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We’re proud of every member of our team! This week, we’re celebrating the outstanding women who were nominated by their colleagues for exemplifying our department’s guiding principles – consistently setting the standard for excellence and inspiring those around them.

Hearts in, hands on

With a heart for local enterprise and sleeves rolled up, Chereena has diligently ensured that the department's procurement process passionately supports Queenslanders, for programs and projects such as the Regional Economic Futures Fund and Economic Development Queensland’s Northshore Hamilton project. She strives to achieve great outcomes for all Queensland businesses, including First Nations businesses and small-to-medium enterprises. Her dedication is a true reflection of the department’s ethos – be passionate and hands-on in every endeavour.

Fun fact about Chereena: she’s a proud Dance Mum and loves supporting performing arts in the Wide Bay Burnett region!

Rachel's journey is a powerful testament to the department’s 'hearts in, hands on' principle. Following her diagnosis of Stage 3 bowel cancer, and her gradual return to work, she has never ceased to pour her heart into her community and her work. Passionate about advocacy and raising awareness of early onset bowel cancer in her local community, Rachel’s dedication to forming meaningful local connections that foster peer-to-peer support inspires her whole team! Her unwavering commitment demonstrates the strength, resilience, and dedication that embody our passionate approach to public service.

Fun fact about Rachel: she used to breed pythons!

Find a way to done

Known for her efficiency and harmonious spirit, Amanda seamlessly integrates with her team, radiating a quiet confidence that inspires others. Whether through her involvement in executing large-scale projects or her knack for optimising our systems and processes, Amanda consistently demonstrates a resolute commitment to getting the job done, inspiring others in her team in the Central Queensland Regional Office to do the same.

Fun fact about Amanda: she is a three-time Paralympian across two sports (Sydney 2000 Swimming; Athen 2004 and Beijing 2008 Athletics)!

Have a crack. Learn. Repeat.

A champion for strategic industry and regional growth, Lauren has made a remarkable impact with her considered leadership and relationship-building within and beyond the department. Lauren's proactive stance on taking appropriate risks and engaging in a bias for action epitomises the 'have a crack, learn, repeat' principle. Continuously learning and improving, she paves the way for strategic growth across Queensland's industries and regions.

Fun fact about Lauren: she’s a book lover, trivia tragic, and Oxford comma afficionado.

Jann hit the ground running in her team in Far North Queensland, demonstrating insightful leadership and a dedication to understanding the complexities and nuances of the region. Proactive, prepared, and personable, Jann has excelled in establishing rapport with key stakeholders, giving life to our ethos of collaboration to achieve collective goals. She serves as a sterling representative of the department on numerous sub-committees and transition groups in the community, using her influence to ensure that every voice is heard, and every perspective is considered.

Fun fact about Jann: she has an abiding fondness for infrastructure, evidence-based policy and cheese.

From left to right:  Chereena, Rachel, Amanda, Lauren & Jann.

Go further together, steer the way

While only new to the department, Kristy has already positioned herself as a valued asset to her team and the department, working on projects across Central Queensland, including the Rockhampton Ring Road Project. Fostering relationships with stakeholders is her specialty, using her influence to increase the economic benefits for the region and drive excellent outcomes for Queenslanders. Kristy is the smiling force behind enriching workshops and key collaborations, earning high praise for her diligence and unwavering support.

Fun fact about Kristy: she knows karate!

Fiona is a natural at bringing people together to get things done. With a strategic mindset, she has been the driving force behind significant initiatives that have supported several major developments, including upgraded ports, new hospital developments, and the attraction and expansion of many businesses to the Bundaberg region. Fiona utilises her experience and her influence to develop strong relationships, particularly in her work on the Regional Economic Futures Fund, with a focus on the people who will benefit from the work the department does: regional Queenslanders.

Fun fact about Fiona: not only does she grow more than 1,000 finger lime trees, she makes an out-of-this-world delicious finger lime cheesecake.

Be surprisingly helpful

Reiko shines with her ‘be surprisingly helpful’ spirit, effortlessly going the extra mile to deliver exceptional service. Team synergy is her specialty, bringing people together for collaboration and creating spaces for diverse input. In a recent project to promote the Rockhampton Mental Health Hub opening, a project brought about from the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund, Reiko went above and beyond to support her colleagues and connecting them with the right people. Her invaluable help hasn’t gone unnoticed, offering space for her to tackle exciting new roles and responsibilities within our department.

Fun fact about Reiko: despite her shorter stature, we’re convinced that she would win a competitive speed-walking race against anyone!

Karen’s the kind of team member who might not realise just how much her warm presence and savvy know-how really mean to the people she interacts with, whether she’s in the office or just a voice on the phone. A strong advocate for mentally safe and healthy workplaces, Karen is always on the lookout to create opportunities for others and is pivotal in supporting the diversity and inclusion of the department.

Fun fact about Karen: she is an amazing gardener, often bringing in cuttings for her colleagues.

From left to right: Kristy, Fiona, Reiko & Karen.

Each of these individuals represents the very best of our department's guiding principles. We are more effective, cohesive, and driven to serve because of their exceptional efforts and the example they set. Join us in celebrating these achievements, as we continue to chart a course towards a prosperous future for Queensland.

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