North Queensland Future Leaders Program

The Future Leaders Program, designed by Townsville Enterprise, educates the next generation of regional leaders on the issues, opportunities, and challenges impacting Townsville North Queensland. The program is a succession plan for the region, ensuring the skills, knowledge and talent within Townsville North Queensland are retained and developed.

About the program

The Future Leaders Program is delivered over an eight month period, running on a bi-annual basis. The Program consists of seven, full day modules, which will focus on key themes of the Townsville North Queensland region.

Module 1: Transport, Logistic and Defence
Module 2: Green energy
Module 3: Tourism, Events and Sports
Module 4: Skills, Training and Education
Module 5: Mining and Critical Minerals
Module 6: Agriculture and Water
Module 7: Health and Innovation

The program includes one-on-one mentoring with the participants and key business leaders within the region. This part of the program is self-managed by the participant.

Key milestones:

Meet the Leaders Networking Event
North Queensland Future Leaders Program commences
Module days throughout the year (over eight months)
Graduation Event

“Townsville Enterprise has proudly delivered this program over several years, and we’re thrilled to bring this opportunity back to North Queenslanders in a revitalized format,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.

“Our mandate is to secure the future of Townsville North Queensland and we can’t do that without providing development pathways for the talent in our region, and today’s launch reconfirms that Townsville is already home to a pool of talented professionals eager to drive success and innovation in this region.”

“Having received a record number of applications and all very high calibre candidates, we knew there was a hunger for a program like this to return and looking at the pool of Future Leader participants for this year’s program, I am confident the region is in good hands for the years ahead.” - Claudia Brumme-Smith, CEO Townsville Enterprise

Read full media release

Hear from some of our 2024 Future Leaders

The Future Leaders Program has been an amazing experience for me. It has provided in-depth insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping our region and each module has provided insights into key industry layers in our community. The Health and Innovation Module day was one of my favourites, as we were provided practical knowledge that we could take back to our respective business sectors. Building relationships with local business leaders, and with my mentor Roxanne Grey, was especially valuable for my personal and professional growth. This program has not only equipped me with the skills to contribute to our region’s future but also inspired me to take an active role in shaping it! I want to extend my sincere thanks to Karen and the team at Townsville Enterprise for bringing back this incredible program - Emma Mooney

I have really enjoyed my time in the Future Leaders Program. As someone who is relatively new to Townsville, I cannot downplay how beneficial the program has been in enabling me to get to know the city, its many industries and the incredible people that live and work here. The opportunity to network, meet and interact with these people has been invaluable on both a personal and professional level. Having a one-on-one mentor who
aligns with my goals has been so enlightening and a resource that I value immensely. I am extremely lucky to have been with an amazing group of Future Leaders and the connections we have made will no doubt continue into the future. Thanks TEL for being the organisers of such a fantastic program - Amy Dorling

The North Queensland Future Leaders Program gave me an exceptional insight into the region’s economic landscape, opening my eyes to industries outside my own. It made me grateful for the region we are in and showed that opportunities for professional growth are available without having to relocate to major city centres. Townsville Enterprise assembled a fantastic cohort of Future Leaders, all bringing unique insights from their lines of work to contribute to the program’s delivery. A big thank you goes to all the businesses, leaders and mentors that contributed their time and knowledge to ensuring a successful and engaging program. I’d advise anyone in the region with a view of leading – this program connects you with the right people and the right information to be make a difference in the future of the region! - Connor McKay

2024 Program: In Review

The North Queensland Future Leaders Program concluded with the 2024 Graduation Celebration marking the culmination of an eight-month leadership journey for our 15 Future Leaders.

Over this period, they’ve gained invaluable insights through immersive, full-day sessions exploring the key industries that drive Townsville North Queensland. Industries including Defence, Logistics, Green Energy, Tourism and Events, Education, Mining, Agriculture and Health. Each participant has worked closely with their mentors, shaping their own leadership pathways, connecting with new networks, and benefiting from expert coaching and resources.