Greater Whitsunday Innovation: Mackay's Tech and Innovation Community Hub
What began in 2016 as Split Spaces—a single coworking room created to give local entrepreneurs a place to connect—has grown into Greater Whitsunday Innovation (GWI), a thriving not-for-profit hub supporting small business and community across the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.
Based at CQUniversity Mackay, GWI offers flexible desks, professional boardrooms, and modern training rooms, alongside specialist facilities such as a dedicated podcast and media studio. These spaces give entrepreneurs, businesses and community groups access to professional environments without the overheads, whether for a single day of productivity, a client meeting, or a large workshop.
What sets GWI apart is its commitment to people and connection. The hub runs a steady calendar of workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities, including AI workshops and the Microsoft Automation program, designed to help small businesses save time, reduce costs, and build confidence with digital tools.
“Innovation to me is about making things simpler. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about giving people the skills and tools they can actually use in their everyday work,” said Zoe Knight, Project Officer, GWI.
That philosophy carries into GWI’s flagship events. Tech Verge is the region’s platform for driving innovation that matters, with a focus on Tech for Good. The summit explores how digital tools and emerging technologies can unlock smarter workflows, sustainable growth, and practical AI solutions. Building on the 2025 pilot, Tech Verge 2026 will deliver outcomes before, during and after the event, with strong emphasis on regional capacity building, school engagement, and industry pathways. Over two days, it brings together SMEs, industry leaders, educators and community voices to share knowledge and collaborations that transform the way we work and live.
Alongside Tech Verge, GWI runs Mine Pitch, giving start-ups and scale-ups the chance to showcase their ideas to the resources sector, gain feedback from industry leaders, and build connections that drive commercial opportunities.
At its heart, GWI is about community. It’s a place where entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community groups can work side by side, share knowledge, and grow together. With inclusive spaces and a culture built on collaboration, GWI continues to evolve as the region’s home of innovation.
“We’re here for the people who say, ‘I’m just a small business owner.’ It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in—what matters is the challenges you face and how we can help solve them in a smarter way,” shared Kirra Tully, Manager, GWI
