Hundreds of jobs on offer at Townsville stadium

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today urged North Queenslanders to apply for hundreds of jobs currently being recruited at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The Premier said time was running out to apply for positions. “This is a jobs bonanza in Townsville,” the Premier said.

“From chefs to bar tenders to security guards, we’ve got a wide range of jobs up for grabs for the season ahead.

“We invested in this stadium because we know how important infrastructure like this is when it comes to creating local jobs.

“If you’re looking for a job and you live in North Queensland, I urge you to get online and consider applying.”

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said contractors needed to fill new jobs now that it was game on at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“The hard work of North Queenslanders during the COVID pandemic means the stadium can now run at full capacity and deliver jobs for the North’s economic recovery,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.

“Now that we’re able to fill the stands of Townsville’s world-class stadium we’re going to need a team of workers to provide the best possible sporting experience for fans.

“Up to 1,000 staff are need for major events including the upcoming NRL All Stars match or sold-out North Queensland Cowboys’ home games.

“And then there are the stadiums smaller events like functions and tradeshows.

“If you’re keen to work, it’s game on at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.”

Resources Minister and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said major events were an important part of the government’s economic recovery plan for North Queensland.

“We fought hard to deliver a new stadium in Townsville because we knew how important this venue would be to local jobs and the local economy,” he said.

“This investment is already paying off for the people of North Queensland.

“I’d encourage anyone looking for a job to check out what’s available and throw their hat in the ring.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said Queensland Country Bank Stadium would enable North Queensland to host more major events, supporting the region’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

“Jobs, jobs and more jobs. That’s what this stadium is delivering for Townsville. And the best part – there’s plenty more where that came from,” he said.

“These are good, honest, stable jobs that people can rely on.

“We’ll continue to work hard to secure more local events for North Queensland to ensure we keep this stadium full, also supporting local businesses.”

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the state’s response to COVID-19 had created an opportunity for Townsville as a hub for major events.

“Major sporting events will be an important part of our economic recovery here in North Queensland,” he said.

“Today’s jobs campaign is proof that with new infrastructure and more events, we can create hundreds of jobs for our people.

“Thanks to the way North Queenslanders have responded to the coronavirus pandemic, we have an opportunity to capitalise and really build on our reputation as a world class destination for major events.”

Facilities First Operations Manager for Far North Queensland, Melinda Bool, said being involved in the delivery of services for the stadium had been beneficial for the region and the business.

“It’s given us the opportunity to employ many more local staff and provide the training across varying cleaning tasks to not only demonstrate our capabilities to other businesses but also to develop the skills of our team, widening their opportunities,” Ms Bool said.

Pandanus Catering Operations Manager Korie Leitch said catering requirements extended well beyond match-day.