The 2024 North Queensland Conference on Hamilton Island will explore the theme of “Unearthing the hidden gems of the water industry in the north: showcasing excellence and sharing opportunities for progress.”
Water is critically essential to life in North Queensland and the region is fortunate to be blessed with natural water jewels such as the Great Barrier Reef, unique waterways and diverse wetlands. The roadmap to economic growth and regional wellbeing is deeply linked to water and presents opportunities to be transformative in addressing the complex challenges such as extreme climate conditions, increasing pressures on the cost to serve, planning and delivery of critical infrastructure projects and skills shortages.
Embedded in this is a need to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the original custodians of the land and water to enable communities in the North to sustainably manage our shared water resources. The conference seeks to provide a forum where we can showcase the facets of the water industry and allow our stories of resilience, strength and adversity shine through SHARED experiences, CONNECTED membership and INSPIRED individuals.
Program
Program highlights:
| Keynote speaker: Rachel Brophy As an experienced CEO, Rachel is an accomplished strategist and change agent, with strong political nous and a focus on people and key stakeholders. Having worked across State and Local Government and NGO’s, Rachel has a breadth of policy and service reform experience including community services, aged and disability services, youth services, tourism and economic development, sport and recreation, and major events. Rachel will be speaking on Lessons Learned through Disaster Resilience, Strength and Adversity on Day 1. |
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Keynote speaker: Fiona Pelling |
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Workshop: "Mental Health Leadership for Psychological Safety"
Come along to join the conversation and walk away with practical strategies for your health and wellbeing. |
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Workshop leader: Belinda Chapman |
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Workshop facilitator: Peter Gee |
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Conference & Exhibition
| Date | Tuesday, 30 July - Wednesday, 31 July 2024 |
| Time | 8:30am - 5:00pm AEST |
| Venue | Hamilton Island Conference Centre |
| Address | Resort Dr, Whitsundays QLD 4802 |
Welcome Networking Function
| Date | Monday, 29 July 2024 |
| Time | 6:00pm - 8:00pm AEST |
| Venue | Hamilton Island Conference Centre: Main Pool |
| Address | Resort Dr, Whitsundays QLD 4802 |
| Cost | $100 [in addition to Conference Registration] |
Conference Dinner [sponsored by Premise]
| Date | Tuesday, 30 July 2024 |
| Time | 6:30pm - 10:00pm AEST |
| Venue | Hamilton Island Conference Centre: Beach Pavilion |
| Address | Resort Dr, Whitsundays QLD 4802 |
| Cost | Included in the conference registration |
See the map of key locations here:
| Registration Type |
MEMBER PRIORITY (AND SPEAKER) RATE |
EARLY BIRD RATE Available from 3 April to 17 June |
STANDARD RATE Available from 17 June until event |
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Member |
$720 | $790 | $870 |
| Member Concession / Student | $465 | $465 | $520 |
| Non-Member PLUS 1 year Professional Membership | $1,055 | $1,125 | $1,240 |
| Non-Member | $1,105 | $1,220 |
All registration types include:
- All day catering on Tuesday 30 July and Wednesday 31 July.
- Conference dinner on Tuesday 30 July.
- Optional add on for Welcome Networking Function on Monday 29 July.
Note: There is no day-only registration type
If you wish to find out more about AWA's membership benefits, contact membership@awa.asn.au.
Activities on the Island
There will be plenty of activities on the island. Create your own unforgettable experiences through the Hamilton Island app, available for download on both the App Store and Play Store.
Exhibition
Find out about our exhibitors at the North Queensland Conference here
| Travel and Accommodation |
Flights
Please book early to avoid to ensure your preferred travel dates are available.
Accommodation
Discounted accommodation is available on the Island: http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/conferences/awa2024
Arrival information for Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows
Collect your bag tag from the Reef View Hotel/Palm Bungalows desk. Take your luggage with the attached bag tag to the buses for your transfer to the Reef View Hotel.
Departure information for Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows
Check-out time is 10.00am. On the morning of your departure take your luggage and personal items to check out. Visit the concierge to confirm your bus departure time. Please be at the main entrance of the hotel 10 minutes prior to your bus departure time.
If you are travelling by ferry to the mainland, hand luggage to Cruise Whitsundays staff before boarding the boat.
For more information please contact:
EVENT:
Carlie Sargent, QLD Member Engagement Manager | Ph: 02 9467 8451 | E: csargent@awa.asn.au
Laura Steffan, Senior Events Manager | P: 02 9467 8408 | E: lsteffan@awa.asn.au
EXHIBITION:
Michael Silber, Exhibition and Events Manager | P: 02 9467 8428 | E: msilber@awa.asn.au
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Troy Waite, Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager | P: 02 9467 8426 | E: twaite@awa.asn.au