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Queensland Overseas Foundation Board

Geoff-Favell

Geoff Favell

QOF Chair

Queensland’s current Training Ombudsman, Geoff Favell, has had over 30 years’ experience in the Queensland public sector with senior roles across employment, industrial relations and training portfolios in metropolitan and regional centres. As Interim Training Ombudsman, Geoff will provide a recognisable and accessible avenue for complaints and consumer advocacy for VET stakeholders to progress disputes and seek advice and assistance relating to the overall conduct of the VET sector in Queensland.

Geoff holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management). Geoff also holds directorships with CISC Pty Ltd trading as Construction Training Centre and the Queensland Overseas Foundation.

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Paul Kulpa

QOF Treasurer

Paul is currently the General Manager - AMA Education and Training Institute and worked in various management roles in not-for-profit and government agencies with over 25 years of experience in skilling and workforce development dealing with government contracts, corporate business policy and the development and implementation of training processes. Paul previously worked at the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ) and held various positions within the group, including the Director Industry Initiatives, General Manager of Training in MTA Institute and the General Manager of Innovation in MTAiQ, Australia’s first automotive innovation hub.

In addition to his MBA and Bachelor of Business, Paul also a Graduate Certificate in Business, Graduate Certificate in Veterans’ Law, Diploma of Market Research, Diploma of Export Management and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.

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Craig Westwood

QOF Governor - Board Secretary

Craig has worked in Vocational Education for 25 years; joining the sector after an engineering career in the Australian Army that included his completion of an apprenticeship as a fitter & turner.

He has held senior appointments across Australia; including leadership roles within Group Training Organisations, Registered Training Organisations, Industry Skills Councils, and large publically owned workforce services organisations.

Craig is a former Non-Executive Director and current Executive Officer of the Apprentice Employment Network Qld & NT (AEN).  AEN represents Group Training Organisations; the largest network of apprentice and trainee employers in Queensland, as well as operating the Queensland Out-of-Trade Register program supporting at risk and cancelled apprentices back to employment & training.  He is also the Director and Principal Consultant of Perform for Purpose Pty Ltd, a strategic level consultancy supporting the Non-Profit sector.

In addition to his trade qualifications, Craig holds a Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning), Advanced Diploma of Business (Management) and Certificate IV in Workplace Training & Assessment.

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John Tucker

QOF Governor

John Tucker is the Chief Executive Officer of TAFE Queensland and has over 30 years of experience in the VET sector, mostly recently as the General Manager of TAFE Queensland (SkillsTech), the largest provider of trade and technical training in the state of Queensland. During this time, John was also the lead for apprenticeship training delivery strategies for TAFE in Queensland.

Prior to this role, John has held numerous senior executive roles in the sector and is a passionate advocate for vocational training.  John has dedicated his career to developing strategy and policies to ensure best practice in skills training at a senior level.  Apart from a Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education, and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, John holds qualifications in Executive Management and Development from UNSW Graduate Business School. John is also a non-Executive Director on the board of WorldSkills Australia.

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Eric Davis

QOF Member

Eric Davis has over thirty-four years experience in the VET sector, twenty-five as a teacher and nine years as the Queensland State Manager for Worldskills Australia. Eric holds several qualifications including a Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education and a Post Graduate Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety.

Since 2003 Eric has also been a regular volunteer for Worldskills Australia, undertaking a number of roles including National Chief Judge, National Project Designer and International Expert for the skill category of Bricklaying.

Eric has demonstrated a long term commitment to the VET sector and is passionate about promoting career pathways to young Australians.

Sue-Loch

Sue Loch

QOF Governor

Sue has dedicated more than 20 years to leading roles in the Vocational, Education and Training (VET) sector. Her expertise lies in driving sales, spearheading business development, and project and account management. Sue has experience across diverse industries such as manufacturing, health, logistics and mining, and has a profound understanding of the funding mechanisms available through the Australian apprenticeships scheme and training industry.

As the Chief Commercial Officer of The BUSY Group, Sue plays a crucial role in securing partnerships and leading the implementation of workforce management programs. She is also responsible for government and stakeholder relations across the group, playing a pivotal role in expanding BUSY's impact throughout more communities across Australia.

Simone-Smiles

Simone Smiles

QOF Governor

Simone is the State Coordinator for the Queensland Training Awards and she previously worked as a Corporate Events Manager for TAFE Queensland Brisbane, Southbank. Simone joined the Queensland Overseas Foundation Board of Governors in 2016 and she brings a wealth of experience in managing a state-wide, vocational sector award programme to the QOF Board.

Brad-Flanagan

Brad Flanagan

QOF Governor

Brad Flanagan started working at MTAQ in May 2023 as the Director Industry Insights. Brad has a work history that includes roles at TAFE Queensland and in industry advisory roles in both the Health and Energy Industries. In more recent years Brad has worked in the Queensland Government in the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, where his focus has been on skills and workforce development, which has included the delivery of a leadership role in the Queensland Workforce Summit and the development of the Good People. Good Jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy (2022-2023).

Brad’s experience in both Government and industry skills and workforce advice means he is well positioned to drive the industry skills advisory and workforce related projects at MTAQ.

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Ed Given

QOF Member

Ed Given started his career in 1975 as an apprentice carpenter in the construction industry working mainly in the housing industry. After 25 years as a builder ,project manager and building estimator Ed followed his interest in training young people through apprenticeships and pursued a career in the Group Training Industry. Spending 22 years in Group Training allowed Ed to assist in the development of hundreds of young men and women into fine tradesmen and women many of who have become leaders in their industries. Ed is proud to be involved in the Qld Overseas Foundation assisting young tradesmen and women to travel overseas to expand their skills and to bring their skills back to Australia.

Steve wyborn

Steve Wyborn

QOF Governor

Steve Wyborn is the Chief Executive Officer of IntoJobs, an organisation delivering Workforce Australia Services across Australia. Steve has held operational and senior leadership roles in the Queensland VET sector since 1995. His early VET experience started within a GTO and RTO where he delivered pre-employment training to disengaged youth in Cairns to commence careers in the Hospitality and Tourism Sectors. Since that time Steve has been a strong and vocal advocate for the role of VET in creating sustainable career opportunities for young people, particularly those most at risk.

Queensland Overseas Foundation Patron

Governor-Dr-Jeannette-Young

The Governor's Biography
Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland

Dr Jeannette Young and her husband, Professor Graeme Nimmo are proud to serve all Queenslanders.

The Governor was born in Sydney in 1963, eldest daughter of Dr David Young and Mrs Lilly Young. After graduating from Medicine at Sydney University in 1986, she commenced her medical career at Westmead Hospital. During that time, she married, had a daughter, Rebecca, and transitioned to Medical Management, completing a Master of Business Administration at Macquarie University.

After her marriage ended, the Governor – with Rebecca – moved to Queensland in 1994 to become Director of Medical Services at the Rockhampton Hospital. In 1999, she relocated to Brisbane to take up the role of Executive Director of Medical Services at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, and served on various workforce committees, including as Chair of AMWAC (Australian Medical Workforce Advisory Committee).

During this time, the Governor met her second husband, Professor Graeme Nimmo. In March 2000, they were married, and in June 2001 welcomed a daughter, Jane.

In August 2005, the Governor was appointed to the role of Chief Health Officer for Queensland, with responsibility for leading the State’s preventative health and public health agendas, including response to public health emergencies. In January 2020, when the COVID-19 virus outbreak was declared a pandemic, the Governor became the State Health Incident Controller.

During her medical career, Dr Young had specialist qualifications as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators and as a Fellow by Distinction of the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom. She was also appointed Fellow of numerous other eminent education and research institutions, has received honorary doctorates from two Queensland Universities, and has received an Australia Day Achievement Medallion, as well as a Public Service Medal.

Her Excellency was sworn-in as the 27th Governor of Queensland on 1 November 2021.

Past Governors

We are grateful to the following people who have dedicated their time and service to promoting and supporting the Queensland Overseas Foundation as members of the QOF Board

Name Position
Tony Andersen (Chair)General Manager Projects – CS Energy
Colin AndersonPrincipal – Anderson Printing
Ron BerryManager – Hastings Deering Institute of Training (former)
Joe Box MBE *Principal – JS Box Master Builders
John F S Brown AO MC *Agent General for Queensland (London)
Garth BurgeSecretary – AMWU (Automotive Section)
Frank BurnettGeneral Manager – Castlemaine Perkins
Peter BurtonManaging Director – Sterling Process
Hon. Fred Campbell (Chair)*Minister – Employment & Training
Bernie CarlonGeneral Manager – Employment Task Force DETIR
Phillip CharltonMax Solutions
John F Cockburn*President – ASC Pacific Inc. (Washington)
D C T Collier *Original Governor appointed 28.08.1976
Peter Costantini (Chair)Director at Innovation and Business Skills Australia Ltd
Peter de MediciExecutive Officer – Group Training Australia
Jenny DoddChief Academic Officer, TAFE Queensland
R J (Bob) DruittGeneral Manager – Queensland Alumina Limited
Jenny FieldDirector – Prime Learning Specialised Training Services
Desirae FrenchPrincipal – Leadership Management Australia
Neil A Galway (Chair)Commissioner – Queensland Electricity Commission
Rebecca Hall (Chair)Director – International Education, Department of State Development, Business and Innovation (Victoria)
Harry Hauenschild AOPresident – Queensland Trades and Labour Council
Keith HillessCommissioner – Queensland Electricity Commission
Hon. Sir William Knox (Chair)MLA for Nundah
Jack S Lacey*H R Manager – Mount Isa Mines
Merv WaltonMerv Walton & Associates, QOF Life Member Past Recipient - Victorian Overseas Foundation
Name Position
Wendy LawsonCustomer Services Manager – Toowoomba Holden
Roly L Livingstone*Principal – Livingstone Australia Public Relation
Ryan MalsemPrincipal – Cold Energy Contracting
Lorraine MartinPrincipal – Lorraine Martin Business College
David MitchellExecutive Officer – Apprenticeship Employment Network
G D (Doug) MoffettMount Isa Mines
E D Murray*Original Governor appointed 28.08 1976
Mark NealeGroup Service Operations Project Manager -Hastings Deering (Australia) Ltd.
P J (John) NobleGeneral Manager – CSR Limited
Dr John O’HaganCSIRO
Keith W Peterson*Managing Director – Queensland Alumina Limited
Barry ReadChief Executive – Department Employment Vocational Eduction & Training
Mick J RobertsonPrincipal – Robertson Business Consultancy
Sarina RussoPrincipal – Sarina Russo Schools Australia
Peter SearsonBusiness Consultant
Will SigantoManaging Director – Siganto & Stacey Pty Ltd
J W W (Bill) Siganto AM (Chair)Chairman – Siganto & Stacey Pty Ltd
Barry B SmithChair – Training & Employment Board
Chris Trevor-JonesPrincipal – HR & IR Services
J A (Aussie) VaughanState Secretary – Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
Roy H Wallace*Director – Division of Technical &a Further Education
Cliff D WilsonGeneral Manager – AE Smith & Past Recipient – Victorian Overseas Foundation
Matthew TraynorExecutive Officer - ACPET QLD

* Governors of original QOF Board