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 |