Parents and students across the Greater Whitsunday are being invited to rethink the future of careers at Future Finder Live: Navigate Tomorrow, Explore Today, a new family-focused event designed to help young people make confident decisions in a rapidly changing world of work.
Hosted by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) in partnership with Mackay Regional Council, Future Finder Live will be held on Wednesday, 26 August at CQUniversity’s Ooralea campus, bringing together families, industry leaders and education experts to explore the opportunities shaping the region’s future. With artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and changing workforce demands transforming how people learn and work, the event aims to equip parents and students with practical information, local insights and the confidence to navigate career pathways beyond school.
GW3 Workforce Development Project Officer Tersea Anderson said the careers conversation had changed dramatically, making it more important than ever for parents and families to understand the opportunities emerging across the Greater Whitsunday.
“Young people today are entering a world of work that is evolving faster than ever before. Career pathways are no longer linear, technology is reshaping industries, and the skills needed for success continue to change,” Ms Anderson said.
“Future Finder Live has been created to help parents and students navigate those changes together. Rather than focusing solely on jobs, the event is about building confidence, exploring opportunities and helping families have informed conversations about the future.”
Ms Steen said parents remained one of the biggest influences on a young person’s career decisions, yet many were navigating unfamiliar territory themselves.
“Many parents are asking, ‘How do I help my child prepare for a future that looks so different from when I left school?’ This event is designed to answer that question.”
“We want every family to leave feeling more informed about the industries driving our regional economy, the skills employers are looking for and the exciting opportunities available right here in the Greater Whitsunday.”
The evening will feature keynote speaker Jan Owen, one of Australia’s leading voices on the future of work, education and youth, who will explore how artificial intelligence, changing career pathways and emerging technologies are reshaping the workforce. Families will also hear from a regional industry panel representing technology and innovation, environment and sustainability, health and community, and trades and services, offering practical insights into future workforce opportunities across the region.
The event will also introduce attendees to the Greater Whitsunday Future Finder platform, providing students and parents with an ongoing tool to explore careers, industries and education pathways long after the event concludes.
Ms Anderson said Future Finder Live reflected GW3’s commitment to strengthening the region’s future workforce by connecting education, industry and families.
“Our region is creating exciting opportunities across resources, health, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, tourism, technology and emerging industries. Helping young people understand those opportunities—and the pathways to reach them—is critical to ensuring our region continues to thrive.”
“Future Finder Live is about empowering families with knowledge, inspiring young people to think differently about their future and showcasing the incredible opportunities that exist right here in our own region.”
Future Finder Live is proudly delivered by Greater Whitsunday Alliance through the Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, proudly funded by the Queensland Government, in partnership with Mackay Regional Council and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
Future Finder Live
Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Venue: CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea Campus, Building 1
Cost: Free (registrations essential)
Greater Whitsunday Alliance is the region’s peak, independent economic development body committed to making the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region strong for generations.
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