2025 CHDC Events
PARTNERSHIP PROSPECTUS
PETER DOWLING Chief Executive Officer
CEO Foreword
Events are at the heart of CHDC’s mission to advocate for economic growth and a sustainable region. We strive to deliver a variety of workshops, working lunches and networking opportunities for local business and industry to build their skills, enhance their knowledge and expand their professional relationships.
As you’ll see in the following pages, we’ve got the mix right for 2025. From our Working Lunches, to our popular Business Networking events, key interactions within the tourism industry and the biennial Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards, it’s going to be another remarkable year.
You’re invited to join us on the ride. Partnerships are not just critical to the success of our events; they also elevate awareness of your organisation by putting its name in front of a new or larger audience.
This partnership prospectus details a range of partnership proposal opportunities to suit all budgets. Complete the booking form with your chosen package or get in touch to request a package tailored for you.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to working alongside you in the year ahead.
ABOUT Us
Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) is the lead economic and tourism development agency for the Central Highlands in Queensland, Australia. For more than 25 years, CHDC has partnered with industry, business, government, and communities to drive growth and empower businesses.
Our rich understanding of the local economic landscape has allowed us to deliver insights and strategic action plans for the region. In turn, this has contributed to building strong, capable businesses and industries that are supply-chain ready and optimised for expansion.
VISION
Driving economic opportunities to support the Central Highlands as a dynamic inland region of choice.
PURPOSE
We advocate for a sustainable region and economic growth by enhancing our workforce, promoting our region and supporting our businesses.
VALUES & BEHAVIOURS
Collaboration, credibility, innovation, accountability and respect.
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
2024 EVENT Highlights
130+ businesses attended networking events to expand their professional connections.
Local businesses were celebrated and inspired at our Small Business Month Luncheon.
CHDC nurtured the region’s future leaders by actively involving school students in our events.
The sold-out Workforce Development Working Lunch tackled recruitment challenges and solutions.
The Major Projects Working Dinner featured top-tier speakers - CEOs of Whitehaven Coal and Qld Resources Council.
With over 250 attendees, AGTECH24 showcased the outstanding regional agtech ecosystem.
Building connections and sparking ideas!
Here’s a glimpse of our vibrant community coming together to drive economic growth and business success in 2024.
2025 EVENT Summaries
BUSINESS EVENTS
WORKING LUNCH
Our working lunches tackle fresh topics as we respond to the 2024 Central Highlands Business Survey results. Aimed at providing relevant and engaging information in an efficient and no fuss format.
We are excited to bring to our region’s business community an event that promises to empower you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce. Join us for interactive sessions where we combine insightful presentations with a productive midday meal that fuels both your appetite and ambition.
TOURISM25
Join us for TOURISM25, the premier event for our region’s business and tourism community. Learn how to collaborate to maximise opportunity.
This engaging networking event is designed to inspire, educate, and empower you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s fastevolving industry.
Enjoy insightful presentations from industry leaders while networking with like-minded professionals.
BUSINESS SUPPORT WORKSHOPS
Our business workshops empower local businesses by providing essential skills and knowledge to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Covering topics like business planning, marketing, social media, and software skills such as Excel, Word, and Xero, the workshops are tailored based on local feedback. By offering them locally, we reduce costs and minimise time away from work, ensuring business owners can easily access valuable resources to grow and contribute to the Central Highlands’ economic vitality.
PREMIER EVENT
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS BUSINESS
EXCELLENCE AWARDS - 6 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Central Highlands has a resilient economy based on an enviable global coal mining industry, robust agricultural and horticultural industries, a growing tourism market, major health and education services and a vast array of dynamic small-medium enterprises. All helping to weave the fabric of our communities.
The Awards celebrate the efforts and achievements of this diverse and dedicated business community and recognise their contribution, not only to economic vitality but to creating our strong and vibrant regional community.
Our previous Awards in 2023 attracted 143 nominations, from which 31 entries were reviewed by the judging panel. A further 73 local businesses were nominated in the People’s Choice category, with more than 5,700 votes cast. Winners were announced in front of a 280-strong audience at the Awards Gala Dinner.
CHDC was fortunate to work with more than 19 partners to deliver the Awards in 2023. This generous contribution to the event’s success and to our region’s business community is immensely appreciated. We now look forward to partnering with you in 2025 to again showcase and celebrate the fantastic achievements of businesses in the Central Highlands.
CHBEA has its own partnership prospectus which can be found here
2025 EVENTS Calendar
FEBRUARY » Business Networking Event
» Business Support Workshops
MARCH » Business Networking Event
» Business Support Workshops
APRIL » Working Lunch
» Business Networking Event
» Business Support Workshops
MAY » Business Networking Event
» Business Support Workshops
JUNE » Business Networking Event
JULY » Business Networking Event
» Business Support Workshops
AUGUST » Business Networking Event
SEPTEMBER » Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards
OCTOBER » Business Networking Event
NOVEMBER » Business Networking Event
DECEMBER » TOURISM25
These partnership packages are available for CHDC’s 2025 Events Calendar. Link to booking form found here. *Separate prospectus for Central Highlands Business Excellence Awards – see page 7.
Testimonials “
I thoroughly enjoyed the Emerald Small Business Month event. The keynote speaker, Justine Flynn, was a captivating speaker and I was so inspired by her story. Many thanks to CHDC for hosting this fantastic event to celebrate small businesses in the Central Highlands.”
Eileen Brown
Rubyvale Gem Gallery
“We see a lot of value in partnering with organisations like CHDC because they are strong advocates for sustainability and growth in our region which aligns with Kestrel’s goals for progressing and advancing the Central Highlands. Partnerships like these are a really good way for us to recognise businesses and celebrate their hard work and contribution to the local economy.”
Shane Hansen Kestrel Coal Resources
(07) 4982 4386