General News
8 August, 2026
Women linking up
A NIGHT of learning, connection and community impact unfolded at the Cassowary Coast Business Women’s Network July event at the Crown Hotel, Innisfail where members heard how two local organisations, Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG), Cassowary Coast University Centre and Innisfail Youth and Family Care are changing lives across the region.
President Kerry Clow said both organisations “are doing some amazing work and providing such valuable services to the community”.
Justin Brennan and Jade Croft from VPG outlined the impressive achievements of the Cassowary Coast University Centre (CCUC), a regional study hub that has already registered 184 students in under two years.
Located above the Cassowary Coast Regional Council library in Rankin Street, Innisfail, the CCUC aims to ‘Grow our own’ by giving locals access to tertiary and vocational study without the financial and personal pressures of relocating to city campuses.
The VPG team guides students through course options, enrolment pathways and connections with universities nationwide, while offering a modern learning space where students can study close to home, maintain employment and stay connected to community. To learn more: phone 4091 6411 or ccuc@vpginc.com.au.
The second presentation came from Innisfail Youth and Family Care, with Anita Laksa and her team Britney Hoddle and Jess Mizzi sharing their vision of ‘Achieving better futures’ for young people, families and individuals.
Ms Clow said it was “a great opportunity to hear from one of our new members, Anita Laksa and her team at Innisfail Youth and Family Care”.
Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the organisation’s extensive work in homelessness response, youth support, domestic and family violence services, emergency relief and housing assistance.
Ms Clow said members “were left with a greater understanding of the valuable work they do across the whole Cassowary Coast”.
“The evening left members inspired by the dedication of both organisations and the vital role they play in strengthening the Cassowary Coast community,” she said.
The network’s next event is the ‘business bazaar’ on Thursday 20 August from 4.30pm to 9pm at the Village Green, Mission Beach, featuring 28 resident businesses who will be open, with 17-plus businesses joining them with market-style pop-up shops.
The bazaar invites locals to meet the faces behind Cassowary Coast businesses, discover services available in the region, exchange ideas and make new connections. Whether seeking help for a project or simply enjoying a conversation with someone new, the event promises a relaxed and valuable evening of community networking.
Read More: Innisfail