Mayor's Message - Council Connections 2 June 2018

Find Your Future in Hinchinbrook

In its third year, Find your Future in Hinchinbrook presented by Council has provided a wonderful platform for preparing and exposing students and residents to future career pathways, many of which would allow them to remain living in the Shire.

This year saw 380 residents attend the event including a large contingent of students from Year 9 to Year 12 from both Gilroy Santa Maria College and Ingham State High School.

The event included discussions, guest speakers, interactive displays and information with the aim to trigger new ideas and non-traditional employment avenues, encouraging diversification of the economy within the Hinchinbrook Shire. The day also highlighting current core career path opportunities within the community and connected those seeking future employment or training with employers and trainers in the region.

I would like to thank and express my gratitude to the exhibitors and speakers who shared valuable information from careers in finance to boutique farming and digital innovation. Exhibitors included Skill 360, Coscer Accountants and Zest Financial Solutions, CQ University, JCU University, Tafe Queensland, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Bellasato Farming, Wilmar Sugar Australia, NQ employment, Workways Australia, Tech NQ, Hinchinbrook Health Care Dr Lisa Fraser, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Gilroy Santa Maria College and GHD Digital.

Thank you also to Councillor Mary Brown and the staff at TYTO for their tireless efforts in producing a very successful event.

Councillor Brown took the opportunity on the day to speak to students from all class levels, career advisors, business owners and tertiary education providers and the overwhelming feedback received being that this local event is truly valued, appreciated and seen as a positive opportunity for information exchange and showcasing career and training options available to this community, all in the one place.  One stand out comment that was identified as being extremely important, was the ability for “face to face” contact and the benefits that opportunity provided to progress conversations and improve understanding of options.

Feedback has been extremely positive again this year with many requests for the event to continue. If you would like to participate as an exhibitor at next year’s event, register your interest now by emailing Council’s Events Team at events@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au with the Subject Heading; Sign me up to Find your Future in Hinchinbrook 2019.

Image: Find your Future in Hinchinbrook 2018

Hinchinbrook CEO to Retire

It is with sadness that Council received the resignation of CEO Dan McKinlay this week when he announced his pending retirement from his role. Mr McKinlay has held the position for the past 3 years but recent health concerns have led to his decision to stand down.

Council will shortly commence the recruitment process for a new CEO to lead the organisation.

I place on record my appreciation to Dan for his contribution to the Hinchinbrook community and Council and know that you will join me in wishing him well for the future.

Cr Ramon Jayo

Mayor