WCFS2025 celebrates Innovation, Resilience and Opportunities

Over 250 delegates gathered in Weipa on 7–8 May 2025 for the sold out Western Cape Futures Symposium (WCFS)—a landmark event that celebrated innovation, regional leadership, and the cultural and economic potential of Far North Queensland. Coordinated by Jennifer McHugh from The Cairns Institute (TCI), the symposium brought together Traditional Owners, policymakers, business leaders, community organisations, and young people to explore future-focused opportunities across the Western Cape. The event was locally driven and held in partnership with the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce, Aurukun, Mapoon, Napranum and Cook Shire Councils, the Weipa Town Authority, James Cook University (JCU), the Torres & Cape Indigenous Council Alliance, the Western Cape Communities Trust, and Rio Tinto.

Attendees travelled from across Australia and internationally— including Singapore, the Northern Territory, Perth, and Canberra—to be part of this important regional conversation. The two-day program featured over 50 inspiring speakers. Keynote presentations from national leaders such as Professor Tom Calma AO and Prof Veena Sahajwalla highlighted themes of social justice, sustainability, and circular economy. JCU contributors included Allan Dale, Hurriyet Babacan, and Jim Turnour, alongside Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) members Jen McHugh, David Phelps, and Karen George, who chaired sessions.

Topics spanned Indigenous innovation, regional development, water and food security, tourism, marine sustainability, and the emerging space industry. Breakout sessions provided opportunities for dialogue and reflection among community members and stakeholders, while evening networking events celebrated local arts and culture. One of the event highlights was the Business Support & Security Public Forum, which offered community members direct access to practical advice and services from leading agencies.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants valuing the diversity of voices and perspectives. The event proved to be a powerful platform for regional collaboration, capability building, and future planning.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Symposium Chair Jaime Gane said: “The 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium was a powerful testament to what’s possible when passionate people come together with purpose. The energy, ideas, and connections sparked here will shape our region for years to come.”

Building on the momentum, a Youth Symposium (pictured below) was held on 9 May with around 50 students from Western Cape College. This session empowered young people to share their vision for the region and explore career pathways in innovation, environment, business, and leadership.

Supported by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and sponsors including Space Centre Australia, National Australia Bank, QANTAS, and Cape York Natural Resources Management, the Symposium reinforced the region’s commitment to inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.

With its strong focus on solutions grounded in culture, community, and resilience, the Western Cape Futures Symposium affirmed its role as a catalyst for transformative action and a vital meeting ground for shaping the region’s future.

Images: (below left) MP Bryson Head Member for Callide, MP Bree James Member for Barron and MP David Kempton Member for Cook and Jennifer McHugh. Also Former PM Scott Morrison with local business-owner Brooke Quartermain (below centre) and (below right) is Ernest Madua.

May 2025