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Targeted industry development boost ahead for Central West Queensland in 2020

The Remote Area Planning and Development Board is kicking off the New Year with a busy training program to be delivered across the region by new team member Liza Cameron, Regional Skills Investment Strategy (RSIS) Project Coordinator.

Liza was welcomed to the RAPAD team at the start of the year, when she took on the part-time role.

“In its first year under the coordination of Tamara Pearce, the RSIS Project notched up some great achievements including establishing networks, providing input into state-level programs and securing Accredited Customer Service Training funding for the region,” Liza said.

“I look forward to continuing this momentum established by Tamara and working with local businesses, industry bodies and community stakeholders. This will include discussing workforce development and training needs so we can design and deliver ways to help meet specific regional needs.”

“First off the list in 2020 is Accredited Customer Service Training rolling out across the region throughout March and April. Almost every business in the region is associated with our vibrant tourism sector and this training is designed to give businesses and their employees the skills around delivering an exceptional customer service experience.”

Liza and husband Ben moved to Longreach just over a year ago to take on the kangaroo processing works. During this time she has been putting 17 years of experience in education and training to good use at Longreach High School.

“I’ve been working at the High School for the last 12 months, working with school-based apprentices and trainees. The RSIS role is a great fit. It means I am working with young people as they set out in their careers from school and then through RSIS, it’s the next stage – where people are looking to develop their skills or employers want to maximise their staff potential through training,” she said.

Liza is no stranger to the region, including family ties and starting her first job with the then Arid Zone Research Institute in Longreach.

Liza and Ben’s move has also brought another new resident to town with their son Tom, 19: “He arrived for a two week holiday and is now living the dream as a stock and station agent and loving it. It also highlights a great family connection, as my dad who was born and bred in Western Queensland, and worked as a stock and station agent as well. It’s amazing to see the passion come alive in the next generation,” Liza said.

“Coming back as an adult with different eyes has been a rewarding experience. It has not only allowed me to see the resilience after so many years of drought, but now with my work and life experience, to also see the opportunities.”

“I have a passion around providing meaningful employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. After coming from the larger population centre of Gympie to the Central West – I can see there is a wealth of accessible opportunities for employment and training for people in this whole region. I encourage people to tap in and use the resources that we have,” she said.

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