General News
30 October, 2025
Free jobs expo to be held in Mount Isa today
The expo is designed to break down barriers for people wanting to begin or grow their careers locally.
Mount Isa jobseekers, students and those considering a career change are being encouraged to head to Buchanan Park today for a major jobs expo showcasing local industries and future opportunities.
Hosted by the Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee (RJC), the Our Region, Our Futures – Jobs Expo will run from 10.30am to 6pm, connecting people with real jobs, training support and skills development across a broad range of sectors.
RJC chair Chris Ruyg said the expo was designed to break down barriers for people wanting to begin or grow their careers locally.
“This is an opportunity for people right here in Mount Isa to explore, connect and grow,” he said.
While all industries are represented, the expo will have a prominent focus on health and social assistance, one of the largest and fastest-growing workforces in the region, but also one of the hardest to fill.
“It’s one of our major employment areas in Mount Isa, one of the biggest growth areas, and also one of the areas that is very hard to fill with positions,” Mr Ruyg said.
“If people are getting the right support, the right health, the right assistance around things like ID and licensing, then they’re able to participate in other work. It has a flow-on effect for the whole community.”
The expo will feature interactive demonstrations and hands-on displays from industries including mining, energy, emergency services, community services, and government agencies.
“We’ve got mining, we’ve got government services, we’ve got the police, ambulance, fire brigade, SES… most industries across the region are represented,” he said.
“We’re really focusing on things that you can get involved with and have a feel for.”
The event targets everyone entering or re-entering the workforce – from school leavers to those looking for a fresh start.
Schools will be bringing students through in dedicated sessions to explore training and vocational pathways, and support will be available for resume advice and CV writing on the day.
Mr Ruyg said workforce trends showed Mount Isa was still a regional hub for opportunity, despite recent uncertainty in the mining sector.
“There has been a decline in population, but what we’re hearing is the people who are here are finding that Mount Isa is a fairly affordable place to live,” he said.
“Two-minute commutes to work, lifestyle, and the Outback open spaces – that appeals to a lot of people.”
The RJC plans to make the expo an annual event and is currently conducting a workforce survey to better advocate for local training incentives, improved retention and targeted career support.
“We want to look at what can be done to help services hold on to staff – maybe increasing incentives as far as schooling points or reducing HECS debts,” Mr Ruyg said.
Above all, he hopes to see a strong community turnout today.
“The more we connect local people with local jobs, the stronger our region becomes,” he said.