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

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

NEW SOUTHBANK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL ANNOUNCED

A new council for the Southbank Institute of Technology 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 nine-member Southbank Institute of Technology Council will be chaired by John Puttick, Chairman of GBST Holdings Pty 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.

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

Mr Welford said the Southbank Institute of Technology Council membership reflected the institute’s leadership role in health, biotechnology, sport and recreation, arts and entertainment, and post-graduate vocational programs for professionals and para-professionals.

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

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


Southbank Institute of Technology Council Membership

*member of previous council

NAME

OCCUPATION/ORGANISATION

REPRESENTATION

* John Puttick,

(Chair)

Chairman, GBST Holdings Proprietary Limited

Company Management

Board Management

International Business

* Ann Garms

Proprietor, Ann Garms Gifts

Board Management

Industry Expertise

* Ray Heffernan

Broadband Development Project Manager, Department of State Development

Industry Expertise

Business & Market Development

Hon. Steve Bredhauer

Director, Bredhauer Consulting Services

Company Management

Board Management

Chris Burgess

Company Director, Allen & Buckeridge Venture Fund Company

Financial

Governance

Cheryl Macnaught

Previously of Whittaker Macnaught

Financial

Governance

Legal

Peter Sullivan

Previously Executive Director, Finance and Resource Planning, QUT

Financial

*Charlie Watson

Indigenous Community representative

Indigenous Representative

Craig Sherrin

Institute Director

Southbank Institute of Technology