The Queensland Government, together with the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the newly appointed members of the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee (RJC) for the 2026–2027 term.
The Cairns RJC plays a vital role in shaping the region’s workforce and skills agenda, strengthening collaboration between industry, education, community organisations and government to ensure training, jobs, and pathways meet the needs of a rapidly evolving regional economy.
The recent extension of the Regional Jobs Committee program through to 30 September 2027 reflects the Queensland Government’s ongoing commitment to localised, place-based workforce solutions and regional economic growth.
Announcement of Cairns RJC Members
The appointed members bring deep industry experience, local insight and a strong commitment to strengthening Cairns’ talent pipeline. The Cairns RJC includes:
Chair – Tertiary Education Sector: Jodie Duigan-George (Chair)- CQUniversity
Member – Social Assistance Sector: Anita Veivers – Centacare FNQ
Member – Tertiary Education: Diana Castorina – James Cook University
Member – Secondary Education & VET: Michael Hansen – Redlynch State College
Member – Higher Education & First Nations perspectives: Leanne Bell – Tafe QLD
Member – Allied Health: Patrick Kelleher – Queensland X-ray
Member – Maritime and Marine: Suzie Grace – NORSTA Marine
Member – Tourism: Roderic Rees – Cairns Adventure Group
Member – Hospitality & Business Events: Rachel O’Sullivan – Cairns Convention Centre
Member – Construction: Natalie Gallagher – HEH Civil
Member – Queensland Government: Far North Queensland Regional Director, The Department of Trade, Employment and Training
These members join a collaborative effort focused on addressing skills shortages, improving regional training pathways and ensuring industry has access to a skilled and job-ready workforce.
Patricia O’Neill, CEO of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, said the strong response to the call for applications reflects the depth of leadership across the region.
“The quality and diversity of applicants demonstrated the strength of Cairns’ industry and community leadership,” Ms O’Neill said. “As the administrative organisation, the Cairns Chamber is proud to support the Regional Jobs Committee in delivering locally led, place-based workforce solutions that respond to both current needs and future opportunities.”
Cairns Regional Jobs Committee Chair, Jodie Duignan-George, said the newly appointed Committee is well positioned to move into delivery.
“This Committee brings together strong sector representation, local insight and a balance of experience and fresh perspectives,” Ms Duignan-George said. “We are focused on working with industry, education and government to address workforce challenges and create clear pathways to jobs for the Cairns region.”
About the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee
The Cairns RJC strengthens the region’s workforce ecosystem by supporting:
- Local workforce planning and industry-aligned training
- School-to-work, training and career pathway initiatives
- Solutions to address regional skills shortages
- Cross-sector collaboration to grow and retain local talent
- Insights that guide government investment in training and employment programs
The Cairns RJC is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
For more information, to collaborate to share information, visit www.cairnsrjc.com.au or contact:
Media Contact/s:
RJC Project Manager: Janelle Yarwood
40311838
rjc@cairnschamber.com.au