Switched On
organisations operating across digital capability training and support
135+
of SMEs are classified as middle adopters
54%
are using digital tools or AI *
68.5%
Why Digital Transformation Matters
Digital transformation is no longer optional. It’s how local businesses stay efficient, meet obligations and unlock new opportunities.
- Save time. Digital tools automation admin, reduce rework and streamline operations.
- Cut costs. Smart tech helps businesses do more with less.
- Improve reliability. Better connectivity means fewer dropouts, faster service and more efficient business operations.
- Meet compliance with confidence. Cybersecurity, data standards and environmental reporting are easier with digital systems.
- Stay competitive. Customers expect frictionless service. Digital tools help businesses meet expectations and stay ahead of competitors adapting faster.
- Make better decisions. Sensors, spatial data, AI tools and dashboards give SMEs real-time insight to run smarter, not harder.
- Attract and retain staff. Digital skills are now core skills. Businesses that upskill their workforce stay attractive and resilient.
Greater Whitsunday Capability Ecosystem Mapping Report
This project mapped the region’s entire digital skilling and support ecosystem, assessed regional readiness, and surveyed SMEs to understand their current capabilities and needs. The goal was practical: identify where gaps exist and recommend targeted interventions, with a strategic focus on “middle adopter” businesses—those that have started their digital journey but need support to progress further.
The research combined ecosystem mapping of 135+ stakeholders, a Readiness Index assessment with key regional actors, and direct survey responses from 73 businesses across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday local government areas.
How is Switched On supporting local business?
Switched On and GW3 work to deliver recommendations outlines in the Greater Whitsunday Digital Roadmap. The actions are broken into three streams. Read the Roadmap here.
1. Technology Adoption
GREATER WHITSUNDAY AGTECH HUB
Supporting producers to adopt tools that improve efficiency and reduce decision risk.
GEOSPATIAL HUB
GW3 is working to create a local Geospatial Hub to support industries who use spatial data, sensors and digital mapping to improve operations.
“When businesses can see what’s happening on the ground in real time, they can act faster and grow stronger.”
2. Digital Skilling
GREATER WHITSUNDAY DIGITAL SKILLING AND SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM MAP
Find the digital skills support providers.
GREATER DIGITAL SKILLS PROGRAM
Delivered targeted digital ups killing to priority skills gaps across sectors. See how local SMEs benefited from increasing their digital skills.
“I used to be intimidated by AI, now it’s my best business tool.”
3. Digital Connectivity Infrastructure
GW3 researches and advocates for infrastructure to improve connectivity and coverage across the region.
Greater Whitsunday Digital Leaders Group
PURPOSE
The Digital Leaders Group works in collaboration to fulfil the regions digital vision and ambitions as outlined in the Greater Whitsunday Digital Roadmap.
The Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) provides strategic and administrative support to the DLG and is the peak independent economic development organisation for the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions. GW3 serves as a strategic and coordinated point of contact for local, national, and international networks, advocating for projects and opportunities from both government and the private sector.
MEMBERS
- Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) : Digital Program Coordinator
- Mackay Regional Council (MRC) : Principal Economic Development Officer
- Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC) : Project Officer Economic Development and Major Grants
- Isaac Regional Council (IRC) : Program Leader – Economic Development
- Regional Development Australia (RDA) : CEO
Partnerships
Contact Details
Jennifer Emmett
Digital Program Coordinator, Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Latest News
Greater Digital Skills Program to solve workforce challenges for region’s SMEs.
The Greater Whitsunday region is set to experience a significant boost in digital capabilities with the launch of the Greater Digital Skills Program.
Greater Whitsunday Geospatial Hub to connect the dots across future workforce landscapes
Geospatial and Earth Observation (EO) technologies could be the next frontier for the Greater Whitsunday region’s workforce to explore.
Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub group launches online portal.
The Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub is launching an online portal to bridge the geographical divide and create connections between producers and agribusiness across the region.
Resources & Downloads
GW3 Geospatial Hub
Economic Impact Report
Greater Digital Skills Program
Solutions for Workforce Challenges
Impact Brochure
GW3 Geospatial Hub
Economic Impact Report
Greater Digital Skills Program
Solutions for Workforce Challenges
Impact Brochure
GW3 Geospatial Hub
Economic Impact Report
Greater Digital Skills Program
Solutions for Workforce Challenges
Impact Brochure