Message from the SWN Board Chairman

From its beginning almost four years ago, our project evolved through a collaboration between the Brighton, Southern Midlands, Central Highlands and Derwent Valley councils (known as the South Central Subregion - SCS). The catalyst being a 2017 KP&G report which identified gaps in the regions workforce capability and capacity which led to the establishment of the workforce development project we now have (SWN). Since our commencement in 2020, we have assisted over 2,000 community members to access training and employment options, which have met the requirements of industry in our region. Our team have worked with training providers to develop and deliver industry specific programs to in excess of over 1,250 community members, resulting in meaningful employment outcomes and strengthening in the regions workforce capability and capacity.

 

Our upcoming “Guarding for Life” program is a collaboration between SWN, Southern Midlands Council, Rural Youth and the Royal Lifesaving Society and funded through Active Tasmania. This program will allow community pools in our region the to be supported and staffed by accredited lifeguards as without lifeguards, local pools are not able to remain open. This is another way that SWN continues to provide meaningful services to our community. The program will cater for 40 participants over the next two years who will gain their pool lifeguard accreditation, resulting in employment opportunities in New Norfolk, Bushy Park, Bothwell, Oatlands, Ross and Campbell Town aquatic venues. We are extremely proud to be involved in this initiative, which will build skills and confidence in its participants and therefore ensure community members are able to learn the valuable skill of swimming. This initiative will go a long way in reducing the instances of drownings in our regional areas.

 

We have been very fortunate to recently welcome Lauren Sheppard and Craig Knight as new members of our SWN Advisory Board. Lauren Sheppard is the current Managing Director of Moo Brew, Tasmania’s largest independent craft brewery which is based in Bridgewater. When she commenced her role as General Manager, Lauren was the first female to hold that position in the company’s history.  Lauren’s list of managerial roles is extensive and as well as the brewing sector, her appointments span across the wine, finance, superannuation and automotive industries.

Craig Knight is the Chief Operations Officer of award-winning medicinal cannabis company Tasmanian Botanics. He has been key in the building, development and growth of the business which now supports over 100 employees.  These two new Members of the Board have the skills, knowledge and passion to add considerable value to our energetic Board and the organisation.

 

Our next community event will take place at Ratho Farm Bothwell on Friday the 13th of September from 2pm to 4.30pm and is a chance for local businesses to network and also connect with their state and local government representative. Invitations to Central Highlands businesses have been distributed and we invite you to RSVP at your earliest convenience. For more information on this event please email Anthony.mcconnon@brighton.tas.gov.au

 

Andrew Benson

Chairman

SWN Advisory Board