The position of Chief Executive Officer at Advance Cairns has been filled, with the announcement on Tuesday, June 4th 2008 that Mr Ross Contarino has accepted the position.
In announcing the appointment, Advance Cairns Chairman Russell Beer highlighted Mr Contarino’s extensive knowledge of issues and his relationships across Tropical North Queensland both professionally and personally as key strengths which he will bring to the role.
“Advance Cairns and TNQ will benefit enormously from Ross’s abilities, passion and ongoing commitment to regional Queensland”, Mr Beer said.
“His extensive background in Queensland regional development and detailed knowledge of the key drivers and industries across northern Queensland and northern Australia generally will be a valuable resource to Advance Cairns and our region”.
With key issues on the agenda including the airport privatisation, ongoing health issues, the draft FNQ2025 plan and a looming state election, with his background Mr Contarino is ideally positioned to hit the ground running and apply his extensive expertise for the benefit of TNQ.
Mr Contarino has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors.
He is currently the North Queensland Regional Manager for the Australian Government agency AusIndustry and has previously occupied a similar role to the one he will fill for Advance Cairns as CEO of the Townsville based North Queensland Economic Development Board.
“Decisions will soon be made on issues which will influence the long term strategic direction of the region and it is vital Advance Cairns is active at every stage of those decision making processes”, said Mr Contarino.
“It is important TNQ presents a united front to state and federal politicians and I am looking forward to collaborating and working with other local organisations concerned with economic development in the region as well as with local businesses”.
“The Advance Cairns model presents an excellent platform to facilitate this and I anticipate working closely with the constituent bodies” concluded Mr. Contarino.
It is anticipated Mr Contarino will commence in this role in early July, taking over from the interim CEO, Mr Bill Calderwood.
Mr Beer made note of the great value of Mr Calderwood’s contribution as Interim CEO, and thanked him for getting the organisation back on track and ready for Mr. Contarino to drive it to the next level.
