Published Thursday, 19 July, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
DPI&F ALUMNI BUILDING A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE PRESENT AND THE PAST
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ Alumni is off to a flying start with more than 60 former staff registering to ensure their knowledge is not lost to Queensland’s producers.
“DPI&F staff are highly skilled and capable professionals many of whom have dedicated their lives to primary industries in Queensland,” Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin told an Estimates Committee hearing today.
“Almost 50% of the Department’s staff have more than 10 years service and their wealth of expertise remains extremely valuable,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“With many approaching or exceeding the usual retirement age, we are keen to ensure they maintain their connection to the Department.”
Mr Mulherin said the Alumni program addressed workforce challenges consistent with other agencies, including a competitive global employment market, an ageing workforce, limited applicant pools and the challenges of remote area employment.
“DPI&F provides policy leadership, knowledge based on smart science and professional, technological, technical, trade and business development services to Queensland’s primary industries,” he said.
“The Alumni will provide networking, support and interaction for retired staff who want to maintain close links with their colleagues and the work of the Department.
“It will also allow us to keep touch with staff, who may make many career moves throughout their working life, but who may look to return to DPI&F in the future.”
DPI&F’s Chief Scientific Advisor Dr Joe Baker said organisations such as universities had long recognised the significant benefits of retaining links with former employees and students.
“I commend the establishment of the DPI&F Alumni project to all former DPI&F staff,’’ Dr Baker said.
“Until now there has been no formal mechanism in place that allows former DPI&F staff to return to their former workplace and share their knowledge and ideas,” Dr Baker said.
“Former employees often comment that they lose touch with what the Department is doing now. I think this is a great way of welcoming them back and keeping them up to date.
“Employees in all sectors of the Department have so much knowledge and experience that it’s a shame to see it disappear when those staff move on. This Alumni program will provide a forum whereby that knowledge can be retained, enriched, and shared with current staff.
“Alumni will help to build a bridge between the past and the present, and maintain the value of that bridge for all of Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said Alumni membership included a quarterly e-newsletter on the latest departmental and industry news, arrangements for local alumni events held throughout each region, opportunities to be involved in a mentoring program, and a network of contacts to facilitate a broad range of enquiries and interactions.
“One of the biggest benefits is that Alumni members will provide mentoring and coaching to our younger staff and becoming a critical source of advice and guidance to them as they start their careers in DPI&F,” he said.
“As Queensland faces an increasing risk from biosecurity threats, Alumni members also will be available to assist in emergency responses in either a volunteer or paid capacity.
“Given their depth of skills and expertise, Alumni members could undertake quick refresher training and be ready to assist, particularly in the case of multiple emergency situations.”
Mr Mulherin said he was not surprised the Alumni initiative had been enthusiastically received by DPI&F managers and retired staff.
“The enthusiastic uptake of Alumni shows that the dedication of DPI&F staff doesn’t stop when they retire,” he said.
“It’s a reflection of their ongoing commitment and professionalism.
“The DPI&F Alumni is an important initiative that will deliver mutual benefits to the Department, Alumni members and to Queensland’s primary producers.”
The DPI&F Alumni network is a free service, and is supported around Queensland by departmental alumni contacts in each region. For more information visit the DPI&F website at http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/home/18572.html
Media: 323 96530
“DPI&F staff are highly skilled and capable professionals many of whom have dedicated their lives to primary industries in Queensland,” Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin told an Estimates Committee hearing today.
“Almost 50% of the Department’s staff have more than 10 years service and their wealth of expertise remains extremely valuable,’’ Mr Mulherin said.
“With many approaching or exceeding the usual retirement age, we are keen to ensure they maintain their connection to the Department.”
Mr Mulherin said the Alumni program addressed workforce challenges consistent with other agencies, including a competitive global employment market, an ageing workforce, limited applicant pools and the challenges of remote area employment.
“DPI&F provides policy leadership, knowledge based on smart science and professional, technological, technical, trade and business development services to Queensland’s primary industries,” he said.
“The Alumni will provide networking, support and interaction for retired staff who want to maintain close links with their colleagues and the work of the Department.
“It will also allow us to keep touch with staff, who may make many career moves throughout their working life, but who may look to return to DPI&F in the future.”
DPI&F’s Chief Scientific Advisor Dr Joe Baker said organisations such as universities had long recognised the significant benefits of retaining links with former employees and students.
“I commend the establishment of the DPI&F Alumni project to all former DPI&F staff,’’ Dr Baker said.
“Until now there has been no formal mechanism in place that allows former DPI&F staff to return to their former workplace and share their knowledge and ideas,” Dr Baker said.
“Former employees often comment that they lose touch with what the Department is doing now. I think this is a great way of welcoming them back and keeping them up to date.
“Employees in all sectors of the Department have so much knowledge and experience that it’s a shame to see it disappear when those staff move on. This Alumni program will provide a forum whereby that knowledge can be retained, enriched, and shared with current staff.
“Alumni will help to build a bridge between the past and the present, and maintain the value of that bridge for all of Queensland.”
Mr Mulherin said Alumni membership included a quarterly e-newsletter on the latest departmental and industry news, arrangements for local alumni events held throughout each region, opportunities to be involved in a mentoring program, and a network of contacts to facilitate a broad range of enquiries and interactions.
“One of the biggest benefits is that Alumni members will provide mentoring and coaching to our younger staff and becoming a critical source of advice and guidance to them as they start their careers in DPI&F,” he said.
“As Queensland faces an increasing risk from biosecurity threats, Alumni members also will be available to assist in emergency responses in either a volunteer or paid capacity.
“Given their depth of skills and expertise, Alumni members could undertake quick refresher training and be ready to assist, particularly in the case of multiple emergency situations.”
Mr Mulherin said he was not surprised the Alumni initiative had been enthusiastically received by DPI&F managers and retired staff.
“The enthusiastic uptake of Alumni shows that the dedication of DPI&F staff doesn’t stop when they retire,” he said.
“It’s a reflection of their ongoing commitment and professionalism.
“The DPI&F Alumni is an important initiative that will deliver mutual benefits to the Department, Alumni members and to Queensland’s primary producers.”
The DPI&F Alumni network is a free service, and is supported around Queensland by departmental alumni contacts in each region. For more information visit the DPI&F website at http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/home/18572.html
Media: 323 96530