News

Gold Coast Speed Business Networking

The SEQICC March Networking@Night Event on the Gold Coast took the form of the popular Speed Business Networking formatt. Based on the speed dating phenomena the eventensured all guests and members were able to meet each other with a 3 minute introduction and promotion of their business. Gold Sponsor representative Rick Nolan from the Salvation Army, Employment Plus spoke of the exciting employment outcomes they are achieving with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers in the Civil Construction industry. Based on a traineeship model the project is soon coming to a end with close to a ninety percent (90%) success rate being a majority of participants completing their training acquiring important skills to expand their employment aspirations on the Gold Coast. Norm Cavanagh, the owner of Focus Fitness Gymnasium hosted the event with Beau and Mel Togo's All Rounders Catering business once again offering an assortment of delicious finger foods.

"Beau & myself would like to thank the SEQICC for a great night last night. We thought the speed networking was a really great way to meet new people. We really do look forward to many more nights of networking and becoming a member of the chamber". (Mel Togo)

SEQICC President, "It was great to meet and speak to the buisness owners and supporters on the night. The numbers of Indigenous businesses we are meeting is increasing and we are looking forward to special event on the Gold Coast in June 2011."

NRL Indigenous All Stars

Charlie Jia, David Williams and Leesa Watego were the hosts in the SEQICC Corporate Suite, Skilled Park in February. Representing the Chamber, the trio brought corporates together to begin developing relationships in the spirit of the annual NRL All Stars Rugby League Game to kick of the NRL season. National Bank of Australia, Corporate Express, Woolworths, Workpac, Community Sector Banking, Virgin Blue, AbiGroup, Australian Catholic University and the Australian Trades Industry College were the Chamber's guest on the night.

Guy Roberts, the Operations Procurement Manager for Virgin Blue enthused, "Many thanks again for the invite it was quite a spectacular."Although our Indigenous All Stars put up a valiant effort, it was the NRL All Stars who finished the night on the right side of the ledger. The Chamber is keen to follow the success of this corporate night again in 2012 especially considering this annual event is now balanced at 1 all. More photos CLICK HERE

QTIC Champions

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council Champions headlined the February SEQICC Networking@Night Event at the Echidna Magic Restaurant, (Indigenous owned and operated) on the 23rd February. The three influential Champions, Kim Harrington, Business Development and Policy Manager from QTIC, Andrew Hogg, Regional General Manager Queensland from Qantas and Gavin Wheeler, Regional Human Resources Manager Queensland from ACCOR, presented their success stories, discussed their experiences in the Tourism Industry and explained how Indigenous employees have added to this success.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has developed the Indigenous Employment Champions Network, a group of 14 advocates who share their successful formulas and employment strategies with industry peers to maximise Indigenous employment outcomes in the tourism industry.

Through the program QTIC provides tourism career path information for Indigenous Australians to encourage them into the tourism industry, and supports existing operators by developing a range of resources to assist businesses in the recruitment, management and retention of Indigenous employees.

QTIC wishes to engage with operators in the South East Queensland region to promote good practice and influence business’ indigenous employment practice and government policy.
For further information on the Champions Network or to become involved and share your practices please contact QTIC on info@qtic.com.au or 07 3236 1445. Please see Indigenous Employment Survey and Champions Info Brochure.
Kim Harrington
Queensland Tourism Industry Council

4 Years and Counting

The South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 4th Anniversary at Riverlife, Kangaroo Point cliffs. SEQICC President, Charles Jia welcomed members, guests, sponsors and supporters to this important milestone.
It was great to have Community Sector Banking (Bendigo Bank) sponsoring the evening and also the Ramada Ballina for the great getaway prize won by Mel and Rod from Contact First.

It was especially pleasing to see a number of old and new faces amongst the party. Noel Niddrie from Winangali Pty Ltd rejoined as a member for three years just prior to the event and it was good to see him getting involved. Paul Bellas, an accountant from Stones Corner and Mick Adams of Fine Line Consultancy expressed their interest in the Chamber and we look forward to fostering this interest.

Safety Partner for Safe Work Australia Week

SEQICC becomes a Safety Partner for Safe Work Australia Week (SWAW) and hosts
the Business Luncheon for Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Queensland at the Sebel Citigate Hotel in Brisbane.
Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, The Honourable Cameron Dick was on hand to comment, "Indigenous business and community leaders have the opportunity to learn more about workplace health and safety and encouraged them to share their own stories among their peers.”
Mr Geoff Binge, Principal Advisor for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs with Workplace Health and Safety Qld reinforced the Minister’s comments by announcing the Departments intent to work with the SEQICC, its members and their businesses on WHS best practice in safe guarding themselves and their employees against accidents on the job.
The Ambassador for SWAW, Queensland Rugby League legend and Maroons Coach, Mr Mal Meninga provided the inspiration to members and guests to work towards reducing workplace fatalities and dibilitating injuries in the next 12 months. Mr Meninga stressed “Workplace fatalities in Queensland in the last 12 months is unacceptable.”

Riverlife and PASS Australia headline August Event

The August Networking@Night event was a great success with approximately 40 members and guests enjoying the Riverlife experience. Our host and sponsor, Mr John Sharpe and his staff offered a welcoming environment and professional hospitality with some delicious catering and refreshing drinks.

In the crowd were representatives from small to large business including Gilimbaa, Aboriginal Centre for Performing , Arts,Worklinks, Abigroup, Edgeware, Queensland Tourism, Regional Development Australia, Construction Skills Queensland, Foley's Earthmoving, Australian Training Company, Flight Centre, Charlton Brown and Blackline Publications to name a few.

Mr Sharpe introduced Riverlife and spoke about the opportunity in partnering with Indigenous business drawing from their own experience with the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Troupe headed by Mr Eddie Ruska. He commented, "This partnership has been a huge success bringing another important experience to Riverlife. Our partner's business has also prospered due to the exposure which is fantastic".

Mr Brendon Jones from PASS Australia another important sponsor for the event, provided a very informative presentation on the great work they are doing with Indigenous young people around Queensland in the areas of Employment, Leadership, Mentoring and Sport. Mr Jones was excited about networking and meeting Indigenous business owners and along with his team grabbed the opportunity to promote PASS Australia.

A number of prizes were awarded throughout the night to some lucky individuals thanks to the generous donations from our valuable supporters.

 Updated:  25 June 2011