Education & training

Stay cool by doing this week's quiz.

Last week I attended a Business Leaders Round Table Lunch. I wanted to use the afternoon to observe how leaders go about active listening. After the initial pleasantries and introductions were made, the lunch moderator posed some topical business questions for each table to explore and discuss. I was on a table of eight, and soon four people emerged who loved the sound of their own voices ...

The CEO of a Cootamundra aged care facility has welcomed a move by TAFE NSW Cootamundra to reintroduce a critical healthcare course amid a deepening skills shortage in the industry. For the first time in almost a decade, a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance will be offered at TAFE NSW Cootamundra ...

In a first for the Riverina and most probably in New South Wales, a close association has developed between agribusiness in the Riverina and secondary schools teaching agriculture ... The Riverina Compendium provided a vehicle to build on the past experiences, to attract a suitably qualified workforce, to provide a greater number and diversity of jobs within the Region...

Seems the old saying "all roads lead to the city" applies as much to country kids as it does to new migrants who have just arrived. Can you believe that Australia has imported 8.15 million people since 2000? ... The National Skills Commission report has found that 45 per cent of employers struggle to fill apprenticeship positions and even then 53 per cent of starters fail to complete their qualification. Australian kids just don't want to get their hands dirty, while the skilled migrant workforce who are trade-qualified prefer the big cities to the bush.

Keep your little ones entertained with First 5 Forever Storytime online sessions. Central Highlands Regional Council’s libraries have you covered with programs designed to keep kids engaged and occupied.

Of all the things that challenges a leader’s energy and stress levels is the need to constantly coach the right mindsets and behaviours into others. Doing this effectively requires a patient, deliberate and an ongoing approach, rather than angry outbursts. It is important for a leader to start any behavioural coaching conversation by assuming best intentions, whether this is the case or not. A coaching conversation that begins with both parties being emotionally charged or angry never leads anywhere constructive.

Here's another quiz, just for you!

Member for Mildura, Jade Benham recently had the privilege to visit local schools to deliver Conor Pall’s debut book, “The Shadow that Follows” ... “It was one of the most meaningful days I’ve had in this role yet, it took a bit of planning, but I had the opportunity to spend the day with the brilliant Conor Pall."

Efforts to improve natural disaster preparedness education among young learners has been given a significant boost these past weeks, as Buloke Shire Council’s Community Recovery team commenced the distribution of specialised educational books to local libraries and reading to Supported Playgroup participants across the shire.

Perth born Kirby Bentley, former player for the Fremantle and Carlton clubs in the AFL women’s comp, visited Wilcannia Central School on Thursday 22nd Feb., to socialise and throw a few balls with the students from both schools. Sponsored by Lifeline through a Regional NSW grant, Kirby’s aim was to promote "How’s Ya Mate?", mental first aid for kids.

A Charles Sturt University team is researching the deployment of microgrid projects that aim to meet the energy needs of regional communities in Australia ... The team’s research explores a range of topics relating to microgrid business models, ownership structure and project financing.

Nothing like a good quiz to stimulate the brain.

For some, this second anniversary since the devastating 2022 floods is a time to reflect on how far they have come. For students and families of Broadwater Public School it is a reminder of how little has been done.

Tennant Creek has been fortunate over the years to have a constant and popular Girl Guide group in town. World Thinking Day is an annual celebration of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout movement worldwide with girls and leaders connecting and learning how to tackle global issues on a community level.

Pam Dillon. Neil Scriven from Scriven Exploration Pty Ltd is again sponsoring Barkly Region Sport Education swimming and water safety program. Neil’s company, Scriven Exploration Pty Ltd, which explores for minerals north of Tennant Creek, recognises the importance of water safety in remote communities.

Attracting the right staff or volunteers is difficult at the best of times. Creating the right first impression is key. This starts with the very first interaction someone has with people, and the recruitment process they undertake. If it should be a warm, inviting, and hassle-free experience. This is a key leadership responsibility.

What happens when a bush concert is facing cancellation, and how can Easter Bilby help? That’s the storyline in ‘Banjo Frog’s Concert Spectacular’, a new children’s book released by Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia in conjunction with Wakefield Press.