The 2026 Regional Intensive is heading to Port Douglas
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 QELA Regional Intensive will be held in Port Douglas.
The event will commence with a Welcome Function on Thursday, 3rd September, at 6:30pm. This will be followed by a one-day intensive program on Friday, 4th September, at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. The program will conclude with canapes and a 3-course dinner on Friday evening at Nautilus Restaurant.
The 2026 program features a range of esteemed guest speakers, with a primary focus on topical regional content. As a more intimate event than our annual conference, the Regional Intensive offers delegates a unique opportunity to engage closely with speakers and develop professional connections with members practicing in regional Queensland.
We look forward to seeing you there!
REGISTRATION
Registration for the Regional Intensive 2026 offers members excellent value for money at only $935 for metro members and $770 for regional members and government members. Registration includes:
- Coach transport from Cairns airport and CBD to the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas (including to and from networking events).
- Attendance at the Welcome function on Thursday evening.
- Attendance and catering at all Regional Intensive sessions (excludes breakfast).
- Attendance at the Regional Intensive Dinner to be held Nautilus Restaurant on Friday evening.
- Return trip to Cairns airport and CBD on Saturday morning.
- Note accommodation is not included and can be booked here.
Prices exclude GST. GST will be added during the purchase process.
Members need to log in to book member tickets.
Please click here to view the 2026 Regional Intensive program.
Thursday 3rd September 2026 - Welcome Function at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
6.30pm - 9:30pm
Delegates will enjoy drinks and a tropical BBQ buffet on Mirage Island within the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.
Friday, 4th September 2026 - Conference Venue - Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
9.00am - 4.30pm
Registration opens at 8.30am. Barista coffee will be available.
Friday, 4th September 2026 - Dinner - Nautilus Restaurant
6.00pm - 9.00pm
The 2026 Regional Intensive will close with canapes and a 3-course dinner held under the stars at the stunning Nautilus Restaurant.
Guests will be transported via coach.
Saturday 5th September 2026
9.00am - 10.30am
The group will depart for the drive back to Cairns airport and CBD.
All accommodation bookings are to be made direct with the venue.
ACCOMMODATION
The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas welcomes QELA Regional Intensive delegates to stay at the venue and has provided QELA with a discounted group booking rate.
The group booking rate detailed below is available for bookings made for Thursday 3rd September and Friday 4th September 2026.
- $395 per night, ($35 breakfast additional)
Please click here to book your accommodation direct with the Resort.
Subject to availability, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas will extend the special conference rate for guests checking out up until Monday 7th September 2026.
Should you wish to book additional nights, please reach out to the following person after you have booked the conference nights:
Paige Garner
Groups Coordinator
07 4099 0881 or groups.portdouglas@sheraton.com
Please note: QELA has a limited number of accommodation rooms and these will be assigned on a first in, first served basis, so please consider booking early to avoid disappointment.
The 2026 Regional Intensive is being held in Port Douglas
All 2026 Regional Intensive tickets include return transfers from Cairns to the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas. The bus will depart Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Car Park at 11:45am and Cairns airport at 12:00pm on Thursday 3rd September 2026 and return Saturday 5th September 2026, departing at 9am arriving back in Cairns approximately 10:30am.
Ticket also includes bus transfer to and from the Regional Intensive Dinner at Nautilus Restaurant.
Driving
Approximately 1hr 10min from Cairns.
Car Parking
For delegates electing to self drive, complimentary onsite parking is available for hotel guests.
Guests who are not staying onsite but are driving to the Regional Intensive may park in the Sunbird Car Park, located directly adjacent to the Sheraton.
When
Location
- Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
2026 Regional Intensive is proudly supported by our
Event Partner
