Read the Advance Cairns January eNewsletter here

An industry group, made up of representatives from  the region’s Agriculture, Construction, Civil Construction, Health, Horticulture, Manufacturing, Tourism, Transport and Resources sectors, has been formed to find solutions to local workforce challenges such as skills and labour shortages and overcoming barriers to workforce training.

The Far North Queensland Industry Workforce Development Group (IWDG) Chair Colin Keily, HR Manager of MSF Sugar Limited, said collaboration was the key to developing a sustainable regional workforce.

“A sustainable labour pool can only be achieved by working collaboratively with other businesses in this region, rather than in competition. The IWDG, which brings together representatives from a range of regional sectors, is a great opportunity for industry to develop and implement solutions to workforce challenges,” he said.

“With anticipated developments in the resources sector, in particular the establishment of a FIFO hub in Cairns, together with recovery in both the tourism and construction industries and associated demand for services, there could be a significant demand for skilled labour that will need to be met in the short term.”

A meeting on Tuesday will see the IWDG’s charter signed.

“The charter provides the IWDG with a clear pathway forward; outlines clear strategies for success and provides the foundation to translate ideas and strategies into direct, results-based action which will deliver a work – ready, FNQ based workforce to support the growth of industries and businesses in this region.”

The IWDG has been established as part of Advance Cairns Skills Formation Strategy project, which is funded by Skills Queensland.

Click here to read the Advance Cairns November advertorial.

The Tropical North Queensland Regional Economic Plan (TNQREP) will be launched in the near future. Involving consultation with all levels of government and 40 regional agencies and organisations, the TNQREP outlines a 20 year vision for the region and contains rolling five year action plans and provisions for annual economic benchmarking. Read more

Pictured: Advance Cairns Regional Development Officer Margaret Darveniza who has led the TNQREP process on behalf of the regional stakeholders

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Posture Review is examining the high-level, strategic, long-term positioning of Air Force, Navy and Army throughout Australia.

The review falls in line with the Department of Defence’s 2009 White Paper dubbed “Force 2030”.

Senior members of the ADF Posture Review Team recently visited Cairns on a fact-finding mission.

They were greeted by regional leaders to discuss the region’s role within the review process.

“Tropical North Queensland is well placed to feature in future growth of Defence Force assets,” said Cairns Regional Council Mayor Val Schier.

“We are the gateway to Asia and the Pacific and look forward to working with the ADF to demonstrate our capacity for future expansion.” Cr Schier said.

The ADF Posture Review team also met with Commander Wendy Bullen from HMAS Cairns and Lt Col. Steve Brain from the 51st Battalion.

Advance Cairns, supported by a number of regional agencies including Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland and Torres Strait, Ports North, Cairns Regional Council, Great Barrier Reef International Marine College and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, led a workshop outlining the capacity and strengths of the region.

The workshop focused on matching TNQ’s competitive advantages with the ADF’s emerging strategic priorities. “Due to our combined approach we sent a cohesive powerful message about the region’s ability to support and work with the ADF to progress Australia’s emerging defence priorities,” Dr Allan Dale, Chair of RDA FNQ&TS added.

Russell Beer, Chair of Advance Cairns, noted “The importance of showcasing our region directly to senior defence personnel cannot be underestimated. Their visit gave us the opportunity to ensure the ADF is very aware both of what our region has to offer and of our ability and preparedness to do what it takes to enhance and grow the defence presence in the region.”

“It is important that Cairns and the region as a whole understands its competitive advantage,” René Nusse, CEO of RDA FNQ&TS, said. “Putting up an unrealistic “wish list” to the ADF will marginalise the region and make our input into the review less relevant. We need to focus on what we are already doing well and to identify the opportunities to grow the ADF presence across the region based on these strengths.”

A number of shorter-term opportunities have arisen from preparing the submission. The next steps will involve assessing these potential opportunities in more detail and putting up a strong business case for growing defence capability in this region.

Ads for the Advance Cairns – Skills DMC FIFO Coordinator will hit newspapers tomorrow.

Senator for Queensland Jan McLucas said the Australian Government funded position delivers on an election commitment and is a practical solution to deliver local skilled workers to where they are needed.

“The resources boom is creating an immediate need for skilled workers and this demand is only going to grow. The Cairns FIFO coordinator will establish training and employment pathways for skilled workers and unemployed job seekers as well as link mining companies with airlines to facilitate FIFO workers,” Senator McLucas said.

“We need to diversify our local economy and the resources sector provides an important opportunity for Cairns that we cannot afford to miss. Basing the FIFO coordinator in Cairns will ensure we are part of the mining boom Mark II, providing local job opportunities and tackling our too high unemployment.”

Advance Cairns CEO Stewart Christie said finalising the FIFO Coordinator position was an exciting step for the region.

“The FIFO coordinator will make sure Tropical North Queensland can take advantage of the latest resources boom,” he said.

“This federally funded initiative is a key part of Advance Cairns’ work to diversify the regional economy. One of the many exciting things about this project is the amount of people who will benefit – from job seekers to training organisations and the aviation sector – there are just so many wins for our region out of this.”

Mr Christie said applicants would have to demonstrate a number of critical skills including:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of the resources sector in Australia, with established networks at senior to executive levels with resource sector organisations;
• Proven current working knowledge of the key commercial drivers and trends associated with workforce planning and non-resident workforce strategies, particularly FIFO, for resource sector companies and related organisations (e.g. contracting or construction companies) based in Australia

“I encourage everyone with the requisite skill – base to apply,” Mr Christie said.

The ad will appear in Saturday’s Cairns Post, Courier Mail and the Australian.

The position description has been loaded onto the Skills DMC website and can be found at skillsdmc.com.au.

Advance Cairns September Advertorial

International Student Welcome 2011

A note from the President – Susan Rees

PURPOSE

To welcome International Students to the Cairns Region and celebrate the cultural diversity and significant economic contribution they bring.

Cairns opened its arms to over 200 international students, residents and visitors when Study Cairns and the Cairns Regional Council hosted the International Student Welcome annual event at Fogarty Park on 28^th August 2011, held as a part of the Festival Cairns celebrations.

Students were invited from all sectors (English Language, High School, VET and University) within the education and training industry.

During the event, the Mayor delivered a Welcome Speech, games were played by the students, a wide range of entertainment (see below) was on stage, plus Study Cairns members and supporters information stands available and a BBQ held.

Many industry partners got on board by holding information booths on the day, providing entertainment and performances or donating prizes. A BIG thank you …… we cannot do this without your support.

STUDENT & CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT/GAMES:

• Cairns State High School Rock Band – Sick of the Silence
• Chinese Molihua Dancers and Lion Dance
• Kodomo Kai Japanese Dance Performers
• Zumba demonstration
• Tai Chi & Kung Fu demonstration
• Cairns Wildlife Dome reptiles
• Go Bowling ten pin bowling competition

EVENT SPONSORS

Trinity Anglican School provided the sausage sizzle and hire equipment

Migration Plus provided the giveaway bags

Cairns Produce and Tong Sing provided the fresh fruit

LASTING MEMORIES

A lasting memory from this event is having your photo taken with the Mayor or some of our native wildlife. These treasured photos are a powerful marketing tool when shown back home to agents, family and friends and hopefully encourage increased visitation to the region.

Part of our vision is to promote Cairns as a ‘tropical learning city’ and the leading international education and training region in Queensland and events such as this support our vision

A single student staying for 1 year is estimated to bring $40,000 to the Cairns Regional economy, according the Cummings Economic Report 2006.