The Redlands Coast Futures Forum connects students with industry leaders to explore the future of work and the growing opportunities in sustainable careers. Designed to inspire the next generation, the forum brings together education, government, business and community to spark meaningful conversations, share real-world insights, and build pathways into future-focused industries. It’s about creating stronger connections between young people and the local workforce, empowering them to lead Redlands into a smarter, more sustainable future.
This year’s Futures Forum (2025) was all about answering the question “What’s Next?”—with a focus on how sustainability, technology and innovation are shaping tomorrow’s careers. Over 80 students connected with leaders from sectors like renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and sustainable farming, gaining real insights into the skills and mindsets needed for the jobs of the future. The forum gave students a powerful opportunity to learn directly from industry experts and see how future careers are already taking shape in their own community.
Watch our Futures Forum video to see what it was all about →
Amanda is a seasoned legal professional and former Queensland Senator. With a distinguished career as a barrister, prosecutor, and Assistant Minister in key federal government portfolios, she is a strong advocate for economic growth, legal integrity and delivery of a skilled community to assist in shaping Queensland’s future.
Dr. Stefan Hajkowicz is a leading researcher in strategic foresight and decision science at CSIRO, specializing in global megatrends and future scenarios.
As the author of Global Megatrends, one of CSIRO Publishing’s best-selling books, he has shaped thinking on long-term shifts affecting economies, industries, and societies. With a Ph.D. in Geography and expertise in AI, economics, and digital transformation, Dr. Hajkowicz has advised governments and industries on how to navigate disruptive change.
His work in analytics and decision sciences helps organizations prepare for emerging challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving world.
Chris is a town planner with 20 years’ experience working in local government and consultancy in South East Queensland. He is a passionate advocate for the Redlands Coast and its potential to provide employment and living opportunities within an area of high amenity and social value. Chris is currently leading the review of Redland’s City Plan with Redland City Council.
A proud Redlands local and former Alexandra Hills State High student, Michael has built an impressive business empire and inspiring journey from school to business and renewables mogul, becoming a world leader in renewable energy and technological innovation. Known for his passion for sustainability, you might spot him around the Redlands in his Tesla or his fully electric Porsche Taycan.
Manufacturing, innovation, technology and jobs.
Tina Pholi, Industry Workforce Advisor at Manufacturing Skills Queensland. Since joining MSQ in October 2023, Tina has been dedicated to supporting small to medium-sized manufacturers with workforce planning, helping them tackle challenges and seize growth opportunities. She is also passionate about fostering new talent and creating pathways for youth into the manufacturing industry, ensuring a strong and skilled future workforce. Please welcome Tina Pholi for ‘Manufacturing Matters’.
At the heart of this year’s forum was a strong message: the future of work is sustainable. From green energy to regenerative agriculture, students explored how local industries are adapting to global challenges and how their careers can play a part.
For many students, the Futures Forum wasn’t just an event—it was their first real glimpse into what the future of work could look like. The event gave students the opportunity to ask bold questions about AI, city planning and climate change. They toured real sustainability projects and saw future careers in action. What they left with was more than knowledge; it was a clear sense of where they could go next and how they could be part of shaping it.
The 2025 Futures Forum didn’t start the conversation—it continued it. Now in its fourth year, the Futures Forum builds on a strong foundation of inspiring students through real-world industry connections, future-focused pathways, and local innovation.
Watch the 2023 recap →
Take a look back at the journey so far:
2021 Inaugural Championing Redlands Coast, Futures Forum
2022 Futures Forum – Redlands Coast Economic Investment Pillars
2023 Futures Forum – Connecting students to industry
https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/pp/work-experience-placements-for-school-students-procedurehttps://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/pp/work-experience-placements-for-school-students-procedure
https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/attachment/frequently-asked-questions-about-work-experience.pdfhttps://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/attachment/frequently-asked-questions-about-work-experience.pdf
