The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has announced that the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) has been expanded with the appointment of the network’s seventh officer.
General Manager, Rural Economic Development, at the Department, Paul Walmsley (pictured) said Isabella Fanning, who had been appointed to Emerald, would bring an impressive mix of knowledge, skills and experience to the role.
“With a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Central Queensland University and extensive beef industry experience in Rockhampton and Victoria, Isabella is well-placed to provide Central Queensland agribusinesses with crucial business support,” Mr Walmsley said.
He said Ms Fanning had a focus on driving industry growth and rural jobs within the local community through advice and guidance on workforce attraction, recruitment and development.
Ms Fanning said returning to Queensland was exciting after spending 2020 working at the Central Victorian Livestock Exchange in Ballarat.
“I am very much looking forward to moving back to Central Queensland, working with agricultural businesses, and building networks to achieve improved employment outcomes,” Ms Fanning said.
“The area I will cover is vast and I’m excited about spending time on the road, meeting new people, and re-connecting with some old faces.”
Mr Walmsley said QAWN officers were a crucial conduit for Queensland’s agriculture industry bodies.
“QAWN officers assist agriculture businesses, regardless of commodity or location, with advice and guidance on workforce planning, attraction, recruitment and skilling,” he said.
“They are located around the State and provide a free service to help agribusinesses understand available options and strategies to identify and meet future workforce needs.”
