Cairns Chamber of Commerce

Cairns Chamber of Commerce The Cairns Chamber of Commerce is the peak body for business representation in the Cairns region.

At the Cairns Chamber of Commerce we have prioritised Cairns business issues since 1909, and will continue to be the only Cairns based business representative body that is exclusively Cairns focused.

Fifty people attended the Got Staffing Challenges event, designed to support the allied health and social services secto...
01/06/2026

Fifty people attended the Got Staffing Challenges event, designed to support the allied health and social services sector.

Attendees connected with exhibitors offering solutions focused support and networked with peers facing similar staffing pressures.

We heard from the Department of Trade, Employment and Training on subsidised VET and action being taken to strengthen the Far North Queensland workforce. Industry Workforce Health and First Nations Health and Social Assistance Advisors highlighted their FREE, support for workforce planning (thanks to the Queensland Government) and the role of CheckUP in supporting regional and remote communities.

Importantly, every industry has a dedicated advisor available to help. Find yours here:
https://dtet.qld.gov.au/training/employers/engage-government/industry-engagement-framework/industry-skills-advisors

A panel facilitated by Dr Samantha Horseman featured Dr Vin Rajeswaran, Donna Patane, Adam Jacobson, and Hilary Watson discussed AI in healthcare and workforce sustainability. Key themes included operational efficiency, workforce augmentation, training and onboarding, patient experience, and risk and governance. The discussion reinforced that AI is not about replacing healthcare workers, but supporting them to deliver safer, more efficient care.

Key takeaways:
• Be curious but cautious with AI
• Ethical use and governance are essential
• Staffing costs remain a major pressure
• Equity of access is critical in regional and remote areas
• AI scribes and automation can reduce admin burden but must be managed carefully
• Human oversight in care delivery remains essential
• Organisations should have clear AI policies in place and monitor them regularly

Thank you to all speakers, exhibitors, and attendees for contributing to a valuable discussion on the future of workforce sustainability in health and social services and supporting this event - a collaboration between the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee, Local Jobs Program and CheckUP.

2026 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙤𝙣Our June Corporate Luncheon is a must-attend event for business leaders seek...
01/06/2026

2026 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙤𝙣

Our June Corporate Luncheon is a must-attend event for business leaders seeking timely insights and strategic advantage.
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from The Hon David Janetzki MP, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, as he delivers a comprehensive address on the 2026 State Budget, just days after its official release.

In this highly anticipated keynote, the Treasurer will outline the Government’s key fiscal priorities, unpack critical initiatives, and provide valuable perspective on the opportunities and implications for businesses across our region

When: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Time: 11.30am – 2.00pm
Where: Cairns Convention Centre, Sheridan St &, Wharf St, Cairns City
Cost: $95 Members | $115 Non-Members | $760 Table of 8
Inclusions: Welcome Drink on Arrival, Alternate Drop Main Course, Freshly Brewed Tea & Coffee

TICKETS ON SALE NOW -https://www.cairnschamber.com.au/event/2026-state-budget-address-corporate-luncheon/

𝙈𝙀𝙈𝘽𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙍𝙏Please note you now need to be logged in to gain member ticket pricingIf you require your login details or ...
29/05/2026

𝙈𝙀𝙈𝘽𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙍𝙏
Please note you now need to be logged in to gain member ticket pricing
If you require your login details or password to be reset please email us at [email protected] or call the office on 4031 1838

𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 | 17 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲What are the biggest security gaps in your small business?Presented by criminologist D...
28/05/2026

𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 | 17 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲
What are the biggest security gaps in your small business?

Presented by criminologist Dr David Bartlett—one of Australia’s most recognised experts in crime prevention and an ABC Crime Night panellist—for a practical deep dive into crime prevention for small businesses.

The webinar is designed to help small business owners strengthen security and identify practical crime prevention strategies that may align with funding opportunities available through the Queensland Government’s $40 million Secure Communities Partnership Program.

Free and open to everyone. You can attend one or both.
Wednesday 17 June

✅ Securing your business against crime: Identify your vulnerabilities and put the foundations in place. Register here - http://bit.ly/4dJz4iU

✅ Advanced crime prevention for business: Go further with 25 real-world techniques to reduce crime risk. Register Here - https://bit.ly/4dO4i8K

The School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SAT) Professional Development Day brought together school-based apprent...
27/05/2026

The School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SAT) Professional Development Day brought together school-based apprentices and trainees from across the far north for a highly engaging and supportive event delivered in partnership by the Department of Education, DTET, and the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee.

The day celebrated student achievements while building practical skills and knowledge to support success in both training and the workplace.

With interactive workshops, real-life scenarios, wellbeing supports, and inspiring speakers, participants heard from organisations including Department of Trade, Employment and Training, Regional School to Industry Partnership Program, ACAP Provider - MAS National, Services Australia, and Headspace, as well as a powerful “Journey Story” panel featuring young leaders and training award finalists, facilitated by the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee.

With around 60 attendees coming from local state, catholic and independent schools, along with students from Atherton, Kuranda, Mossman and Tully – participants valued the opportunity to connect, learn, and hear real career journeys from others in the sector.

A great day highlighting the pathways, support, and opportunities available when young people stay with and complete a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

2 LAST MINUTE TEAMS Have become available for our Annual Corporate Golf Day!Call the office now on 4031 1838 for more in...
26/05/2026

2 LAST MINUTE TEAMS
Have become available for our Annual Corporate Golf Day!
Call the office now on 4031 1838 for more information
First in! Don't miss out!

On Friday 5th of June 2026
Cairns Golf Club

GOT STAFFING CHALLENGES? LET’S TALK REAL SOLUTIONS Artificial Intelligence in healthcare is no longer about the future -...
24/05/2026

GOT STAFFING CHALLENGES? LET’S TALK REAL SOLUTIONS

Artificial Intelligence in healthcare is no longer about the future - it’s about solving today’s workforce challenges.

Join us this Thursday, May 28 for a FREE industry event for the Allied Health and Social Services sector, proudly supported by CheckUP, Cairns Regional Jobs Committee & Local Jobs Program.

The program features a panel discussion where we will bring together leaders in healthcare, technology, governance, and innovation to explore one powerful question:

👉 Can AI help solve healthcare’s biggest challenge — workforce capacity?

The panel, led by JCU: James Cook University, Australia Dr Samantha J Horseman, will move beyond theory and into real-world application - showing how AI is already helping healthcare teams.

Panel speakers include:
• Dr Vin Rajeswaran – healthcare innovator and clinician
• Donna Patane – AI governance and risk specialist
• Adam Jacobson – AI solutions architect in health tech
• Hilary Watson – biotech innovator and investment strategist

Healthcare doesn’t have a technology problem, it has a workforce challenge. AI is the tool that can help solve it.

Importantly, this is not about replacing people, it’s about supporting our healthcare workforce so they can do what they do best - deliver quality care.

Attendees will gain practical insights, real examples, and actionable strategies they can take back into their own organisations.

So, if you work in healthcare, community services, or workforce planning (or know someone who does) this session is for you.



BOOK NOW https://www.cairnschamber.com.au/event/got-staffing-challenges/

2026 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙤𝙣Our June Corporate Luncheon is a must-attend event for business leaders seek...
20/05/2026

2026 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙇𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙤𝙣

Our June Corporate Luncheon is a must-attend event for business leaders seeking timely insights and strategic advantage.

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from The Hon David Janetzki MP, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, as he delivers a comprehensive address on the 2026 State Budget, just days after its official release.

In this highly anticipated keynote, the Treasurer will outline the Government’s key fiscal priorities, unpack critical initiatives, and provide valuable perspective on the opportunities and implications for businesses across our region

When: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Time: 11.30am – 2.00pm
Where: Cairns Convention Centre, Sheridan St &, Wharf St, Cairns City
Cost: $95 Members | $115 Non-Members | $760 Table of 8
Inclusions: Welcome Drink on Arrival, Alternate Drop Main Course, Freshly Brewed Tea & Coffee

TICKETS ON SALE NOW - https://www.cairnschamber.com.au/event/2026-state-budget-address-corporate-luncheon/

Address

The Pier Shopping Centre, Pier Point Road
Cairns, QLD
4870

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+61740311838

Website

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