Indigenous employment and economic opportunities will be the highlight of a series of regional economic development forums set to take place in Ipswich and South West Queensland this week.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said that the four forums will bring together local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, leading industry bodies and government.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members from Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Scenic Rim will have the first chance to develop economic opportunities with leading manufacturing industry members,” Mr Elmes said.
He added that the focus of the Ipswich forum will be the manufacturing industry, the largest industry employer in the Ipswich and Somerset areas and “one of the top employment industries” in the Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim.
“The forums will provide an important information platform for attendees and their families and other community members to hear and share information about opportunities and the industry, which will assist individuals when making career choices,” he said.
The first forum is on April 10 at the Ipswich Showgrounds from 09:30, followed by Toowoomba (Health and community services) on April 17, Dalby (Energy resources) on April 24 and St George (Agriculture) on May 8.
“The industry has the potential to have a significant, positive impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment in the area, which in turn will improve the economic independence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in these regions,” Mr Elmes concluded.
