Community
9 March, 2024
Shaping region’s future
SIXTEEN young people identified as potential business and community leaders have started a development program that will shape their future and that of Cairns.
The “high potential” young men and women were inducted into the 2024 Cairns Chamber of Commerce emerging leaders program last Friday.
Chamber chief executive Patricia O’Neill said the chamber was “overwhelmed by the volume and calibre of applicants that applied”.
“It was a very difficult decision for the selection panel to shortlist the (24) applicants, however I am confident in the individuals that we have chosen,” she said.
“Each and every delegate brings a unique and valuable perspective to the program, with this year’s cohort representing a broad cross section of business and industry backgrounds, private and public sector organisations, business owners and employees.
“The emerging leaders program (ELP) is designed to develop globally relevant and locally connected leaders, in a manner that supports the future economic, social and environmental prosperity of Far North Queensland.” The program consists of six industry immersion days which include site familiarisations, keynote presentations, fireside chats and panel discussions, aimed at building leadership skills, soft skills and industry knowledge.
Each industry immersion is themed around a priority industry identified in Cairns Regional Council’s economic development strategy, with the view to exploring the sectors that will drive economic growth in the region in the future.
A mentoring program runs simultaneously, with each delegate paired with a business or industry leader.
Chamber executive officer Alannah Giuffrida, who manages this year’s program with Cairns Regional Council’s development and planning executive manager Claire Simmons, said deciding the 16 delegates from 24 applicants “was not easy”.
She said the delegates displayed “passion, drive and community spirit”.
Mayor Terry James told the launch “investment in the leaders of the future is crucial”.
He said the 16 would “help shape the trajectory of our city”.
Joe Campbell, who is a certified practicing valuer at Knight Frank Cairns, said he was keen to develop his networking skills and “broaden my horizons”.
He said he currently worked with older people and wanted to get involved with the young and up-and-coming faces of the business community.
“I want to develop my skills. Public speaking is not my forte and it is a good skill to have,” Mr Campbell said.
Claudia Galea, who is a portfolio sales manager for Pullman Cairns International hotel and Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, said she worked in tourism but wanted to learn about other industries in the region.
“I want to stay in Cairns for the long term,” she said.
“I want to develop my leaderships skills and hope to move into a (more senior) management role. I’d like to build my network and get to know people in different industries”.
