Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee Appoints New Committee to Lead Workforce and Economic Priorities
The Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee (RJC) has announced the appointment of its new Committee for the 2025–2027 term, following a strong Expression of Interest process that attracted 40 applications from across Mount Isa and Camooweal.
The high level of interest reflects the region’s commitment to addressing current workforce challenges while positioning Mount Isa to capitalise on future economic and employment opportunities.
The newly appointed Committee brings together a diverse and highly capable group of leaders, aligned to the RJC Engagement Map and regional priorities, with representation across:
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations - Ian Shepherd & Faisal Khan
- Community Representatives & Groups - Amy Duke & June Ballard
- Health Sector - Bronwyn Hetherington
- Social Assistance Sector – Chris Ruyg & Jess Kelso
- Workforce and Employment Services Providers – Sarah Murphy
- Tourism & Business - Kim Hiddink
- Education Sector – Chris Pocock
- Training Sector – Luella Kay
- Regional Economic Development Agencies – Gillian Mailman
- Resources & Energy Supply Chains – John Roberts
- Local, State & Federal Government Authorities – Local TBA, Kerry Parker, Steph Nicolaou, Iain Faithful
- Queensland Government – Far North Queensland Regional Director, The Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
The Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
RJC Chair, Chris Ruyg, said the response to the call for applications demonstrated the depth of leadership across the region. “We received an outstanding response, with more than 40 applicants bringing strong sector knowledge, lived experience and community insight. The appointed Committee reflects both continuity and new perspectives and is well positioned to provide strategic leadership as we finalise our Annual Action Plan and move into delivery.”
Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae said the Regional Jobs Committee plays a critical role in supporting both current and future workforce needs. “Mount Isa is responding to real workforce pressures today, while also planning for future economic opportunities across all industries” Mayor MacRae said. “The Regional Jobs Committee provides a strong, locally led platform that brings industry, training providers, government and community together to align skills, workforce planning and opportunity. Council is proud to host the RJC and support a placed-based approach that helps ensure our region is workforce-ready now and into the future.”
The RJC also extended its thanks to all applicants, noting that appointment to the Committee is only one way to contribute. “We are grateful to everyone who put their hand up,” Mr Ruyg said. “Many applicants who were not appointed bring valuable skills and insights and will continue to play an important role through working groups, project delivery, events and sector engagement.”
RJC Project Manager Natasha Storey said the new Committee reflects a strong balance of renewal and experience. “This Committee brings together new voices, diverse perspectives and strong sector representation, alongside returning members whose institutional knowledge has been critical to the RJC’s progress to date,” Ms Storey said. “That balance is a real strength. It means we are not starting from scratch — we have the governance, experience and capability to lead and implement our initiatives, while also benefiting from fresh thinking and renewed energy as we move into the next phase of delivery.”
The new Committee will guide implementation of the Mount Isa RJC Annual Action Plan, supporting place-based workforce solutions, sector collaboration and initiatives aligned to regional economic priorities. The Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
To learn more about the Mount Isa RJC, visit:
rjc.mountisa.qld.gov.au
For media enquiries or further information, please contact:
Natasha Storey
Project Manager – Mount Isa Regional Jobs Committee
Email: rjc@mountisa.qld.gov.au