North Queensland training award regional winners named

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke has announced seven talented local winners at the North Queensland regional finals of the 2015 Queensland Training Awards (QTA).

Minister O’Rourke said regional finals were being held across the state from July to August, with 163 finalists from seven regions vying for the chance to compete in the state finals.

“My congratulations go to each of the seven winners, who will now go on to represent North Queensland in September at the state finals in Brisbane,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“A special mention is deserved by Townsville’s Romeena Baira for being named both Vocational Student of the Year, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for North Queensland.

“The Queensland Training Awards highlight excellence in the state’s training sector, and I’m pleased North Queenslanders have been among the top performers this year.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders.

“This week we cemented our commitment, by abolishing the body established by the former LNP Government to sell TAFE Queensland, securing the future of the public vocational education and training network.

“Creating jobs is our number one priority so it’s vital that we give people access to the training they need to access real jobs and opportunities.

“This is particularly important in our regional communities, where programs like our $240 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative will make a real difference to jobseekers.”

The 2015 North Queensland QTA regional winners are:

• Sam Driver, Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year

• Kirsten Gallagher, Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year

• Maggie Gumbleton, School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

• Romeenah Baira, Vocational Student of the Year, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

• Denis Whiteley, VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year

• Douglas and Miller Motor Body Repairs, Small Employer of the Year

• Wilmar Sugar, Employer of the Year

The Queensland Training Awards are run by the Department of Education and Training. For further information visit www.qta.qld.gov.au.

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office 3719 7184