Bundaberg Jobs Commitment

Bundaberg businesses and organisations are being encouraged to showcase what they have to offer jobseekers at an all-new expo that aims to connect the community with local careers.

The 2022 Bundaberg Jobs and Careers Showcase will be held at the Bundaberg Multiplex on Wednesday 5 October and will provide a hub for businesses to link with school students and residents looking for local job opportunities.

The new initiative is a partnership between Bundaberg Regional Council, Jobs Bundaberg, Local Jobs Program and Link and Launch.

The Bundaberg Regional Jobs Committee is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said the event was designed to give residents an insight into the wide array of career opportunities and pathways within the Bundaberg Region.

“This initiative is all about local industry and the community coming together and we envision the day to be a one-stop-shop for all things related to local jobs,” he said.

“It will be a day for resumes to be printed and for interviews to be held with the aim to see direct job outcomes from the event.”

According to Economy Id, 97.1% of Bundaberg residents work in the region and by the end of 2022 more than local 1000 students will be leaving grade 12 to look for work.

“These facts are what makes the Bundaberg Jobs and Careers Expo such an important initiative because it will give even more locals the chance to find more local work,” he said.

“We have a large number of industries such as health, manufacturing and agriculture that have a huge demand for jobs in our region.

“This expo is an opportunity for those industries to position themselves as an employer of choice and to educate and influence the region’s future and current workforce.”

CQUniversity Bundaberg has come on board to sponsor the event with senior marketing officer Luke McCracken stating it was the perfect opportunity for residents to broaden heir horizons.

“The event showcases the enormous opportunity that exists within our great region,” he said.

“Job providers across a wide variety of industries and education providers will be present, providing the community with the chance to access valuable advice from professionals.

“It’s the event to be at for anyone thinking of what their next career move will be or what steps they need to take to achieve it.”

Applications to be part of the 2022 Bundaberg Jobs and Careers Showcase are now open, with the opportunity to also become a sponsor of the event.

To find out more or to apply click here.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

The Hinkler Central Jobs Fair begins next week and will provide jobseekers with opportunities to find work.

Local job seekers will be given access to genuine employment opportunities across full-time, part-time and casual roles through the upcoming Hinkler Central Jobs Fair.

The new initiative is offering prospective candidates the chance to access numerous local jobs ahead of the busy Christmas period.

The centre will host the jobs fair recruitment drive from Thursday 18 August to Saturday 20 August.

Applicants can explore roles across Hinkler Central’s broad retail portfolio, including national fashion and lifestyle brands, through to local food and beverage vendors.

Key retailers including Ally Fashion, Bras N Things and more will be among those looking for staff at the major recruitment event.

In partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council, the Jobs Fair will connect local people with a range of prospective jobs and provide access to a suite of virtual and on-site recruitment support services.

Services will include training workshops, and mentor sessions such as résumé writing workshops, mock interviews, and jobs advocate support services.

Hinkler Central Centre Manager Renee Pukallus said she believed the event had come at a crucial time for the centre’s retail and hospitality partners who were seeking new hires ahead of the year’s busiest retail period.

“We’re excited to invite the community to our Jobs Fair, where we’re able to provide a local platform to help job-seekers connect with prospective employers across our renowned portfolio of brands,” she said.

“By hosting a Jobs Fair here at Hinkler Central, we are able to support local retailers and businesses as we know they have a significant number of vacancies to fill.”

The full Hinkler Central Jobs Fair schedule is outlined below.

Mentoring sessions, workshops at Hinkler Central Jobs Fair

Resume workshops, cover letter reviews and mock interview sessions

Thursday 18 August
10 am to 5 pm
Outside Kmart
Bookings essential

Job interviews

Ally Fashion
Thursday 18 August
1 pm to 5 pm
Outside Kmart

Bras N Things
Saturday 20 August
10 am to 4 pm
Outside Kmart

Springmount Services (security and cleaning positions)
Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August
10 am to 4 pm
Outside Kmart

Additional Support Services available

Assist Industries
Friday 19 August
10 am to 5 pm
Outside Kmart

Sarina Russo
Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August
10 am to 5 pm
Outside Kmart

Strategix Training
Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 August
10 am to noon
Outside Kmart

The Hinkler Central Jobs Fair will conduct in-person interviews, with applicants encouraged to register via the pre-booking system to guarantee their interview time slot.

Walk-ins will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Access to virtual jobs boards will be available for candidates unable to physically attend an interview.

For more information on Hinkler Central’s Jobs Fair, visit https://hinklercentral.qicre.com/

Read the Bundaberg Now story here.

Students from Kepnock State High School have graduated from a pilot program with new skills after completing 12 weeks of hands-on learning alongside leaders from the region's agricultural sector.

The group of Year 8 students formed part of the Integrated Pathways at Kepnock pilot program, which was created in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council, Kepnock State High School and local agribusinesses industry members.

The program's aim was to provide disengaged students with new learning environments outside of the classroom while growing and fostering a local labour force for agriculture.

Deputy Mayor Cr Bill Trevor attended the graduation ceremony and said the students had taken on the IP@K program with positive attitudes and come out of the 12 weeks with plenty of new skills and friendships.

“IP@K has been a great opportunity for students to come out and experience a new learning environment,” he said.

“The students have been able to advance themselves in a number of agricultural opportunities including things like soil sampling, learning about the importance of bees to the industry and more.

“I am just so pleased the businesses have been able to extend their hand to let this happen.”

Kepnock IP@K students learn about avocadoes

Peirson Farms CEO Madeleine Marais said the Kepnock students were invited along to the local farm to see exactly how avocadoes were grown as part of IP@K.

“We have taken them through the avocado orchard and showed them the process of planting and picking,” she said.

“We have also told them about fertilisation and irrigation of the farm and basically the whole process from growing to getting the avocadoes to market.

“It has been wonderful to see the students change from the launch to now, their confidence has increased and seeing how they are working together, cooperating and learning new skills is really great.”

Principal Nicholas Howkins said the IP@K pilot was a tremendous group effort that had given local students a new outlook on life and career prospects.

“The trial has been fantastic in the sense that we have young kids with a much greater understanding of what agriculture has to offer, what work has to offer, about why they are at school and what their opportunities are after school,” he said.

“These are students who now have a bit better motivation in the classroom because they can see what could be out there for them in the future.”

Businesses involved in the IP@K pilot program were:

• Bundaberg Regional Council
• Kepnock State High School
• BundaHarvest
• Peirsons Farm
• Bargara Berries
• Greensill Farming
• Suncoast Gold Macadamias
• Macadamia Farm Management
• Macadamias Australia
• Regional Drone Solutions

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

The Surfing Scientist, aka Ruben Meerman, will bring an explosive presentation to Bundaberg in December at the Hinkler Innovation Series event.

The Surfing Scientist will be hanging ten in Bundaberg next month as he discusses quantum physics, chemistry, biology and everything in between at the Hinkler Innovation Series.

Ruben Meerman said he was excited to wow the crowd when he takes to the stage on Thursday, 2 December for the next breakfast event.

“I’ll use fire and explosions to reveal the beautiful mathematical formula hidden in the Periodic Table of the Elements,” he said.

“It's a direct result of quantum physics yet simple enough for primary school kids to understand so I promise, you will be amazed.

“Bring earplugs!”

The popular scientist travels the nation to teach his audiences about quantum physics and the link between fitness, health and science.

More recently, Ruben's research into weight loss was published in his book called Big Fat Myths, which he said came about in a very interesting way.

“I was actually researching a children’s book about farts and poo when I stumbled onto the question that led to Big Fat Myths, which is, when you lose weight, where does it go?” he said.

“The first thing I discovered was that I had no idea what human fat is made of, so I did what anyone would do and asked Doctor Google, which led to Wikipedia, which led to PubMed, which led to mountains of biochemistry textbooks and journals articles, and I’m still reading.

“It’s the most fascinating topic in the world.”

Ruben said he was looking forward to visiting the region to discuss some of his scientific thoughts.

“The best thing about science is that it is a bottomless pit of fascinating phenomena and toys for your mind,” he said.

“I am never bored!”

Working mostly with children during his tours of schools around the nation, Ruben said his audiences always left him feeling excited about science.

“Children are the most inquisitive, optimistic and enthusiastic people on the planet and hearing them say ‘wow!' is the most rewarding thing in the world,” he said.

“How could you not love working with these happy, energetic little people?”

Ruben said he would be hoping for the same reaction when he comes to Bundaberg for the Hinkler Innovation Series, and said the event was the perfect opportunity to open the minds of those eager to learn.

“The best way to inspire people to do amazing and innovative things is to celebrate amazing people who are doing innovative things,” he said.

“I think events like the Hinkler Innovation Series are invaluable because who knows who and what it might inspire some amazing person to do?”

The Hinkler Innovation Series breakfast will be held on Thursday, 2 December at the Bundaberg Multiplex, 1 Civic Avenue.

Tickets cost $45 and include breakfast.

Find out more here.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

PRESENTER UPDATE

Since ticket sales were launched for this event Bundaberg Regional Council has been advised that, due to the COVID-19 Queensland border restrictions, keynote speaker Dr Karl Kruszelnicki will need to deliver his presentation via live-stream.

While he is no longer able to attend in person, Dr Karl will still deliver the same presentation virtually and audience members will have the opportunity to ask him questions live.

For any questions in regards to ticketing and attendance please contact moncrieff@bundaberg.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 4130 4100.

EARLIER

Australian scientist and popular radio and television personality Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is headed to the Bundaberg Region to talk all things Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at the next Hinkler Innovation Series.

The theme for this year's event will be ‘From STEM to Space’.

In addition to hearing from Dr Karl it's an opportunity to celebrate the winners of the prestigious Hinkler Innovation Award and Junior Hinkler Innovation Award while delving into what opportunities lay ahead for the region.

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is the man with the answers when it comes to science and technology and is known for his infectious enthusiasm while presenting.

As well as appearing on regular television and radio segments throughout his career, including for the ABC and Triple J, Dr Karl is an established author of 47 books.

He was honoured with the prestigious Ig Nobel Prize awarded by Harvard University for his ground-breaking research into “Belly button lint and why it is almost always blue”.

Dr Karl will address local audiences when he speaks at the Hinkler Innovation Series in December and said it wouldn't be the first time he had visited the region.

In fact, Dr Karl is a big fan of aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler and even featured a segment explaining the science of flight as part of the Hinkler Hall of Aviation in Bundaberg in 2011.

“I have visited Bundaberg about half a dozen times, I'm looking forward to visiting the museum when I am back” he said.

Having experienced a successful career as a science communicator, Dr Karl said there were many things he loved about his role.

“During the Hinkler Innovation Series visit I will be discussing topics including space, Bundy, the possible economic future of the region and plenty of optimistic messages of good hope,” he said.

“What I love most is talking with the audience, especially the younger ones under 10 years old.

“The advice I like to give the younger generation who have a keen interest in science or STEM overall is to get as broad and general an education as possible.”

The eighth Hinkler Innovation Series will be held on Thursday, 2 December from 6.30am to 9am at the Bundaberg Multiplex on 1 Civic Avenue.

Hinkler Innovation is a Bundaberg community-led collaboration to support, recognise, and foster Australian entrepreneurs.

Also speaking at the event is Dr Michael Cowley, QUT's Astrophysics Teaching and Research Associate.

Dr Cowley is responsible for coordinating the university's Astrophysics Minor and Astrophysics Research Group.

He completed his PhD at Macquarie University and the Australian Astronomical Observatory, where he researched the evolutionary impact of supermassive black holes on their host galaxies.

He is also a lecturer and Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland, a science liaison for CSIRO's Scientists in Schools program, and a steering committee member for the ASA's Education and Public Outreach Chapter.

Tickets to the Hinkler Innovation Series cost $45 and include breakfast.

Find out more here.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

Photo credit: Instagram

Year 7 Mathematics students this term were treated to a virtual visit by Mr Glenn Capuano from consultancy firm Informed Decisions (http://id.com.au) who talked to the young mathematicians about the reality of using the Australian Census data to make informed decisions about planning for the future of Australia.

As Glenn is based in Melbourne, we connected via Microsoft Teams and Glenn showed the students some interesting statistics and changes regarding the Bundaberg population and how we can use data to make comparisons to inform decision making (for example: should we build another aged care centre in Bargara or North Bundaberg?)

We are very grateful for Glenn donating his time to the students to assist them with their mathematics assignment and also giving them a glimpse into possible career paths using mathematics and statistics.

This relationship was made possible through our school’s ongoing participation in the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment.

Mr Andrew Duncan

Head of Department (Mathematics)

(BNSHS Newsletter 10^th November 2021)

Local students will this week have the opportunity to work like a real film crew to produce their own short film with Academy Award-winning cinematographer Greg Huglin.

Noosa Film Academy is delivering one day workshops to a number of high schools this week, with a red carpet screening to culminate their creative work at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre on 12 June.

Greg and wife Andrea Huglin said they were excited to bring their expertise to the region and work alongside students who shared a passion for film.

“After being invited to become an Australian Citizen on a Distinguished Talent Visa, Greg decided to give back by teaching,” Andrea said.

“Noosa Film Academy develops remote and regional youth digital story telling through cross art form workshops and community showcase events.

“Bringing screen production expertise and experiences to regional and rural communities upskills young people to create quality content and reveals the many creative tertiary and career pathways into Australia’s $5billion film industry.”

Lights, camera. action! Shalom College students participating in the workshop.

Andrea said with Greg's 50 years of international industry experience, there would be plenty of professional tips and tricks for the students to learn.

“We’re really look forward to engaging the teenagers as our film crew each day and helping them produce their own original short film,” she said.

“Their creativity and teamwork throughout the industry engagement culminates in them premiering their work on the big screen and emulates real world experiences.

“It is highly rewarding to see the teens sense of pride and accomplishment as they walk the red carpet at the Screening Event.”

Andrea said the workshops would help to develop creative thinking and teamwork, which were increasingly important across a broad range of industries.

“We emulate what it is like to be on location on a film set and teach skills behind and in front of the camera,” she said.

“Youth become producers, directors, scriptwriters, story boarders, actors, actresses, clapper board operators, audio technicians and editors, they learn camera angles, framing, movements, continuity and acting for screen.

“It brings a sense of confidence to continue to tell their stories digitally and an understanding of the creative process.

“It is awesome to witness the sense of pride and accomplishment each young person feels when they see themselves and their work on the big screen.”

The workshops have been made possible through the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

The Noosa Film Academy received $298,445 under the third round of this funding program.

The workshops have come to Bundaberg through the assistance of Bundaberg Regional Council's Jobs Commitment Program for youth.

The program connects employers with youth to inspire and assist them in making decisions to pursue a life that includes work and education after they leave school.

To purchase tickets to the screening event at the Moncrieff on Saturday 12 June click here.

Read the Bundaberg Now story here.

Bundaberg Region students with an interest in science and medicine have been given an opportunity to work alongside industry experts from the Queensland University of Technology.

Students from Gin Gin, Childers and Bundaberg were recently mentored by Professor Derek Richard after meeting him in the region as part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Job Commitment program.

The students joined Professor Richard at QUT for work experience in the field of Health and Biomedical Innovation.

Professor Richard has been instrumental in cancer research studies through his work as Scientific Director in the Cancer and Ageing Research Program at QUT.

Bundaberg Christian College Gateway Coordinator Amanda Kelk said the school had the pleasure of working with Professor Richard last year and his presentation had left a lasting impression on students, leading some to pursue a career in cancer research.

“Initially we had about 30 students from various year levels invited to hear Derek’s presentation,” Amanda said.

“Derek shared the challenges he had overcome personally as a youth and demonstrated to students that anything is possible if you are resilient and prepared to work for what you want.

Former BCC student Quin Harbison is now studying at QUT after becoming inspired by Professor Derek Richards.

“One of our 2020 graduates, Quin Harbison decided to pursue a career in cancer research because of it.”

Amanda said Quin had not determined at that point if he would seek a Bachelor of Science and, if so, what field of study he wanted to specialise in.

“After hearing of Derek and the information that he shared during the presentation, Quin was inspired and sought to not only find out more about what QUT offered, but to find out about cancer research and the possibilities for future scientists in this field,” she said.

“Since this time Quin has commenced his Bachelor of Science studies at QUT and been in contact with Derek and his team.”

Professor Richard said he had since been in communication with Quin and other Bundaberg Region students.

“I actually met Quin today and gave him a tour of the building,” he said.

“We have had students visit from Gin Gin and from Isis as well so it has been great to make that connection.”

Science started early for QUT professor

Creating a link between regional schools and the university was something Professor Richard said he strived to achieve.

Associate Professor Derek Richard with Bundaberg Christian College students Kristen Apostol, Justine Harper and Clay Harvey at BCC last year.

“I have always been passionate about student engagement as that is how I became involved in science,” he said.

“When I was at high school I was given the opportunity to visit the Scottish Crop Research Centre in Dundee. I thought it was so cool that I decided that’s what I want to do with my life and here I am now.

“I think I need to pay that back to the system so that I can inspire others to be researchers, you never know I may just persuade a future Nobel prize winner to start a career in STEM research!”

Amanda said students would get the opportunity to work with Professor Richard again this year.

“After Derek’s visit, we received a great deal of positive feedback from a number of students who were moved and inspired by his presentation, many of whom wanted to know more and were keen to follow up with his kind offer of further learning opportunities,” she said.

“As a result our Year 11 Science Ambassador’s are looking to spend a week with him and his research team in July, working in their labs alongside PHD students in their specific area of focus such as medicinal chemistry, molecular modelling on computers, engineers designing new equipment, cancer cell biologists.”

Read the Bundaberg Now story here.

The Sugarland Animal Hospital team at the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment Breakfast.

The team at Sugarland Animal Hospital were part of a recent Bundaberg Jobs Commitment Breakfast, sharing their experiences in helping local youth to become job ready.

The Bundaberg Regional Council initiative aims to connect employers with young people, to inspire and assist them in making the decision to pursue a life that includes work and education when they leave school.

As part of the program, the Sugarland Animal Hospital team has been visiting local high schools to help students create resumes, cover letters and hold mock interviews to ensure they have the skills to help them find employment.

“We also have a number of work experience and school-based trainees come through our doors every year, learning valuable experience about what life is really like working in the veterinary industry,” the hospital's Dr Michael Woodham said.

“We took both Brooke and Tahnee along to the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment Breakfast … to share their stories, as they have become permanent team members from their work experience and traineeships with us here at Sugarland.”

“We encourage other local businesses to get involved in this great program and work together with us to give the young people of Bundaberg the best chance at gaining meaningful employment and setting them up for successful futures.”

Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was fantastic to see success stories coming out of the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment program as well as the great relationships being formed with businesses and young people.

“This initiative not only works to provide employer-led opportunities for our youth, it's also about encouraging relationships with great local mentors,” he said.

“Businesses like Sugarland Animal Hospital are a key factor in this program, ensuring that our youth have the right support in making career choices when they leave school.”

Read the Bundaberg Now story here.