South-west practitioners were treated to quality legal education and Granite Belt produce last week.
The Downs and South West Queensland Law Association’s (DSWQLA) fourth annual Law Conference on August 21 had more 20 regional lawyers, students and early career lawyers gather at the Queensland College of Wine and Tourism at Stanthorpe.
After a full-day of CPD sessions, attendees enjoyed wine tasting at the on-site Banca Ridge Winery, then a two-course dinner at Varias Restaurant.
Speakers were financial planner Jonathan Mattock from event sponsor Cheesman Applegarth, College of Law lecturer Graeme Hass, business advisor Murray Howlett from event sponsor Pilot Partners, Queensland Law Society Ethics Special Counsel David Bowles, Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre CEO Lorraine Dawson, and Brisbane barristers Deacon Johnstone and Kelly McIntyre.
Topics included succession planning, mental health, AML compliance and ethical practice.
DSWQLA President Kirstie Smith said members enjoyed learning and networking over wine, cheese and dinner, while collecting six CPD points.
Ms Smith said the association was proud it could bring speakers to the region, so members did not have to travel for legal education.
She said it was pleasing DSWQLA had secured presenters from interstate and Brisbane, and had the support of the Queensland Law Society and the College of Law.
“We enjoyed many laughs and stories over our wine and cheese outdoors under the darkening sky, surrounded by the vines and beautiful fire lanterns, while a brief power loss was restored,” she said.
Ms Smith said one attendee commented: “I’ve been to a few CPD conferences this year, and I learnt more in the first session today than the whole day at another conference.”
The DSWQLA annual law ball and awards will be held in Toowoomba on 31 October 2026. Tickets here.
Share this article