Published Friday, 13 July, 2007 at 09:18 AM

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

NEW WIDE BAY INSTITUTE OF TAFE COUNCIL ANNOUNCED

A new council for the Wide Bay 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 10-member Wide Bay Institute of TAFE council will be chaired by Kerren Smith, from J Smith & Sons 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 Wide Bay Institute of TAFE Council membership reflected the institute’s leadership role in retail, security, forestry and the responsibility for maritime shared with Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE.

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

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


Wide Bay Institute of TAFE Institute Council Membership

*member of previous council

NAME

OCCUPATION/ORGANISATION

REPRESENTATION

Kerren Smith

(Chair)

J Smith & Sons Pty Ltd

Industry

Kirsti Kee

Department of Education, Training and the Arts

Education

Bob Baldwin

Baldwin Cartwright Lawyers

Legal

* Philip Atherton

Sugar Industry Consultant, Chemical Engineering Consultant

Industry

Maxwell Voigt

PAC Foundry Group

Industry

Ron Wynn

Wide Bay Group Training

Training

Sydney Collins

Wide Bay Gallery

Business

Angie McFie

Graphic Line Hair Design

Business

* Lorraine Pyefinch

Best Practice Software Pty Ltd

Business

Ross Hepworth

Institute Director, Wide Bay Institute of TAFE

Wide Bay Institute of TAFE