Greater Whitsunday Innovation: A Year In Review
Reflecting On A Year Of Growth And Connection
For Greater Whitsunday Innovation (GWI), 2025 was a year of connection, collaboration, and growth across the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday (MIW) region. From launching new digital capability programs to hosting the pilot Tech Verge event, GWI helped regional businesses adapt, innovate, and thrive.
“This year has been one of transformation,” says GWI Manager, Kirra Tully.
“The rebrand to Greater Whitsunday Innovation set the tone for a stronger regional identity, one that celebrates collaboration and puts innovation at the centre of everything we do.”
Milestones and Achievements
A standout moment was the Tech Verge 2025 pilot. A one-day innovation showcase uniting businesses, educators, industry, and community leaders to explore practical digital tools and smarter ways of working. This inaugural summit elevated the region’s innovation agenda.
GWI also delivered high-impact programs including the first live Mine Pitch event, connecting start-ups with resources sector decision-makers, and hands-on learning through the Microsoft Automation course and AI workshop series, empowering businesses to streamline operations and build digital confidence.
Building on this momentum, early-bird tickets for Tech Verge 2026 are already on sale.
Partnerships that Made a Difference
Collaboration was central to GWI’s success. Stronger partnerships with Mackay Regional Council, Local Buying Foundation, Resource Industry Network, Resources Centre of Excellence, Greater Whitsunday Alliance, NBN Co, Queensland AI Hub, Regional Tech Hub, and support from the Queensland Government helped bring innovation to every corner of the MIW region.
This year also saw a rise in small business partnerships and stronger local networks, reinforcing the region’s innovation ecosystem.
“Every collaboration is about delivering practical value to our community,” says Project Officer Zoe Knight.
“It’s about giving businesses the skills and confidence to try something new and see how technology can actually work for them.”
Strategic Direction and Evolving Focus
Guided by our Board of Directors and Stakeholder Reference Group, GWI sharpened its focus on digital adoption, automation, and accessibility. From operations to customer service, digital is now part of every business. By balancing rapid tech advancement with the realities of small business, GWI ensures progress remains achievable and inclusive.
Through workshops, mentoring, and one-to-one support, participants are gaining the skills and confidence to create meaningful, lasting change across the region.
Strengthening Innovation Culture
Beyond individual programs, GWI focused on shaping a stronger innovation culture. Initiatives like AI workshops and Let’s Talk Internet made technology part of everyday business language. More local enterprises are adopting digital tools, automating workflows, and exploring how tech can enhance - not replace - the human side of work.
Community engagement deepened, with strong participation across events and growing collaboration between industry, education, and local government. Innovation is becoming a shared regional mindset.
Challenges, Lessons and Inspiration
Delivering large-scale activity with a small team required creativity and prioritisation. These experiences reinforced a central lesson: innovation is strongest when shared. Hearing how local businesses grew through GWI’s programs, from streamlining operations to launching new ventures, became the team’s biggest source of pride and motivation.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 approaches, GWI will continue delivering digital capability and mentoring programs, and strengthen the MIW region’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.
“Our focus will stay on people, helping them connect and grow together,” says Kirra.
One Word for the Year: Momentum
2025 cemented Greater Whitsunday Innovation’s role as the region’s home of collaboration, creativity, and opportunity — setting the stage for an even brighter year ahead.
