Joint Chairmen for FutureNow

FutureNow, the training council for the creative and leisure industries in WA has announced the election of Barry Felstead, Chief Executive of the Burswood Entertainment Complex and Geoff Duncan, State Director of the ABC as Joint Chairmen of its Board.

Ken Norquay, General Manager Racing at Racing and Wagering WA has been elected Deputy Chairman.

The move follows John Welborn, Chief Executive of Equatorial Resources stepping aside after three years as Chairman, although he will continue as a FutureNow Board member. John's role has been pivotal, taking FutureNow into the new industry training advisory arrangements in 2009 which saw its industry coverage grow to include tourism and hospitality, information and communications technology, and printing as well as arts, media, culture, sport, recreation and racing.

FutureNow Chief Executive, Mal Gammon said that the move is a positive step for the organisation which is responsible for workforce development planning and providing high level strategic advice to the State Government on the training need of the creative and leisure industries. Having industry leadership at this level demonstrates the importance of attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, and the commitment of both the State's largest single site private employer and the State's public broadcaster, is significant.

Barry Felstead, who was previously Deputy Chairman, is a strong advocate for the development of the creative and leisure industries whose future growth will be dependent upon attracting, retaining and developing a dynamic, committed and skilled workforce. Geoff Duncan has seen first-hand FutureNow's ability to broker industry and training organisation partnerships which has ensured greater industry relevance and employment outcomes for screen and media students in WA. Geoff 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.

Felstead and Duncan are looking to build on the leadership provided by John Welborn and are committed to ensuring that the FutureNow Board and team continue to play an increasingly important role in providing clarity and leadership on workforce development and training for the creative and leisure industries.

For more information contact FutureNow on 08 9285 8555, www.futurenow.org.au

4th June 2010 - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR WA CREATIVE AND LEISURE INDUSTRIES