Join us as we celebrate 35 years of supporting regional businesses at our 2026 Open Day.
Explore our HQ site on Quay Street in Bundaberg, meet our tenants and members, and find out more about the services, programs and opportunities that help local businesses start, grow and adapt.
When: Wednesday, 27 May, 9:00am-2:30pm
Where: Regional Business HQ, 20B Quay Street, Bundaberg
Conversations that Matter
How to stay grounded when the world is in a tailspin
We’re proud to host our sixth Conversations that Matter event as part of the day, creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. This year’s Conversations that Matter event will explore the theme of staying grounded when the world is in a tailspin, bringing together ideas, experience and conversation around a topic that affects us all.
When: Wednesday, 27 May, 12:00pm-12:55pm
Where: Neville Room, Regional Business HQ
Program
Sessions will run from 9:00am – 2:30pm in the Neville, Webb and Stewart Rooms. Full program details will be shared closer to the event.
Neville Room | Webb Room | Stewart Room | |
| Business Skills Sessions | Meet our tenants and members | Government programs and services | |
| 9:00am – 9:25am | Who, what, when and where of grants | The Waves community support programs | How the Queensland Government can help you start, grow and thrive – Joe Proctor, Business Assist and Stephen Cleary, Digital Access Team |
| 9:30am – 9:55am | Productivity hack: Using monday.com to manage your business | Why we don’t always respond the way we intend – Agnele Finette, Human Behaviour and Response Facilitator | Workforce in focus: what it means for Bundaberg businesses – Josh Wiltshire, Jobs Bundaberg |
| 10:00am – 10:25am | Social media fundamentals in 2026 | Self care and stress – Karen Barlow, Bundaberg Counselling | Australian Government support programs for businesses – Kay Strong, AusIndustry |
| 10:30am – 10:55am | AI tools for small business | Designing spaces with intention – Kathryn Sheehy, Kalathea Studio | Partnering for Success: Working Effectively with Council Procurement and Contracts – Nikole Rabeling, Bundaberg Regional Council |
| 11:00am – 11:25am | Recruitment hacks for busy business owners | Legal structures to consider for your business – Kelly Dwyer and Sarah Protani, Charltons Lawyers | Major Projects coming to the region and how to get involved – Jo Donnison, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning |
| 11:30am – 11:55 am | How to approach difficult conversations | The Federal Budget impact on real estate – Cheryle Rayson, @realty | Turning Strategy into Action: Bundaberg Region Economic Development Strategy 2025 – 2035 – Steffi Bates, Bundaberg Regional Council |
| 12:00pm – 12:55pm | Conversations that Matter: How to stay grounded when the world is in a tailspin – Inger Kelly | Lunch Break | Lunch Break |
| 1:00pm – 1:25pm | Creating genuine connections: Using personality styles to really connect with people | The basics of pet first aid – Greg Goldsworthy, Sugarland Animal Hospital | Internet connectivity options for your home or business – Kate Wharton, NBN |
| 1:30pm – 1:55pm | Designing the next chapter of your working life | One Rhino, Two Pathways: Coordinating NDIS and Aged Care – Ryan Nielsen, Rhino Support Coordination | Finalising details – coming soon |
| 2:00pm – 2:30pm | How to manage public speaking nerves and present with confidence | Finalising details – coming soon | All things apprentices and trainees – Jo-Ann Bass, Department of Trade, Employment and Training |
This Queensland Small Business Month event is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register?
There’s no need to RSVP for the Open Day itself, so please feel free to come along and enjoy the day. If you’d like to join us for the Conversations That Matter event, we’d love you to RSVP for that session.
Who should attend?
This Open Day is open to small business owners, partners and community members who want to find out more about RBHQ, our tenants, members and the support available to help local businesses start, grow and adapt.
Can I drop in at any time?
You’re welcome to pop in at any time and join the sessions that suit you best. If you’d like to attend our Conversations that Matter event, please RSVP here.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available nearby. If you have any questions about access or parking, please get in touch before the day.
Will the event be catered?
Yes, a light lunch will be provided on the day. We can cater for vegan, vegetarian, nut allergy and gluten free dietary requirements. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please RSVP for Conversations that Matter so we can cater for you as best we can.
Is the event free?
Yes, this is a free community event.
Where is the Open Day being hosted?
This event is being hosted at Regional Business HQ head office in Bundaberg, 20B Quay Street, Bundaberg, 4670
Will the full program be shared before the day?
Yes, the program is being updated as more details are confirmed, and the final version will be shared before the day.
What is Conversations that Matter?
Conversations That Matter is our annual discussion event, bringing together practical ideas, lived experience and thoughtful conversation around issues that matter to regional businesses and our community. If you’d like to attend this year’s Conversations that Matter event, please RSVP here.
What time does Conversations that Matter start?
Conversations that Matter will begin at 12:00pm in the Neville Room. Please RSVP if you’d like to join us for the session.
