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western downs regional business summit

  • Wednesday, 27 May 2026
  • Chinchilla rsl memorial club
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From Insight to Action: Smarter Systems, Stronger Businesses.

The Western Downs Regional Business Summit (WDRBS) is all about empowering people with knowledge, so they can make informed decisions that are integral to their lives and businesses.

Every day we make decisions which impact the future performance of our enterprise and employees. The WDRBS provides the opportunity for you to connect with like-minded businesspeople, learn from experienced professionals, and discover valuable resources available right here in our community.

WDRBS 2026 will see a return to a full-day format. The day will begin with an opening welcome and keynote presentation, followed by a series of informative sessions delivered throughout the day. Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in concurrent sessions and workshops, allowing them to choose the topics most relevant to their business. The summit will conclude with relaxed networking and drinks from 4pm, providing time to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors and continue the conversation.

wdrbs 2024 highlight video

2026 event schedule

8.30am
Registration opens
9:00am

Welcome & Keynote

Keynote Speaker – Tracy Sheen

Tracy is one of Australia’s leading Digital and AI speakers, an award-winning author, and trusted advisor who helps businesses cut through the hype to confidently adopt practical, human-centred AI.

10:30am

Morning Tea

Fuel the conversation with coffee and nibbles.

11:00am
Concurrent Session - You choose your preferred session:

Tax Talk: What changes are on the way with Matthew Burke from EnVision Partners

The session will cover the key tax updates and announcements relevant for business owners, highlighting practical impacts and what to keep on your radar for the year ahead.

Be Ready for Payday Super: The 5 Practical steps for your Business with Priscilla Bramley from EnVision Partners

Learn what Payday Super is, how it changes the way super is paid, and what employers need to do now to be ready for the new rules starting 1 July 2026.

12:00pm
Concurrent Session - You choose your preferred session:

Turning Workplace Obligations into Smarter Business Systems with Tony Perkins from PeopleSmartz

Tony will share practical insights into modern people management, covering HR challenges, compliance, and how to get the best from your team.

Interest Rates: What It Means for Your Business with National Australia Bank

This session will explore the current interest rate environment and what it means for businesses across the region. NAB will provide insights into economic conditions, lending considerations, and how changing rates can impact cash flow, borrowing, and future planning.

1:00pm

Lunch

We’ll take care of lunch so you can focus on the conversation.

1:45 pm
Concurrent Workshops - You choose your preferred workshop:

AI & U: Reimagine Business Workshop with Tracy Sheen

A practical, hands‑on AI workshop focused on helping businesses use AI confidently, safely, and in ways that genuinely support everyday operations.  

Making Time Matter Workshop with Jen Ryder 

A practical time‑management workshop focused on helping business owners make better decisions about where to focus when time is limited, with clear actions to take away.

2:45pm

Afternoon Tea

Recharge with afternoon tea before jumping back into the workshops.

3:00pm
Concurrent Workshops continue
4:00pm onwards
Close, Networking & Drinks

event speakers

Tracy Sheen

Tracy Sheen is one of Australia’s leading Digital and AI speakers, an award‑winning author, and trusted advisor who helps business owners cut through the hype to use AI and digital tools with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Hover to find out more about this session…

AI & U: Reimagine Business

Tracy will cut through the AI hype to explore the real impact of AI on how businesses operate, highlighting where it delivers genuine value, where caution is needed, and how to adopt AI confidently and responsibly. Tracy will then lead an interactive workshop at the end of the day, giving participants practical examples and real‑world use cases to help embed AI into everyday business operations.

Matthew Burke

Matthew Burke is the Principal Partner at EnVision Partners and has been providing tax and business advice for
the past 30 years. It is often the small things which – over time – help maximise your returns and wealth. You
work hard to earn a living – to save for your financial success and retirement – so developing a sound wealth
strategy can identify and leverage these small things.

Tax Talk: What changes are on the way

There is a lot of noise about tax changes leading up to the May 2026 budget. Matthew will unpack the latest tax updates and compliance changes, focusing on what business owners need to be aware of now and how these changes may impact planning, cash flow, and decision‑making over the year ahead. The session is designed to provide clear, practical insights without the jargon.

Priscilla Bramley

Priscilla is a key member of the EnVision Partners team, bringing deep experience in bookkeeping and payroll to support businesses with accurate, compliant, and practical financial processes. She works closely with clients to keep their day‑to‑day obligations on track and their systems running smoothly.

Be Ready for Payday Super: The 5 Practical steps for your Business

This session will explain the upcoming Payday Super changes, what they mean for employers, and how businesses can prepare ahead of the 1 July 2026 start date, including changes to payment timing, payroll processes, and cash flow planning.

Tony Perkins

Tony Perkins is the founder of People Smartz, a firm dedicated to offering down-to-earth leadership and management coaching, alongside strategic human resources advice to businesses. With a solid background in executive management and human resource management spanning nearly 30years, Tony has made significant contributions across various industries. His practical approach helps businesses grow by focusing on their most important asset: their people.

Turning Workplace Obligations into Smarter Business Systems

Tony will deliver a practical HR session focused on managing people in today’s workplace, including current HR challenges, compliance considerations, and building high‑performing teams

Jen Ryder

Jen is a Vistage Chair and experienced facilitator who works with business owners and senior leaders to improve decision‑making, focus, and performance. She brings a practical, no‑nonsense approach, helping leaders make better choices about where they invest their time and energy.

Making Time Matter Workshop

In this practical, facilitated workshop, Jen Ryder will help business owners move beyond traditional productivity tips and focus on making clearer, more deliberate decisions about how they use their time when it matters most. Participants will leave with practical actions they can apply immediately to better manage priorities and focus their energy where it delivers the greatest impact.

You

The best lessons often come from those who’ve faced similar challenges.

Take this opportunity to learn from each other! 

Networking & Discussion

This event offers a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions on the issues that matter most to you and our local businesses.

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directions to the venue

Chinchilla rsl memorial club

61 Heeney St, Chinchilla QLD 4413

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