Resource Sector Body Delivers Vibrant Events In Queensland

The 2021 organisation’s Safety Conference was held 25-26 March. Due to the impressive conference content, quality speakers and the annual event not being staged last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, the 2021 conference attracted a strong attendance of approximately 300 delegates. A large number came from the Queensland Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) and the resources sector.

Resource Industry Network (RIN) is the peak industry association representing companies actively engaged in the resources sector and those allied to it.  For the last five years, the RIN Safety Conference has been staged at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), which is the largest purpose-built convention centre between Brisbane and Cairns. It boasts multiple venues with capacity for up to 1500 delegates, currently reduced to follow Queensland Government COVID guidelines.

With the aim of assisting businesses to create safe work environments, the conference theme was “Safety Evolution: From compliance to ‘my’ safety ownership”. The program boasted an impressive line-up of leading industry experts from the health and legal sectors which included John Tate, Barrister at Law, Liz Crowe, Paediatric Social Worker, Naomi Armitage, Psychologist and Dr Jenny Brockis, Medical Practitioner.  Robert Djukic, Chief Operating Officer (Resources, Safety & Health) from the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mining and Energy, also presented as well as additional breakout session speakers.

The conference followed on from Resource Industry Network’s highly successful 2021 International Women’s Day luncheon recently staged at the MECC.  It drew 530 guests from a range of industries throughout the Mackay Region, representing the largest luncheon event staged at the MECC since the Covid pandemic commenced.  All guests were seated in a COVIDSafe, socially-distanced dining format at the convention centre, made possible due to the extensive function space available at the Centre.

Sonia Andersen, Events and Projects Manager with RIN, spoke about the value provided by these regularly staged events in Queensland.

“We’ve been delighted to be able to stage these events in Mackay this year,” she said.  “The strong attendances speak volumes about how the METS and resources sector participants are keen to return to face-to-face contact with their industry colleagues, while also gaining insights into the latest safety protocols. It also sends an impressive message about how a regional venue like the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre has been able to successfully provide a COVIDSafe environment for such large group gatherings.”

Resource Industry Network will return to the MECC again in May for its highly-anticipated 2021 RIN Awards Gala Dinner, with the annual Professional Development Conference to follow in October and expected to attract over 250 delegates.

Contact the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre for more information on staging highly successful conferences and events: mackayecc.com.au

ENDS

About the MECC:

The purpose-built MECC incorporates a 1090-seat auditorium and two plenary halls, with capacity to seat 1500 delegates theatre-style or 800 guests in banquet-style. Four meeting rooms, a 100-seat studio space, two foyers, and a selection of break-out rooms complete the picture.   The centre sits within a dedicated precinct which includes the contemporary Artspace regional art gallery and expansive Civic Lawns.