MEDIA RELEASE
Record crowds highlight Cairns leadership in Australia’s marine, maritime and defence industries.
Australian Border Force with Navy Cadets.
Back for its third year, the Cairns Maritime Careers Expo drew its largest audience yet, with 1,388 people moving through the Portsmith marine precinct to explore opportunities across Defence Sustainment, Superyachts, Commercial Marine, Shipping and Ports, Advanced Manufacturing, Marine Tourism and Marine Science.
Across the day, 36 exhibitors connected with students, job seekers, transitioning defence personnel and skilled workers exploring career options in the region. The conversations were practical and forward-focused, with many candidates looking to commence apprenticeships, start a job or consider local training pathways.
Visitors interacted with on-water and on-land activations featuring Australian Border Force, ADF Careers and specialist commercial and advanced manufacturing companies. The live demonstrations at Austal Shipyard and TAFE Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef International Marine College drew strong crowds, giving attendees a close look at the capability and training that underpin Cairns’ role as a key Regional Maintenance Centre, contracted to NORSTA Maritime to provide scheduled maintenance and essential support to Royal Australian Navy vessels.
Panel sessions explored Apprenticeships, pathway programs, defence and Australian Border Force careers and the opportunities for skilled workers transitioning into the marine and defence industries. The message was consistent. Cairns has the industrial capability to meet national maritime and defence needs, backed by an entrepreneurial spirit that’s ready to scale for future demands.
James Cook University also showcased its new Maritime Engineering pathway course, delivered in partnership with the University of Tasmania, giving local students a clear route into specialised Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering careers.
Event partners NORSTA Maritime and the Business Liaison Association shaped the program through their local networks, supported by organisations working every day to strengthen the region’s capability.
The 2025 Cairns Maritime Jobs & Careers Expo was supported by industry aligned government agencies, including the Queensland Government - Department of Trade, Employment and Training, Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program Cairns, TAFE Queensland, Cairns Regional Jobs Committee, Queensland Manufacturing Hub and Cairns Regional Council.
“This event is more than a careers expo. It shows that building sovereign capability starts in regions like Cairns. The record turnout prove how shared stories of purpose and passion shape the workforce Australia needs.”
Adam Chanter, Event Organiser (Marine Futures)
“The Marine Careers Expo helped us connect with new candidates and highlight the fire protection trade. Marine fire systems require specialised skills, manufacturing training, and nationally recognised qualifications. It’s a career built on precision and protecting people and assets.”
Kathleen Ferguson, Trinity Fire Services
“The Expo has helped me line up a few interviews for next week. It’s a real boost as I move out of the oil and gas industry.”
Olivia, Great Barrier Reef International Marine College student, TAFE Queensland.
This initiative has been delivered in conjunction with:
NORSTA Maritime displays excellence in the areas of maritime and regional development. Our strategically positioned facilities in Cairns enable us to deliver high-quality, scalable maritime sustainment tailored to the needs of the Commonwealth.
Cairns is known for its rich maritime heritage and NORSTA leverages this strategic location to support the Royal Australian Navy and other maritime stakeholders with unparalleled efficiency and expertise.
Our supply chain is central to delivering on our mission. We actively prioritise engagement with Australian suppliers, recognising their critical role in sustaining and expanding sovereign capability. Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of our supply network.
We are focused on building enduring partnerships that support their development and ensure the continued procurement of locally sourced solutions. Through this approach, we not only enhance supply chain resilience but also deliver broader social and economic value to the communities we live in.
The Business Liaison Association links schools with industry and businesses across Far North Queensland, delivering expos and programs that connect students to local training, employment pathways and tertiary education.
Marine Futures delivers a national workforce initiative to build capability across defence, superyachts, marine tourism, shipping, commercial operations, manufacturing, STEM and marine based science.
Event partners.
Contributors.
Contacts:
General Enquiries:
• info@marinefutures.com.au
Exhibitor Enquiries:
• marketing@marinefutures.com.au
Media Enquiries:
• +(61)432600233
• marketing@marinefutures.com.au
