FutureNow joint Chairman re-elected

Barry Felstead, Chief Executive of Crown Perth and Geoff Duncan, State Director of the ABC have been re-elected as joint chairmen of FutureNow, Creative and Leisure Industries Training Council at its most recent Board meeting.

In addition, Ken Norquay, General Manager Racing at Racing and Wagering WA was re-elected as Deputy Chairman.

Since its introduction in 2011 , the concept of Joint Chairmen has proven to be effective in demonstrating leadership to industry and Government, as well as ensuring good governance practices.

Speaking on his re-election, Felstead stated "in my role as Chief Executive of Crown Perth with a workforce of 5,600 people I am acutely aware of the importance of attracting, retaining and developing a skilled workforce.

"As such, I am firmly committed to the work of FutureNow in preparing workforce development strategies for the creative and leisure industries, and advising the State government on critical areas of skills shortages and future training needs."

Duncan has been a long-time advocate for the development of the creative industries and understands the need for education and training in an area where digitisation and other technological changes are requiring different skills and attracting younger talent is essential. Duncan added "I believe that the level of industry leaders on the FutureNow Board and those working in other capacities as contributors to the work of the organisation are sending the right message through their commitment to industry development through skilling new and existing workers in this State.

"We are committed to articulating and developing career pathways and opportunities for advancement within and across our sectors."

FutureNow Chief Executive Mal Gammon believes that the re-election of the Joint Chairmen is a positive step for the organisation which is responsible for workforce development planning and providing high level strategic advice to the Western Australian Government on the training need of the creative and leisure industries.

Having continued industry leadership at this level demonstrates the importance of workforce development and the commitment of both the Western Australia's largest single site private employer and the State's public broadcaster to our cause is significant.

For more information go to www.futurenow.org.au

22nd March 2011 - JOINT CHAIRMEN FOR FUTURENOW