Businesses in the Douglas Shire are encouraged to attend the inaugural Douglas Business Forum next month to gain insights on marketing and tourism, diversity and innovation and business development and investment.

The free business forum, which includes lunch, is being hosted by Douglas Shire Council at QT Resort on Thursday 12 November from 12pm-5pm with a range of speakers and panel discussions to encourage economic development.

The forum will bring together local business leaders and industry experts from around Australia including facilitator Paul Fagg, Economic Development Manager for the Far North Queensland Office of the Department of State Development, internationally respected economist Ross Garnaut and keynote speaker Sarah Buckler, the Acting Deputy Director-General for Strategy and Engagement with the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Other speakers include Bill Cummings of Cummings Economics, Jayne Gray from the Business Skills Fund and Advance Cairns’ Mark Matthews.

Mayor Julia Leu said the line-up of speakers and panellists and the range of topics to be covered ensured there would be something for everyone involved in business in the Douglas Shire to learn from as well as a great opportunity to share knowledge and ideas.

“The Douglas Business Forum represents an unprecedented opportunity for local businesses to gain meaningful insights into how they may be able to maximise their opportunities, grow their business or diversify,” Mayor Leu said.

“To have so many successful business leaders in the one room in the Douglas Shire is a real coup and I’m very proud Council has been able to facilitate such a worthwhile endeavour for our local business community.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for attendees to engage with our guest speakers and panellists so they can obtain the most benefit for their business.

“The forum promises to be a fountain of knowledge covering the most critical aspects of business development.”

Panellists include Tara Bennett (Tourism Port Douglas Daintree), Sheena Walshaw (Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours), Tony Baker (Quicksilver Group), Linc Walker (Walkabout Tours), Justine Murray (Daintree Naturals), Reina Patrick (Harrisons Restaurant), Phoebe Kitto (HR Dynamics), Leigh Ratcliffe (Sheraton Resort), Mark Hober (Daintree Saltwater Barra Fresh Fish Farm), Hayden Slattery (Mackay Sugar), entrepreneur Wendy Morris and agricultural leaders Don Murday and Bill Phillips-Turner.

The business forum will be followed by networking drinks and nibbles and, while tickets to the Douglas Business Forum are free, bookings are essential for catering purposes.

The full program will be available from 4pm Wednesday 28 October. To book your seat go to Douglas Business Forum Tickets