From Announcement To Execution: GEA Holds Annual Major Industry Conference

The Gladstone Engineering Alliance held its annual Major Industry, Energy and Manufacturing Conference at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre last week, connecting project proponents, local businesses and organisations as attendees explored the journey of the industry supply chain from project announcements to their execution, and where the future of industry in Central Queensland is heading.

Ticket holders came from across Queensland to hear incredible insights from 36 industry leaders and changemakers, showcasing the benefits of projects happening across the region and what each would mean for the local supply chain. Starting the morning off on Day 1, Central To Defence held its Central Queensland Defence Breakfast, informing attendees of the opportunities available for industry in Australia’s defence sector.

At 9 am, the Conference officially opened with an address from the CEO of GEA, Patrick Hastings, after which behavioural expert Anthony Laye took over as the MC, creating a dynamic and engaging environment as he guided proceedings throughout the Conference, taking the audience on a journey through the projects shaping the region.

Speaking in Session 6: Future Capability and Industrial Revolution, CEO of the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA), David Shankey said that the Conference was a great way for proponents to reach workers on the front lines of projects who are normally difficult to speak to.

“One of the things that we’re trying to do as part of our work is build a really good picture of the industrial landscape in Gladstone and the surrounding areas, and that means just everyone who’s working in the area, but also how they’re connected to each other, and so for us it’s really helpful for understanding how everything fits together.”

Attendees also heard from major industry voices across the two-day conference, such as CEO Rob Williams of Alpha HPA, Operations Manager Chris Skerman of Aestec Services, Managing Director David Nunn of High Risk Solutions, CEO Sean Mc Goldrick of Powerlink, Business Director Patrice Brown of CQG Consulting, CEO Darren Barlow of Gladstone Area Water Board, CEO Andrew Johnson of Gladstone Ports Corporation, and many other important figures that make up Central Queensland industry.

After the sessions on Day 1, attendees dressed in their finest to attend the 2026 Industry Awards Gala Dinner, with well-known comedian Lehmo headlining the evening as the guest MC. The prestigious ceremony celebrated the region’s exceptional accomplishments across the supply chain, and the trailblazing individuals leading the charge with their contributions to Central Queensland’s industry. The winners of each of the seven categories were delighted to take home the trophy, with Berg Engineering winning the Safety Excellence Award, MWS Risk winning the Innovator Award, CQG Consulting winning the Beale Culture Award and Prizm Engineering winning the Social Performance Award. Individuals recognised for their contributions were Keith Windress from KNL Engineering & Mechanical, Isaac Bramer from Berg Engineering, and David Nunn from High-Risk Solutions.

GHD, PROGRAMMED, Mackay Safety/4PS Software and Yaralla Sports Club were also recognised for their 10-year memberships with GEA, and CQUniversity and WALZ Group celebrated their 20-year memberships.

Attendees are maintaining their excitement, as early bird tickets are going on sale soon for the 2027 GEA Major Industry Conference, bringing in more exclusive industry insights next year than ever before.