meet new people and build connections that can lead to productive collaborations”.
The Local Buying Foundation’s support for this event reflects its commitment to helping small, local and Indigenous businesses access opportunities that drive economic growth, development and innovation. As noted in her keynote, “These are more than initiatives; we have seen them be lifelines for small, local and Indigenous businesses. Both have the potential to spark growth and foster sustainability and resilience in our regional business communities”.
We extend our congratulations to the Resources Centre of Excellence team for delivering a high-impact event and look forward to continuing our support for initiatives that empower our regions.
March 03, 2025
The Local Buying Foundation is proud to announce funding for the Resources Centre of Excellence to host an industry-driven Queensland Resources and Innovation Expo in July 2025.
The event will feature a networking session and a one-day expo, providing a platform for industry collaboration within the coal sector. Highlights include a VIP Networking Evening, an invite-only event for expo participants and industry representatives to build connections. The Expo will showcase METS innovation in mining through exhibits, presentations and demonstrations at the Resources Centre of Excellence.
Educational opportunities will be abundant, with university researchers and educators presenting research supporting workforce development, technology and safety in the coal industry. Technical talks and panels will feature discussions, keynote presentations and opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.
A Traditional Owner Procurement Section will facilitate a ‘meet the buyer’ program, while government collaboration will offer opportunities for government bodies to understand and address industry challenges and opportunities. Student engagement is also a key focus, with secondary and university students invited to learn about future career paths and interact with industry professionals.
This event aims to foster industry collaboration, innovation, and education while supporting community and charitable initiatives.