The Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) is an industry-led initiative funded by the Queensland Government as part of a package of rural jobs initiatives that aim to address agriculture’s labour and skill needs, including the Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance (RJSA), Agforce School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP) and Gateway Schools to Agribusiness. Queensland Agriculture Minister, Leanne Donaldson, launched it in Bundaberg last week.

At the launch, Donaldson said, "The Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) is a partnership between the Palaszczuk Government and industry ot make it easer for agricultural employers in rural Queensland to find the workers they need. We recognise that for many rural agricultural businesses labour supply issues are a real barrier to prosperity and we have forged a partnership with industry groups to tackle those issues.

"From today, a series of industry-based officers will be working throughout the state to help employers better understand local employment and training options."

The officers are based with agriculture industry organisations including Growcom, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Mackay Canegrowers and Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and are working in partnership with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF).

“The new network is a slightly redefined version of the very successful Queensland Production Horticulture Workforce Development model, with the focus now extended to supporting employment and skilling outcomes for the whole of agriculture and not just production horticulture,” said QAWN Project Manager, Michelle Templin.

“The Queensland production horticulture team delivered significant results for our industry, facilitating training for more than 1260 employees and informing more than 9150 students about production horticulture careers. It was an excellent model through having workforce development officers based in key rural areas who worked with producers to understand their workforce needs and knew relevant stakeholders who could provide support. It made sense to continue to build the positive momentum,” she said.

“Accessing a consistent supply of appropriately skilled workers has long been an issue for farmers.  The network’s focus is to work with farmers across all agriculture sectors to gain an understanding of their labour and skills needs and to connect them with the most appropriate solution to help them grow their business. This could include information on the variety of available employment options and wage subsidies, connecting them with local recruitment and training providers, or providing an update on what funding opportunities are available to upskill their workers.

"The officers will also work closely with regional employment and training services providers to improve service delivery by ensuring that they better understand the needs of agricultural employers."

Farmers and other interested stakeholders who would like to find out more are encouraged to contact the relevant Agriculture Workforce Officer in their region:

• Southern Qld: Janne Dipple, e-mail, telephone: 0408 135 003;
• South East Qld (Project Manager): Michelle Templin, e-mail, telephone: 0400 231 949;
• North Qld: Bianca Fullarton, e-mail, telephone: 0427 009 929;
• Wide Bay Burnett: Kylie Jackson, e-mail, telephone: 0427 867 716;
• Central Qld: Janice Nelson, e-mail, telephone: 0419 706 506;
• Far North Qld: Leanne Kruss, e-mail, telephone: 0431 743 633.

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Senior Policy Officer Stephanie Denman is partnering with QAWN to service the South Burnett region. She can be contacted via e-mail, telephone 07 4160 0725.

To find out more about the wide variety of employment options that are available please register to receive Growcom’s free bi-monthly Workplace Essentials newsletter. To subscribe, visit: http://news.growcom.com.au/

Photo: The QAWN team pictured with Agriculture Minister, Leanne Donaldson and are (left to right): Far North Qld, Leanne Kruss; Southern Qld, Janne Dipple; South East Qld, Michelle Templin; (Minister Leanne Donaldson); Wide Bay Burnett, Kylie Jackson; South Burnett, Stephanie Denman; Central Qld, Janice Nelson; North Qld, Bianca Fullarton.

Photo credit: Rodney Green Commercial & Rural Photography