Reports from the Regions

Central Queensland

Rockhampton office recently welcomed the new Regional Manager for Central Queensland. Denise Flanagan comes to the Commission from a background in private legal practice in family law and probate/estates.

Training sessions are still in high demand in the region, particularly from the mining industry. Numerous early start and late-finishing sessions were organised to fit with the workers’ shifts.

Far North Queensland

The main focus in the Cairns office of the Commission over the last six months has been to support the statewide effort to meet complaint handling responsibilities. This has been achieved by sharing the management of complaints on a statewide basis, putting strategies in place to improve timelines in complaint handling, and refining the conferencing process.

Capacity for training and community relations work has been increased by the recent appointment of staff with a strong background in training. In particular, training has been carried out in Yarrabah and other Indigenous communities by local and Brisbane-based Indigenous staff, and was well received by the Councils, agencies and individuals who attended. Unfortunately, the impending arrival of cyclone Ingrid meant the visit had to be cut short in the dash for home.

North Queensland

The Commissioner, Susan Booth, visited Palm Island earlier this year, with Indigenous Unit Manager, Liz Bond, and Townsville Regional Manager, Royalie Walters. They met with the Council and visited a number of agencies and organisations in their consultations with community members.

A range of training courses will be offered through the Townsville office in August.

Cost for each course: $135,including GST (to be confirmed). Please note the slight price rise for the 2005-06 financial year.

Call 1300 130 670 for more information.

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