The Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) is an industry-led initiative funded by the Queensland Government.

A positive example of QAWN’s work in the regions is ‘The Sweetest Job’ campaign for strawberry growers in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions in Queensland (see www.thesweetestjob.com.au), which has seen more than 1400 local jobseekers register for harvest work in the strawberry industry since it began at the end of May.

“The Sweetest Job campaign is a fantastic example of what can be done to support farmers to find the workers they need,” said Michelle Templin, who is QAWN Project Manager and representative for South East Queensland. QAWN is one of The Sweetest Job campaign’s collaborating partners, together with Sunshine Coast Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Regional Development Australia – Moreton Bay, Food and Agribusiness Network and the Queensland Strawberries Association.

“The QAWN initiative is all about improving the image of farm employment and getting the message out that there are a wide variety of great employment options on farms and across the agribusiness supply chain.

“QAWN is also helping industry to attract suitable workers by raising jobseekers’ awareness about what qualifications and skill sets would help make them more job ready and employable,” she said. “And if farmers are looking to upskill their existing workers, QAWN officers can assist with information about available funding and training courses.”

Although the QAWN officers are hosted by horticulture and cane industry bodies, they are working to assist farmers in all agriculture sectors.

"Whatever the agriculture sector we are happy to help, whether it is by providing information on available employment options and wage subsidies, or connecting employers with local training providers and providing an update on what funding opportunities are available to upskill their workers,” Templin said. "If, as an agribusiness employer, you are keen to explore what labour options are available or if you want to know where to access funded training please contact the relevant QAWN Officer in your region. We are keen to help.”

The QAWN officers are:

• Southern Qld: Janne Dipple, [email protected], telephone: 0408 135 003
• South East Qld (Project Manager): Michelle Templin, [email protected], telephone: 0400 231 949
• North Qld: Bianca Fullarton, [email protected], telephone: 0427 009 929
• Wide Bay Burnett: Kylie Jackson, [email protected], telephone: 0488 533 801
• Central Qld: Janice Nelson, [email protected], telephone: 0419 706 506
• Far North Qld: Leanne Kruss, [email protected], telephone: 0431 743 633.

QAWN is part of a suite of Queensland Government funded initiatives, including the Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance (RJSA), Agforce School to Industry Partnership Program (SIPP) and Gateway Schools to Agribusiness, all of which aim to address agriculture’s labour and skill needs.