Regional Jobs Committee

Regional Jobs Committee

Meet the

Team...

The Redlands Regional Jobs Committee is a group of representatives from a diverse range of complementary industries including education, training providers, disability services, recruitment, and leaders in high growth industries on the Redlands Coast.

RJC
Suzie Tafolo
Suzie Tafolo
Redlands Regional Jobs Chairperson

Suzie is a highly experienced professional with a wealth of knowledge in the real estate industry. In addition to serving as the Business Growth Manager and co-owner of Tafolo Realty alongside her husband, who serves as the Principal and agency owner, Suzie also holds key leadership roles in the community. As the current Chamber President, Chair of the Chamber Ambassador, she has established herself as a valuable and respected leader within the local community. Suzie’s contributions to the community have been recognised through numerous accolades, including being named a finalist in the 2022 Redland's Australia Day awards for Citizen of the Year and being awarded again a finalist in the 2023 Redlands Australia Day Awards Local Hero and Citizen of the Year.  

Suzie’s ambition to drive the work of the Redlands Regional Jobs Committee is her passion for helping keep jobs local and help employers find good staff, connecting, collaborating and driving successful outcomes. Also to assist in creating/providing resources that are helpful and listen to business owner needs and barriers; reporting this and proposed solutions to government, advocating for changes we so desperately need, especially in the IR laws and better incentives for employers.

Kate Adams
Kate Adams
Project Manager, Redlands Regional Jobs Committee
Kate is a passionate advocate for economic prosperity for the Redlands Coast, particularly for our island communities. A local resident of Minjerribah since 2010, Kate has worked closely with the Redlands Coast community and industry in her roles with Queensland State Government, the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Goenpul, Ngugi and Noonuccal First Nations Elders of the Quandamooka Region.
 
Kate is a strong advocate and supporter positive youth outcomes for all young people on the Redlands Coast, with a particular interest in supporting First Nations social and career pathways in order to shape a bright Redlands Coast future for all.

Our Committee

members...

Des Kerr
Des Kerr
Director
People & Culture Consulting

As a long term resident of the Redlands who works and has volunteered in the community for the past 20+ years, I would like to actively contribute to providing employment opportunities. By collaborating with my fellow committee members and ambassadors, I aim to leverage my background and expertise to make a meaningful impact on job creation and workforce development, ensuring a thriving future for our region.

Tom Carmichael
Thomas Carmichael
University Student / Student Economist
Youth

As a lifelong resident of Redlands, educated here and now studying while working, I'm deeply invested in enhancing job prospects for local youth. Joining the Redlands Regional Jobs Committee allows me to advocate for their needs and create tangible improvements in employment opportunities, ensuring a prosperous future for our community's younger generations.

Sarah Jane Gourley
Sarah Jane Gourley
Manager, Regional School Industry Partnership Program
Regional School Industry Partnership (RSIP) Manager (Department of Education)

The Education Department understand the importance of aligning education and training programs with the needs of the local job market. By participating in the Jobs Committee, The Education Department can play a role in bridging the gap between education and employment and building skilled workforce for the future.

Jarrod Pleass
Jarrod Pleass
Operations Manager
Entyr Ltd.

I am keen to contribute to closing the ever-increasing gap between job seekers and the jobs market. Employers are desperate for reliable and hard-working young people, and I believe they are out there and ready to work. I am passionate about education and mentoring young people into sustainable career prospects.



Karen Abraham
Karen Abraham
Deputy Principal
Cleveland District State High School

I am excited to continue to contribute to discussions in the Redlands which will foster links between industries and young people, encouraging work experience and delivering a workforce that meets the needs of employers and the goals of students.



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Andrew Hocking
Business Manager
TAFE Queensland SkillsTech

I am a new resident of the Redlands (2yrs) and by virtue of my role as Business Manager at the Alexandra Hills TAFE, I have a real interest in vocational training outcomes for those in the Redlands.










Noreen Orticio
Noreen Orticio
Senior Adviser Strategic Economic Development
Redland City Council

The economic growth of an area is anchored on the population, the level of productivity and participation in the local economy. Being a member of the Regional Jobs Committee means that these factors can be positively influenced through the various committee initiatives, leading to a more inclusive and thriving Redlands Coast economy.

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Grace Tobin
Employment Pathways Officer
BUSY Schools / Youth Advocate

I love contributing to the Regional Jobs Committee because I see and experience barriers that young people face getting sustainable and meaningful employment daily. I grew up on Minjerribah and have deep respect for country, Indigenous Culture and am enthusiastic about giving back to our community and advocating for our young people.

Melissa Millar
Melissa Millar
Business Owner / Teacher
Millar's Plumbing Service / Women Of Trades












David Connor
David Connor
Managing Director
QuCare

As a new committee member, I eagerly anticipate leveraging my entrepreneurial skills to support job seekers and local businesses in Redland City. This will involve actively listening to their (your) needs, facilitating connections, and fostering inclusivity to promote a more vibrant, diverse and prosperous community.

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Adam Lavis
Executive Director Human Resources
Metro South Health
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David Shepherd
Managing Director
Jag Metal

Our Committee

Ambassadors...

Adam Carmichael
Adam Carmichael
Deputy Principal
Cleveland District State High School

Redlands is where I live, where I work, and where my children were born and raised. I feel eternally grateful for the opportunities and lifestyle Redlands has provided me, and look forward to creating and promoting opportunities for others.


Kristen Banks
Kristen Banks
Executive Officer - Advocacy, Major Projects and Economic Development
Redland City Council

To help enable our community to learn, train and work locally; and our local businesses and industries to flourish.









Simon
Simon Nicholls
Brisbane South East Employment Facilitator & Chair Local Jobs & Skills Taskforce
Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

As the Employment Facilitator for the Local Jobs Program, with Redlands within my purview, I'm committed to directly influencing positive employment outcomes. Contributing to the Redlands Regional Jobs Committee enables me to apply my unique insights and experiences to drive targeted initiatives, fostering job growth and supporting the local workforce in a meaningful, impactful way.



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Swaz Naidu
Community Liaison Officer
Applied Abilities
Darryl McConochie
Darryl McConochie
Chairperson
Cleveland Bowls Club

With over 40 years of corporate experience, I've continued in retirement to work with a number of organisations on employee development and mentoring team members. I'm also a mentor for UNSW students in the undergraduate and MBA leadership programs.

Luisa Grant
Luisa Grant
Industry Skills Advisor
Australian Computer Society

Provides strategic advice to the Queensland Government on behalf of the sectors on investment initiatives, workforce development, Vocational Education and Training, including ensuring the Queensland industry has a voice in national agendas. I have joined the RJC to share my knowledge and perspective on what is happening across Queensland and nationally and to further engage with the industry.

 

Steve McDonald
Steve McDonald
Director Regional Development
RDA Logan and Redlands

The RJC represents a rich cross section of regional interests across the business, social and education communities and brings together the 3 levels of government with the clear purpose of working with stakeholders to create more jobs, improve training pathways, drive economic activity and attract investment. The RDA’s partnership with the RJC is key to the RDA pursuing its role.






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Adam Williams
Managing Director
Bunji Group
Jonathan Todd
Jonathan Todd
Director, Educational Support Services
TAFE Queensland SkillsTech

My goal is to further the job opportunities of residents of the Redlands and greater Brisbane region through effective promotion and linking of opportunities in the vocational and technical training space. I am interested in all levels of learning and in particular the pathways from school into vocational training and through to higher education learning.

Tony Martin
Tony Martin
Career Pathways Manager
Construction Skills Queensland

Construction Skills Queensland works closely with local industry and schools, to promote construction as a viable career option. With 70 careers to choose from, new entrants need to be aware of local opportunities and employers given the opportunity to connect with the current talent pool. Being part of the RJC allows me to share my expertise and contribute to outcomes in the Redlands, my home.



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Teresa Guiney
Regional Director
DESBT

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training - DESBT for short - recognises the important relationship between employment outcomes, strong small businesses and a skilled workforce to the wellbeing of Queenslanders and their communities.

Our purpose is to build Queensland’s future workforce through connecting all Queenslanders to learning opportunities, quality training, employment opportunities and by helping small businesses to start and thrive.

Being an Ambassador for the RJC is one of the many ways I can contribute to delivering great outcomes for Queenslanders.

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Lauren Barber
Business Manager
Busy Ability



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