Published Friday, 13 July, 2007 at 09:00 AM

Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford

NEW CENTRAL QLD TAFE INSTITUTE COUNCIL ANNOUNCED

A new council for the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE has been appointed to work with the local community and industry to ensure TAFE continues to deliver flexible and relevant training.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the new council, appointed for up to three years, was one of 13 TAFE institute councils appointed across the State.

“The councils will help drive the Government’s $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan which is positioning TAFE institutes to be more responsive to today’s fast-changing training environment,” Mr Welford said.

“The six-member Central Queensland Institute of TAFE council will be chaired by Stuart Hansford, specialist in learning and development at Rio Tinto Aluminium Ltd.

“The role of the council includes setting the Institute’s direction to respond effectively to the requirements of industry and Government.

“Queensland’s booming economy means there’s an increased need for tradespeople and skilled technicians across a wide range of industries to meet the demands of continued economic growth.

“While there’s still a demand for traditional trades like building, plumbing, electrical and motor trades, the mix of skills and qualifications is expanding to meet the requirements of 21st century business.

“The Queensland Government is determined that TAFE institutes make major contributions to Queensland’s skilling requirements, alongside the thriving private sector.”

Mr Welford said the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE Council membership reflected the institute’s leadership role inresources infrastructure, mining and science.

Details of Council members, including the Chair, are below.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985


Central Queensland Institute of TAFE Council Membership

*member of previous council

NAME

OCCUPATION/ORGANISATION

REPRESENTATION

Stuart Hansford

(Chair)

Specialist, Learning & Development, Rio Tinto

Mining Industry

Mark Winchester

Manager Engineering – Xstrata

Engineering Industry

* Ian Mitchell

Chairman of the Board – Gladstone Area Group Apprentices Ltd

Training

* Lynne Foley

Regional Executive Director of Education, Fitzroy Central West QLD Region – DETA

Education

Neil Lowry

General Manager Network

Ergon Energy Corporation Ltd

Electrical Engineering Industry

Bill Fry

Institute Director

Central Queensland Institute of TAFE