Local Voices, Lasting Futures – RJC Showcases Impact at the 2025 North West & Gulf First Nations Summit | Mount Isa, 22–24 May

The 2025 North West & Gulf First Nations Summit, hosted on Kalkadoon Country in Mount Isa, brought together Elders, youth, government representatives and changemakers from across Queensland and beyond in a powerful gathering of knowledge, vision, and purpose.

Among the many highlights was the presentation by the Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee (RJC), themed “Local Voices, Lasting Futures – Transforming Workforce Solutions in the North West.” The RJC shared its 18-month journey of co-designed initiatives that are addressing critical workforce challenges in the region, including population decline, skills shortages and economic transition following the Glencore mine closure.

With more than 15 initiatives delivered to date—including the North West MPX Jobs Expo, the Camooweal community programs, and the First Nations Jobs Plan—the RJC’s work is grounded in cultural knowledge, lived experience and genuine community collaboration. The committee’s model combines data with storytelling, systems thinking with grassroots action and service coordination with self-determination.

“There’s still work to do—with our mob, with systems and with government—but I’m here now to share those experiences, to help build capacity, and to support a community that is already strong,” said RJC Project Manager Natasha Storey during the presentation. “Change is happening. We just need to stay at the forefront of it—with a holistic approach, a seat at the table—a voice, a collective voice and a shift in power back to the people who matter most: our families, our Elders and especially our young ones.”

The RJC’s presence at the Summit also reinforced the Queensland Government’s commitment to partnering with local stakeholders to grow jobs, improve training pathways and strengthen investment in regional workforces. The committee is calling for long-term funding to continue this place-based, community-led work beyond 2025.

The Summit was a celebration of culture, connection, and leadership—marking a historic moment for Mount Isa and a milestone in First Nations-led solutions across the Gulf region.