CQUniversity celebrates 20 years of partnership at Gladstone Engineering Alliance Conference
CQUniversity Australia is marking two decades of membership with the Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA), reinforcing its longstanding commitment to Gladstone’s industry, workforce and community.
The university is a sponsor of the 2026 GEA Conference as a Supply Chain Partner, with representatives from its Gladstone campus and Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) attending the two-day event to connect with industry leaders, showcase research capabilities and discuss future workforce and training opportunities.
CQUniversity was last night presented with a 20-year membership certificate at the conference's Industry Awards Gala, recognising the university’s continuous involvement with the Alliance since 2006.
CSE Director Professor Jonathan Love said the conference provided an important opportunity to strengthen relationships and collaborate on solutions to emerging industry challenges.
“Gladstone continues to play a pivotal role in Australia’s energy transition and industrial future, making it an important location for both research and workforce development,” Professor Love said.
“Through the Centre for Sustainable Energy, CQUniversity has established Gladstone as a key research and training hub, with our largest research cohort based at the campus and working across a range of renewable energy and sustainability challenges.
“The conference gives us an opportunity to share our capabilities in our three research clusters, renewable electrification, sustainable fuels production, and industrial decarbonisation and energy infrastructure, better understand industry needs and explore new partnerships that can support innovation, skills development and regional growth.
“It also allows us to showcase the training pathways available through CQUniversity, from vocational education and training right through to higher education and Higher Degree Research studies.”
CQUniversity Associate Vice-President for the Gladstone Region Rod Ainsworth said the University’s long-standing connection to Gladstone was reflected through its contribution to education, research and industry partnerships.
“For 20 years, CQUniversity has been a proud member of the Gladstone Engineering Alliance and an active contributor to the region’s growth and prosperity,” Mr Ainsworth said.
“We are deeply connected to the Gladstone community and work closely with industry partners including Rio Tinto, Queensland Alumina Limited and many others to help develop the skilled workforce the region needs.
“Our presence at the conference reflects our commitment to supporting local industry, listening to the needs of employers and creating opportunities for students, researchers and businesses alike.
“By bringing together industry, researchers, educators and community leaders, events like the GEA Conference help ensure Gladstone remains at the forefront of industrial innovation and economic development.”
Gladstone Engineering Alliance Chief Executive Officer Patrick Hastings said CQUniversity had played an important role in supporting the region's industry and workforce over the past two decades.
“CQUniversity’s 20 years of membership with GEA reflects a genuine and enduring partnership with Gladstone’s industrial community,” Mr Hastings said.
“As our region continues to evolve, the connection between industry, education and research is becoming even more important. We need the skills, applied research and innovation capability to support our existing industries while also positioning local businesses and workers to participate in the opportunities ahead.
“CQUniversity has an important role in that system, and its long-standing engagement with GEA demonstrates the value of institutions working alongside industry and the regional supply chain over the long term.
“We’re pleased to recognise that contribution at this year’s Industry Awards and to have CQUniversity partnering with us again for the 2026 GEA Conference.”
As part of its sponsorship, CQUniversity is hosting an exhibition booth throughout the conference and delivering a three-minute presentation in the main auditorium, providing delegates with insights into the University’s research strengths, training pathways and industry engagement activities.
The GEA Conference brings together engineering, manufacturing and industrial leaders from across Queensland and Australia to discuss emerging opportunities, innovation and workforce development within the sector.
