Hundreds of delegates are expected to converge on Weipa on 7-8 May to discuss and help plot the future direction of western Cape York from social and economic perspectives. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
A program designed to facilitate a “two-way learning experience” will provide delegates with an exploration into the long-term social and economic needs of the region when the 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium is held in Weipa next month.
Hundreds of delegates are poised to converge on the region for the biennial event, and symposium co-ordinator Jennifer McHugh said the program – which was released late last month – would allow a mix of external expertise and local innovation to flourish on 7-8 May.
“This year’s program has been intentionally designed as a two-way learning experience,” she told Cape York Weekly.
“While we’re eager to hear fresh ideas from external presenters, we’re equally focused on showcasing local innovation and programs; the format promotes interaction rather than passive listening – we’ve limited presentations to 10 minutes to ensure they are concise and impactful, and we’ve built in dedicated time for audience questions and discussion.
“We’ve also deliberately included long breaks and networking opportunities, knowing that some of the most valuable conversations often happen informally; our aim is to avoid a ‘talkfest’ and instead create a space where genuine dialogue, exchange of ideas, and collaboration can flourish.”
Weipa Town Authority Chair Jaime Gane said the calibre of speakers asking to present at the symposium reflected its importance to planning for the sustainability of communities on western Cape York.
“As a not-for-profit event operating with a limited budget, we’ve had to adopt a creative and resourceful approach,” she said.
“None of our speakers are paid to present, which makes the level of engagement and willingness to contribute all the more powerful.
“The interest we’ve received from both presenters and participants is a clear indication of the strong appetite for this event and the value it brings to the region.”
The To Infinity and Beyond session on the final day of the symposium is expected to draw a strong crowd of delegates, and Space Centre Australia chief executive officer James Palmer, who will feature on the panel with company non-executive director and former prime minister Scott Morrison, said he believed the topic would drive substantial outside-the-box thinking when it came to economic alternatives for the region.
“There’s a real sense that the region is ready to take bold steps beyond the traditional reliance on mining,” he said.
“Delegates will be looking for tangible pathways into emerging industries and space, I believe, is one of the most exciting and transformative of those.
“Infrastructure will also be front and centre – roads, bridges, and digital connectivity are all enablers of growth, and if we’re serious about building a diverse and resilient economy, these issues need clear strategies.
“I expect a strong focus on community voice; the future of Western Cape York must be shaped by the people who live here.”
Western Cape Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) president Jai Christie urged local business operators and interested stakeholders to register for the event, and echoed Mr Palmer’s sentiment the panel Q&A would be one not to miss.
“I think it’s very important for local businesses members and stakeholders to come along and really have their say, as well as get first-hand information from the decision makers that will be at the event.
“I’m very excited to see all of the speakers at the event, the opportunities for growth and industry diversification; Dennis Fay from Salty Monkeys in the Communities and Economies and Opportunities session, as well as the To Infinity and Beyond session featuring James Palmer and Scott Morrison representing Space Centre Australia, are just a few of the great speakers in the lineup.”
To register for the symposium, visit the WCCC website.
