Beyond the Norm: Innovative Approaches to Workforce Strategies for a Thriving SME Sector in Northern Australia
Tracks
Meeting 10-11
| Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
| 3:15 PM - 3:35 PM |
| Meeting Room 10-11 |
Overview
Moderator: Sarah Whelan, Karratha & Districts Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KDCCI)
Presenters to be announced.
Speaker
Mrs Sarah Whelan
Chief Executive Officer
Karratha & Districts Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KDCCI)
Beyond the Norm: Innovative Approaches to Workforce Strategies for a Thriving SME Sector in Northern Australia
Presentation Overview
SMEs across Northern Australia face critical workforce shortages, making it clear that traditional recruitment methods aren’t enough. This interactive workshop will bring together business leaders and experts to explore fresh, sustainable workforce solutions to help SMEs build resilience and adapt for the future.
Key discussion areas include:
• Leveraging AI and tech to streamline operations and reduce labour gaps
• Strengthening leadership resilience in workforce challenges
• Creating a strong workplace culture to attract and keep great talent
• Exploring migration pathways to fill critical skills gaps
• Tapping into veteran and alternative workforce pipelines for skilled, disciplined talent
This session isn’t just about identifying challenges; it’s about practical, actionable solutions. Attendees will leave with new ideas, strategies, and the motivation to rethink their workforce approach. The future of Northern Australia’s SMEs depends on adaptability and innovation. Now’s the time to think differently.
Key discussion areas include:
• Leveraging AI and tech to streamline operations and reduce labour gaps
• Strengthening leadership resilience in workforce challenges
• Creating a strong workplace culture to attract and keep great talent
• Exploring migration pathways to fill critical skills gaps
• Tapping into veteran and alternative workforce pipelines for skilled, disciplined talent
This session isn’t just about identifying challenges; it’s about practical, actionable solutions. Attendees will leave with new ideas, strategies, and the motivation to rethink their workforce approach. The future of Northern Australia’s SMEs depends on adaptability and innovation. Now’s the time to think differently.
Biography
Sarah Whelan, Chief Executive Officer of the Karratha & Districts Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KDCCI), offers a vast array of experience encompassing sales, marketing, and commercial strategies across diverse sectors in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Her work in various industries, including publishing, financial services, software development, resources and infrastructure projects, has sharpened her ability to stimulate growth and innovation. With her dynamic leadership and fresh perspective, Sarah is set to enrich the Karratha community, focusing on economic development and strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Her global experience and commitment to fostering collaboration position her as a key advocate for the Pilbara business community, poised to lead initiatives that enhance its prosperity and cohesion.
