Community Engagement
Guided by its strategic project objectives, the Chair is actively engaged with the communities in the Greater Whitsunday Region. This involves working closely with Mining, METS and non-METS industries, peak bodies, state and local government agencies and communities on future skilling, decarbonisation, economic transformation and community strengthening agendas in the region.
Project Integration Group Meeting
On the 28th May 2024, the 2024 STEM Punks update, update from recent delegations, and decarbonisation micro-credentials update were discussed at the Project Integration Group Meeting.
CQU / BMA Fortnightly Catch Up
On the 24th May 2024, the CQU / BMA fortnightly catch-up meeting took place.
BHP/BMA Future of Work Partnerships
On the 22nd May 2024, the BHP Social Value/Social Investment Strategy was discussed at the BHP/BMA Future of Work Partnerships meeting.
GW3/CQU Decarbonisation Micro-credentials
On the 1st May 2024, the GW3/CQU Decarbonisation Micro-credentials program was discussed.
Chair in Automation Strategic Direction Group Meeting
On the 20th August 2024, Professor Rob Brown and Dr Bingjie Song attended the Chair in Automation and Future Work Skills Strategic Direction Group Meeting.
Chair in Automation Project Integration Group Meeting
On the 10th September 2024, Professor Rob Brown and Dr Bingjie Song attended the BMA CQU Chair in Automation and Future Work Skills Project Integration Group Meeting.
Chair in Automation Project Integration Group Meeting
On the 15th July 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the Chair in Automation Project Integration Group Meeting with BMA, CQU, and RCOE members.
Tomorrow's Trainers Project
On the 15th July 2024, the initial meeting for the Tomorrow's Trainers Project between CQU, TAFE QLD, and BMA took place.
Greater Whitsundays METS Sector Virtual Briefing
On the 17th September 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the Greater Whitsundays METS Sector - A Revenue Diversification Strategy Virtual Briefing meeting hosted by GW3.
Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group
On the 19th September 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group at the RCOE.
BMA CQUniversity - CiA and Future Work Skills - SteerCo Briefing
On the 24th September 2024, the BMA CQUniversity - CiA and Future Work Skills - SteerCo Briefing meeting was held.
1st Quarterly Progress Report
On the 25th October 2024, Professor Rob Brown and Mr Mahesh Kayastha attended a meeting to discuss the 1st Quarterly Progress Report.
Dean of SET Visit to Mackay
On the 27th September 2024, Professor Rob Brown and Mr Mahesh Kayastha met with Professor Rabin Tuladhar, the Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology.
Regional Development Intel Sharing
On the 8th October 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the Regional Development Intel Sharing meeting at the RCOE.
Micro-credentialing Program Discussion
On the 11th October 2024, Professor Rob Brown met with Ms Clare McAlpine from GW3 to discuss the possibility for grant funding for the 2024 Micro-credentialing Program.
RDA GW AGM/Committee Meeting/Meet and Greet Stakeholders
On the 25th October 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the RDA GW AGM, committee meeting, and meet-and-greet at the IRC Chamber and Moranbah Community Centre.
BHP Chair Reception and Leaders Event
On the 29th October 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the BHP Chair Reception and Leaders event in Brisbane.
Chair in Automation Project Integration Group Meeting
On the 12th November 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the Chair in Automation Project group Meeting with members from BMA, RCOE, and GW3.
GWC Housing Alliance Update
On the 14th November 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the Greater Whitsunday Housing Alliance Project Update.
Micro Credential Content Review
On the 20th November 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended a meeting with Ms Meredith Papas and Ms Clare McAlpine to discuss the feedback given from GW3 on the micro-credential content.
Hoffman Strata Meeting
On the 21st November 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the Hoffman Strata Meeting.
BMA Partners Future of Work Summit 2025
On the 28th November 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the CQU CIA hosted, BMA Partners Future of Work Summit 2025 at the BHP Office in Brisbane. The meeting was arranged to discuss the value of hosting the Summit and mapping out the next steps.
Waterfront Project & Decarbonisation Accelerated Project Leaders Group
On the 28th November 2024, Professor Rob Brown, Dr Bingjie Song, and Mr Mahesh Kayastha attended the Waterfront Project + Decarbonisation Accelerated Project Leaders Group in Brisbane to meet with Mr Matt Beasley, the Waterfront Project Director, and discuss the WFB project and associated circular/decarbonisation initiatives.
Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group
On the 28th November 2024, Professor Rob Brown, Dr Bingjie Song, and Mr Mahesh Kayastha attended the Decarbonisation Leaders Group at UQ in Brisbane. The meeting was to discuss the Visioning Review document and exploring future direction for the Decarbonisation Accelerated Project.
B & C Plastics Meeting
On the 28th November 2024, Professor Rob Brown, Dr Bingjie Song, and Mr Mahesh Kayastha attended a meeting with Mr Royston Kent, CEO of B & C Plastics, and Mrs Wendy Kent, Co-Founder and Customer Service.
Goonyella Riverside Coal Mine Tour
On the 6th December 2024 Dr Bingjie Song and Mahesh Kayastha participated the Goonyella Riverside Coal Mine tour organised by BMA
QMEA Breakfast Celebration
On the 28th November 2024 Professor Rob Brown attended the QMEA End of Year Breakfast Celebration, hosted by BMA, in Brisbane.
BMA IROC Tour
On the 28th November 2024 Dr Bingjie Song and Mahesh Kayastha participated the BMA event held at the BHP IROC, Brisbane
GWC AGM and 50th Anniversary Celebration
On the 19the November 2024 Professor Rob Brown attended the GWC AGM and 50th Anniversary Celebration at Mackay City campus.
Mackay-Isaac Tourism Dinner with Ministers
On the 19the November 2024 Professor Rob Brown attended the Mackay-Isaac Tourism Dinner with Ministers.
Sarina Bendigo Bank AGM
On the 14th November 2024 Professor Rob Brown attended the Bendigo Bank Sarina's Annual General Meeting and 2024 Community Presentations.
RCOE Stage 2 Celebration
On the 24th October 2024 Professor Rob Brown attended an event at the RCOE to celebrate stage 2 and the future industries hub.
QLD Hydro Breakfast
Professor Rob Brown attended the QLD Hydro Breakfast at the RCOE on the 20th September 2024.
QME 2024
Professor Rob Brown attended the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition at the Mackay Showgrounds on the 23rd and 24th of July.
“Women who Weld” Event
On 12 March 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the “Women who Weld” event at Trade Training Centre.
RIN International Women’s Day Luncheon
Professor Rob Brown and Dr Bingjie Song attended the RIN (Resource Industry Network) International Women’s Day Luncheon held at MECC on 6 March 2024.
Rob's interview with the ABC Radio
On 5 March 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended a Breakfast radio interview with ABC Tropical North where he presented views about the Universities Accord and the importance, opportunities and challenges of reginal universities.
The audio of the Universities Accord interview is available on Insentia.
Judging MACKHACK Hackathon 2024
On 25 February 2024, Professor Rob Brown participated the MACKHACK 2024 as Judging Panel. The 3-day event was organized by Split Spaces and held at their venue from 23-25 February 2025. This hackathon was focused on METS-related problems.
Bowen Basin Mining Club - industry luncheon
Professor Rob Brown attended the Bowen Basin Mining Club - industry luncheon on 8 February 2024.
Rob's interview with the ABC Radio
On 6 February 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended a Breakfast radio interview with ABC Tropical North. Presented views about regional growth, future skills, and where CQUniversity and BMA Chair in Automation and Future Skills fit into those paradigm and contribute to overall regional growth.
The audio of the regional growth interview is available on Insentia.
RIN Industry Briefing Lunch
On 2 February 2024, Professor Rob Brown attended the RIN Industry Briefing Lunch.
Steering Group Meeting of the Chair in Automation
On 21 March 2024, Professor Rob Brown, Mahesh Kayastha, and Dr Bingjie Song participated in the Strategic Direction Meeting (SDB) of the Chair in Automation and Future Work Skills. The meeting was chaired by Prof Nick Klomp, the Vice-Chancellor of CQUniversity.
Chair in Automation Project Integration Group Meeting
On 12 March 2024, Professor Rob Brown participated in the Project Integration Group meeting of Chair in Automation and Future Skills.
Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group Meeting
On 12 March 2024, Rob participated in the Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group Meeting held at RCOE.
ACARP Round Meeting
On 12 March 2024, Professor Rob Brown participated in the ACARP Round Meeting.
Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Reference Group Meeting
Professor Rob Brown participated in the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) reference group meeting held on 6 March 2024.
RDA GW Committee Meeting
On 23 February 2024, Rob participated in the RDA GW Committee Meeting.
Bowen Basin Bright Minds Consultation
Professor Rob Brown participated in the Bowen Basin Bright Minds Consultation meeting. The consultation was focused on Queensland Future Skills program, and to inform the Bowen Basin Bright Minds evaluation held on 9 February 2024.
Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group meeting
On 8 February 2024, Rob participated in the Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group meeting. The meeting discussed the Decarbonisation Accelerated Plan Overview 2024 and METS Diversification Submission from Create Advisory.
BHP Future of Work Information Session
Professor Rob Brown attended the BHP Future of Work information session held on 1 February 2024.
Decarbonisation Accelerated Micro-Credentials
On 17 January 2024, a meeting was held between Professor Rob Brown, Dr Bingjie Song, Mahesh Kayastha, Jarrah Steen (GW3) and Clare McAlpine to discuss GW's concept on micro-credentials. The meeting was held at the CQUniversity, Mackay City Campus.
Decarbonisation Accelerated Micro-Credentials - follow up meeting with the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) team
On 17 January 2024, a meeting was held at the CQUniversity Mackay City Campus to discuss GW3's concept on micro-credentials. Jarrah Steen and Clare McAlpine from GW3 presented GW3's concept and future strategies about the Decarbonisation Accelerated Micro-Credentials. Prof Rob Brown and Mahesh Kayastha from the Chair in Automation and Future Skills (CIA) discussed and highlighted CIA's potential collaboration with GW3 on the project. Bingjie Song, the Senior Research Fellow of CIA also participated in the meeting.
Meeting with Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) on decarbonisation micro-credentials
On 1 December 2023, Prof Rob Brown Prof Rob Brown hosted a meeting with GW3 to share the Chair’s new thoughts about decarbonisation Micro-credentials. The meeting discussed potential digitally badged micro-credential courses that could be done online and serve to increase community knowledge in the field of Decarbonisation. Jarrah Steen and Clare McAlpine from GW3 and Mahesh Kayastha attended the meeting. The meeting was held at CQUniversity's Mackay City Campus.
The meeting was an opportunity to consult with the regional peak body like GW3 and validate the relevance and the potential impact of micro-credential courses to the regional community. The meeting agreed to meet up for further consultations leading to identifying topics/areas of micro-credentials and discussing implementation strategies.
Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group
On 6 October 2023 Prof Rob Brown participated in the first Decarbonisation Accelerated Leaders Group Meeting held at RCOE in Mackay. Following the meeting, Prof Brown attended the Decarbonisation Accelerated Project Lunch hosted by RCOE and the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3).
Meeting with Revolution Aerospace
On 4 October 2023 Prof Rob Brown met with Terry Martin from Revolution Aerospace and other stakeholders where they discussed drone autonomous flight capability in the MIW region over the next few years as part of a project contract with the Federal Government. The meeting was held in the DISH at RCOE in Mackay.
Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety (QMIHS) Conference Debrief
On 15 September 2023 Prof Rob Brown attended a meeting with representatives from CQU, RCOE and BHP to discuss plans and research opportunities following the 2023 QMIHS Conference.
Decarbonisation meeting
On 13 September 2023 Prof Rob Brown attended a meeting with RDA Greater Whitsundays, Next Economy, and Greater Whitsunday Communities to discuss a project opportunity aligned to decarbonisation and community social change.
BHP Goonyella Riverside Mine Tour
On 9 September 2023 Prof Rob Brown visited the Goonyella mine site alongside Smart Transformation Youth Advisory Council. During this Prof Brown provided a brief presentation to YAC members on education pathways and future jobs etc.
Hay Point Coal Terminal Visit
On 30 August 2023 Prof Rob Brown and Mahesh Kayastha visited the Hay Point Coal Terminal, hosted by Brett Ross, BHP. The tour provided an opportunity to better understand industry and Hay Point operations in relation to ACARP and future projects.
Queensland Royalties Briefing
On 28 August 2023 Prof Rob Brown attended a meeting with Ben Dillaway from BHP to learn about royalties and corresponding impacts.
Meeting with the BHP Head of Corporate Affairs Canada
On 3 August 2023 Prof Rob Brown had a meeting Chet Reynolds, BHP Head of Corporate Affairs Canada and provided an overview of the BHP/CQU partnership, outcomes achieved and way forward.
BHP Hay Point Coal Terminal tour
Prof Rob Brown, Dean Kirkwood (General Manager, Resource Industry Network - RIN), and Mahesh Kayastha visited the BHP Hay Point Coal terminal on 31 August 2023. Brett Ross, Linda Murry, and Leah Scheepers from BHP accompanied the tour. It was a good opportunity for the Chair to discuss the future collaboration between the Chair, BHP and RIN in broad agendas.
Introductory meeting with Gavin Lind from The Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA)
Prof Rob Brown attended a meeting with Gavin Lind from The Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) on 14 July 2023 and discussed AUSMASA Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) for the mining and automotive industries and their work in developing current and future workforce skilling needs.
CRC TiME Networking Lunch and Virtual Roundtable at the RCOE
Prof Rob Brown and Mahesh Kayastha visited a CRC TiME Networking Lunch and Virtual Roundtable at the Regional Centre of Excellence, Mackay on 3 July 2023. The event was a wonderful opportunity to engage and network with partner and stakeholder representatives of CRC TiME and listen to participants from three Bowen Basin regional entities discuss approaches to long-term social and economic prosperity including their role in diversification, collaboration and future visions for coal regions.
Meeting and presentation to the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) at the RCOE
Opportunity to discuss and showcase the CIA role and partnerships.
Meeting and presentation to the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) at the RCOE
Opportunity to discuss and showcase the CIA role and partnerships.
Introduction to Treasurer Cameron Dick
On 21 June 2023 Prof Rob Brown had an informal meeting with Treasurer Cameron Dick at the DISH (RCOE) where he showcased the Chair in Automation role and partnerships. The Minister was joined by Assistant Minister for Treasury, Charis Mullen MP, and local member and Assistant Minister for Education, Julieanne Gilbert MP. Furthermore, Prof Rob Brown had a good conversation with the Treasurer and his colleagues, and took the opportunity to highlight the terrific work CQUniversity Mackay is doing with our partners such as the RCOE, BMA and the Resource Industry Network (RIN).
Smart Transformation: Innovative Futures Project Steering Committee
Prof Rob Brown participated in the "Smart Transformation: Innovative Futures Project Steering Committee meeting on 20 April 2023. The meeting discussed the Smart Transformation Action Plan and possible next steps.
Smart Transformation Advisory Council
As a part of the Chair's key objective, Prof Rob Brown participated in the Smart Transformation Advisory Council (STAC) meetings in Dysart on 3 April 2023 and in Moranbah on 4 April 2023.
Decarbonisation conversation meeting with the key stakeholders
on 28 April 2023, Prof Rob Brown convened an online meeting to broadly discuss CIA's it's planned research on Dacarbonisation, and to seek inputs from the stakeholders about who we should we talk to in the region.
Department of Education Countering Foreign Interference Workshops Invitation
The workshop focused on enhancing understanding of the foreign interference risk environment and providing practical guidance on risk mitigation.
Rob attended seminar hosted by George Edwards
On the 16th September 2024 Professor Rob Brown attended the CQ AusIMM talk presented by George Edwards regarding the mining industry
RDA GW Stage 2 Workshop and Executive Committee Meeting
Professor Rob Brown attended the RDA GW Stage 2 Workshop and Executive Committee Meeting.
RDA GW Workshop
On 22 March 2024, Professor Rob Brown participated in the Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsunday workshop.
ZeroIN - Technology for a decarbonised future
Decarbonisation event hosted by Climate Salad held at the RCOE. Dedicated to creating connections and learning about decarbonisation opportunities and innovation in the GW region and beyond.
Decarbonisation Accelerated XR Pitch Challenge
Attended (virtually) with stakeholders from across the mining and METS industry as they pitch solutions that will help facilitate the acceleration of decarbonisation in this sector.
