A New Chapter for Local Jobs, Skills and Opportunity
A new chapter has begun for workforce development on the Redlands Coast, with the Redlands Regional Jobs Committee (RJC) officially appointed by the Queensland Government to continue delivering the revitalised Regional Jobs Committee program through to September 2027. Led by the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce, the RJC will guide locally focused workforce solutions that support employers, educators, training providers and job seekers across the region.
The renewed term places Redlands among twelve Queensland regions selected to lead this work. It provides long term stability for a program that has already strengthened partnerships, created direct connections between students and industry and supported pathways into meaningful local careers.
Supporting Local Workforce Needs
The extension of the Regional Jobs Committees program gives regions greater certainty to respond to skill shortages, build industry capability and deliver targeted training and employment initiatives. For the Redlands Coast, this means continuing to shape solutions that reflect the needs of local businesses and the growing population.
Project Manager Kate Adams says the program is grounded in place based understanding. “We are lucky enough to be one of 12 regional jobs committees funded by the Queensland Government. We are here to provide place based solutions that are unique to our Redlands Coast region.”
Much of the RJC’s impact comes from its role connecting people and industry. As Kate explains, the committee works to “bring together local employers, job seekers, training providers, schools, to make sure that our region has the skills and opportunities it needs to thrive.”
Collaboration Through Local Leadership
The partnership with the Chamber remains central to the RJC’s direction. Chamber President Suzie Tafolo says the committee provides a practical space where business, education and training sectors can work together to support the region’s workforce priorities, “The Chamber of Commerce is really proud to support the RJC. It is a perfect place to connect business, industry, students, training, education and government in the one space to implement the workforce strategy.”
Suzie notes that direct engagement between young people and industry is one of the program’s most valuable strengths. She has seen firsthand how conversations with employers help students make informed decisions about their future pathways. She also highlights the committee’s work in providing resources and guidance that support employers across the region.
Locally Led and Community Focused
For newly re-appointed RJC Chair Des Kerr, the committee’s work must always begin with listening. He describes the RJC as a bridge between local business needs and the aspirations of people seeking work or training. “We listen to businesses, and we find out what their needs are and then we pair that up with what our job seekers are looking for, what training they need.”
Des believes local knowledge plays a key role in shaping effective solutions. He notes that Redlands specific industries, challenges and opportunities require strategies that reflect local context. This approach supports his long-term vision for the committee, “Our vision for our Redlands Jobs Committee is to create a local workforce where people can build that career in the Redlands and not have to leave the area.”
Looking Ahead
As the RJC enters its renewed term, the focus remains on strengthening connections, supporting local industries and ensuring that people of all ages can access clear, practical pathways into work. Collaboration across schools, training providers and businesses will continue to guide the committee’s work as the region grows.
The featured video below brings these stories to life, sharing insights from employers, educators, job seekers and training partners who have worked closely with the RJC. Their experiences highlight how connection, confidence and opportunity can shape long-term careers and contribute to a future ready workforce.
To explore the voices and partnerships driving this next chapter for the Redlands Coast, press play on the video below.
