Steve Williams’ Post

After 18 months of working with incredible Townsvilleans through the social and local procurement project, Q-SEED, we’re inviting the community to co-create a locally owned Impact Procurement Framework - a blueprint for creating impact through procurement across the region. This isn’t a top-down consultant led strategy, Q-SEED has been a community-led process (Smart Precinct NQ, CQUniversity Townsville Campus) shaped by local voices, values, and aspirations; with ArcBlue providing nationwide experience and expertise in building on successful local procurement projects. I’m co-facilitating this session with Sara Brown from the Social Impact Lab at CQUniversity, and we’re designing the workshop to identify and name connections, and capacity needed to make procurement work for Townsvilleans. 📅 Thursday 20th November 2025 🕘 9:30am – 1:30pm 📍 Smart Precinct NQ, 143 Walker Street 🎟️ Register here: https://lnkd.in/gn_n8886 This workshop is for: -Procurement professionals across sectors -Government (local, state, federal) -SMEs and social enterprises -First Nations businesses -Anyone passionate about shaping Townsville’s sustainable future We know that local leadership and continuity are key. Townsville has seen promising initiatives in social enterprise and procurement, but without a locally embedded, resourced connector, momentum often fades when project funding ends. This session is a starting point, not a finish line. We’ll draw on insights from Q-SEED’s earlier phases, including the CQU's research, the Tender Ready Program, and create space for honest conversations about supply chain readiness, buyer engagement, and long-term accountability. Q-SEED has been funded by Queensland Government and The John Villiers Trust #ProcurementForGood Elisabeth Lette ✦ Cassandra Cazzulino ✦ Sara Brown Francois Gallais Petra M. Shelley Grainger Caitlin Midson Olav Muurlink Ruby Smith