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2011 QUT Student

Internship Program

Table of ContentsChief Executive’s message 2

Meet our existing QUT Students and former 3 QUT Students, now members of RNA Staff

Program Overview 4

Considerations 4

Recruitment and Induction Procedure 4

Benefits 5

Supervision/Mentoring of Students

Experience

Attendance at RNA Showground Meetings

Training

Regular Progress Reports and End of QUT Student Internship Feedback

Opportunities 6

Entertainment 6

Construction Management, Engineering or Architecture 7

Building Management, Management and Maintenance, Surveying 8

Communications 9

Human Resources 10

Health and Safety 10

Marketing 11

Film Production 11

Event Services 11

Librarian, Information/Record Management, Historical archiving 11

Leasing Management 12

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Chief Executive’s Message

On behalf of The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) we welcome you to this unique environment full of diversity, history and tradition of over 130 years.

The people of the RNA are integral to the success and future of the Association and are charged with the unique responsibility of ensuring the success of the Ekka into the future.

The RNA was established in 1875 with the purpose of providing an opportunity for country and urban residents to celebrate together by putting on the first ever Queensland Inter-colonial Exhibition. The mission of the Association, which remains the same today, was to promote and encourage the development of the agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, industrial, manufacturing and cultural resources of the State of Queensland.

Today the RNA represents around 5,000 members and the RNA Showgrounds hosts not only the Ekka but hundreds of other events and activities each year. The Ekka still remains the RNA’s landmark event, running over ten days at the same site as the very first show back in 1876.

As a former QUT graduate, I hold a personal and professional interest in the creation of this program. Our aim is to invest time and energy to inspire the graduates of today to be successful leaders in their field.

Our objective to the QUT Student Internship Program is:

•Providing opportunities for students of different disciplines and from different backgrounds;

•For students to gain real life experience whilst giving students the insight into the business and people that make up the RNA and the varied businesses within the group;

•To assist students with making rewarding business contacts outside the QUT campus; and

•To provide the RNA team with the assistance of high performing students specialising in their business areas.

We look forward to your interest in joining our inaugural 2011 QUT Student Internship Program.

Jonathan Tunny

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Meet our existing QUT Students and former QUT Students, now members of RNA Staff

Our 2011 CPIE Student – Matthew Sweetman joined the Corporate Services department, in February 2011. Matthew is currently completing a Bachelor of Business and is assisting Colleen Blount – Financial Controller in a four-month study/work experience placement. Matthew is working across all facets of Corporate Finance and the objective is for him to experience and attain a comprehensive understanding of the corporate/business environment and Finance’s involvement in its daily operations.

Katherine Johnston was appointed to the newly created position of Media and Communications Officer, reporting to Veronica Carew – Communications Manager. Katherine completed a Bachelor of Business (Double Major – PR and Marketing) from QUT and assisted Veronica in a six-week Internship for the 2010 Royal Queensland Show. Katherine’s role will be responsible for supporting Veronica in identifying, planning and delivering the various communication tools and processes.

Tara Deverall was also appointed to another new position of Competitions Assistant, reporting to Jacqui Sarich – Competitions Officer. Tara will provide administrative support to Jacqui across the 17 competition sectors. The Competitions department is responsible for the 25,000 competition entries for the Royal Queensland Show. Tara completed her Bachelor of Business (Major – Marketing) from QUT.

Louise Steele, HR Administrator has joined the Human Resources/OHS department in a one-year contract role. Louise is currently completing a Bachelor of Business (HR Major) and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science in Psychology from QUT and will be assisting Laura Dodd – Organisational Development Manager and Colette Cattell – Human Resources Executive working three days per week.

Louise is responsible for a broad range of HR administrative tasks, including recruitment for corporate and festival roles, setting-up various HR processes, administering induction programs, training and coordination of the staff newsletter – Peoplebiz.

Ryan Dodd, Software Developer has joined the Corporate Services department (Information Technology) in a six-month contract role. Ryan has completed a Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Architecture Major) from QUT and will be supporting Quentin Stoodley – Systems Manager, with the development, deployment and management of in-house and commercial software applications to support the RNA’s business operations.

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OverviewThe 2011 QUT Student Internship Program is the RNA’s initiative to provide students currently studying an undergraduate degree the opportunity to undertake practical work experience in various departments of the RNA Showgrounds.

The 2011 QUT Student Internship Program will focus on building knowledge of the RNA operations, enhancing students’ communication skills to ensure future effectiveness, corporate business etiquette and protocols and expose students to various internal stakeholders across the business to enhance their industry experience.

This year the program opportunities will be extended to students with the following studies and career interests:

•Human Resources, Health and Safety;

•Construction Management, Engineering or Architecture;

•Building Management, Facilities Management and Maintenance, Surveying;

•Entertainment;

•Public Relations/Communication;

•Marketing;

•Event Management;

•Film Production;

•Arts, Information Management; Historical archiving; and

•Leasing Management.

Considerations•Students are employed on a paid basis;

•The length of placement for each student will be mutually negotiated with the student and the Senior Management representative (of respective department) on the operational needs of the department or project;

•Students must be enrolled at the Queensland University of Technology as an undergraduate in related degrees to the program’s opportunities and;

• Students must be in the third year of studies or above.

Recruitment and Induction ProcedureApplications will open in April 2011, and students are able to commence their placement between April to August (start dates vary according to each department/project).

Expressions of interest should be sent to:

Laura Dodd Organisational Development Manager Human Resources Department RNA Showgrounds 600 Gregory Terrace Bowen Hills Qld 4006

Tel: 07 3253 3912

Email: ldodd@rnashowgrounds.com.au

An application form, including submission details, will be sent to the student to assist with their completion of their application. The closing date for applications is Friday 20 May 2011.

All applications will be reviewed by the Senior Management representative of the department (mentor), in conjunction with Laura Dodd - Organisational Development Manager. A short-list round of interviews will then be held and successful applicant chosen.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will be required to read through and abide by the RNA’s staff policies and procedures.

RNA will then host an internal induction day for all successful QUT interns.

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Benefits

Supervision/Mentoring of Students•Students will be assigned to a Senior Management

representative (mentor) who will assist the student with the tasks they are assigned and to keep the work conducted both relevant and interesting.

•Students will also have the opportunity to gain advice and direction with planning their career.

•Students will be asked to retain a daily record of their activities to report and discuss with their mentor.

Experience•Students’ hours of work experience gained may

count toward their university course.

•Students will be presented with a letter of appreciation and certificate of participation, signed by Jonathan Tunny, Chief Executive.

Attendance at RNA Showground Meetings•Students will be given the opportunity to attend

internal and external meetings (where appropriate) to broaden their exposure on operational aspects and corporate business etiquette.

• Students will also be invited to attend relevant staff social functions, including attendance at an RNA Councillor luncheon.

Training• In addition to mentoring and technical training,

students will be provided with various internal training workshops which may include topics of health and safety, customer service and communication.

Regular Progress Reports and End of QUT Student Internship Feedback•Meetings between the students and Organisational

Development Manager will regularly take place to discuss the progress and to gain feedback on what other areas the students are gaining experience in. At these times the students can provide feedback on the relevance of work assigned and the QUT Student Internship Program in general.

•At the conclusion of the student’s program, students are required to complete a survey form to provide feedback and suggestions of improvement to the program.

•This is an opportunity for the students to represent, develop and improve the QUT Student Internship Program for 2012.

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Opportunities

ENTERTAINMENT

Brendan Christou – Chief Operating Officer BBus QUT MBA Curtin CPA

•RNA operations

•Financial management

• Information technology

•Member services

•RQS and RQFWS coordination of competitions, judges and stewards

Brendan Christou, QUT graduate and CPA, commenced at the RNA in March 2004 as the organisation’s Financial Controller. His role has evolved considerably since then, with increased responsibility seeing him promoted to Corporate Services Manager in 2008 and most recently to Chief Operating Officer in 2009. Brendan’s previous experience spans across the retail, engineering and financial services industries. He completed his Master of Business Administration

from Curtin University in 2008. Brendan is a member of the Brisbane Development Association’s Executive Committee and is Treasurer for the Ambassadors of St John’s Cathedral.

Entertainment at Ekka encompasses the Main Arena Night Time Program ‘Ekka Ignites’, Mini Stages including Fashion Stage, Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show Stage, Animal Arena and the Auditorium venue home to the Cotton and Wool Fashion Parades, Children’s Shows and the Ekka Concert Series. The Ekka entertainment proposition also incorporates the utilisation of roving performers and animal centric entertainment to create the carnival atmosphere throughout the grounds.

Opportunity

Working within the Entertainment team you will have exposure to contracting and budgeting, occupational health and safety specific to performance, performance scheduling, stage management, coordination of daily street parades and ad-hoc promotional activities that arise throughout the event and the event media launch. There will be opportunities to participate in both administrative and functional aspects of the entertainment team. Note – this is not a creative/performance role.

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OpportunitiesCONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, ENGINEERING OR ARCHITECTURE

Steven Grimes Project Director RNA Showgrounds Redevelopment BE Qld

Steven joined the RNA in September 2009 to oversee the Association’s role with its project partner, Lend Lease, in the delivery of the $2.9 billion redevelopment of the RNA Showgrounds. Steven brings with him more than 23 years professional experience in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States delivering award winning, large scale, mixed use developments. Previous positions include Team Leader for Lend Lease Water Alliance on the Gold Coast, Development Operations Manager and Project Director for Actus Lend Lease in the United States.

Opportunity

Reporting to the RNA’s Project Director, you will be part of the Redevelopment team who are driving the $2.9 billion regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds.

Regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds is one of Australia’s largest mixed use property developments ever to be undertaken. As part of the RNA’s redevelopment team you will help create a new vibrant destination for Brisbane and gain a valuable insight into all aspects of this unique project. The skills developed by being a part of this project will be invaluable as all our cities struggle with the challenges of supporting growing populations and the ever increasing demands on infrastructure and services.

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OpportunitiesBUILDING MANAGEMENT, FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE, SURVEYING

Martin Cichero Facilities Manager BSurv UQ Grad Cert (Facility Management) QUT JP (Qual)

•Asset management

•Maintenance

•Gardening

•Stores

Martin, QUT graduate, joined the RNA in July 2009 as Facilities Manager, coordinating the Association’s building, cleaning, maintenance and landscaping services while overseeing the RNA’s 22 full-time facility staff, who combine to maintain the Association’s assets and provide support services to all events. His previous experience includes positions in Survey and Development consultancy companies and the Department of Natural Resources. Martin has spent over a decade maintaining and operating infrastructure for two of Australia’s largest residential communities, Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island Resort.

The Facilities department provides a multiplicity of services for the larger organisation and supports the Events Management department in staging events on site. Service delivery is via a two team combination of ‘In House’ tradesmen and support services staff based on the Client’s specified booking. The services include supply and placement of tables, chairs, partitioning, carpets, stages, audio visual equipment, cleaning and waste disposal. The two teams also combine to complete maintenance tasks across the ground on both buildings and landscaped areas together with external tradesmen. Outsourcing and soft sourcing is used to deliver non core business tasks and where expertise is needed on specialised tasks.

Opportunity

Working with the Facilities department who are responsible for the presentation and maintenance of the 22-hectare Showgrounds, you will have exposure to various contract management processes, through minor work projects. From preparing and specifying scope of works, estimating, budgeting and quality control and opportunities for Drafting/CAD, for constructed plan compilation and infrastructure layouts.

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OpportunitiesCOMMUNICATIONS

Veronica Carew Communications Manager

• Integrated communication strategies and public relations initiatives

•Media and issues management

•Management of internal and external communications

Veronica joined the RNA in April 2010, bringing with her 16 years experience in media and public relations. A strategic corporate communications manager Veronica has nine years experience in the not-for-profit sector at a state and national level developing strategies and campaigns to promote the interests of agriculture, education and the over 50s in the media. Previously Veronica spent eight years working as a journalist and editor in the Australian print media.

The RNA Communications department is responsible for developing and implementing the 2011 Ekka media strategy which involves managing all publicity in the lead-up to and during Ekka. This includes liaising with journalists across television, radio, print and online forums to achieve widespread publicity. It is a unique opportunity to be part of the public relations campaign for the biggest event in Queensland.

Opportunity

Three internships are available for final year communication students, majoring in either Public Relations or Journalism. A full brief is available from Ingrid Larkin, Lecturer, QUT Business School, Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations on 3138 4069 or ik.larkin@qut.edu.au. Applications close on Friday 20 May 2011.

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OpportunitiesHUMAN RESOURCES

Laura Dodd Organisational Development Manager GradDip HR Monash

•Recruitment and Workforce Planning

•Learning and Development

• Industrial Relations

•Change Management

•Occupational Health and Safety

Laura Dodd joined the RNA team in February 2008, bringing with her experience from a number of significant companies including The Just Group and Channel Four Television (UK). Laura’s responsibility is to provide total organisational development support to the RNA and its employees, with particular future focus on the RNA Redevelopment. Laura is currently completing her Masters in Organisational Leadership through Monash University.

Opportunity

Meet the hundreds of casuals that make the great team who put on the Ekka. You will gain experience in supporting the HR team with interviewing, administering employment paperwork, organising staff training and uniform requirements.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety team is responsible for regular hazard inspections, overseeing all workplace health and safety requirements at various events, monitoring and reviewing work processes, process and implement OHS policies and procedures, establishing educational programmes, ensuring company standards and all statuary laws are complied with onsite, and that plant and equipment meet Australian Standards.

Opportunity

Be part of the Ekka OHS team responsible for ensuring the safety of over 400,000 Ekka staff, Exhibitors, Competitors and Patrons. You will gain valuable experience in reviewing risk assessments and work method statements, hazard identification and incident investigation.

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OpportunitiesMARKETING

Justin Grace Marketing and Sponsorship Manager BBus, BA QUT

Justin, QUT graduate, joined the RNA in January 2011 and has a dual qualification from QUT—Bachelor of Business, majoring in Advertising and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Media Studies. He has six years marketing experience in the retail, leisure and food industry. In his previous role as Executive Manager—Communications at Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, his responsibility was the portfolio of media and sponsorship partnerships within the private, media and government organisations.

The RNA Marketing department oversees and implements the full marketing campaign for Ekka each year. This includes working with media partners, creative and media agencies and internal teams to deliver a through-the-line marketing campaign which generates interest and attendance at Ekka. Team members specialise in several areas from marketing through to the digital space and educational elements of the show.

The student will gain work experience in supporting the existing team in aspects of implementing the 2011 Ekka Marketing and Sponsorship campaign. This invaluable experience will help the student in the competitive Marketing industry.

Film Production

The student will primarily work on developing and producing a documentary about the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), its heritage, quirks and its future.

Event Services x 2

An Event or marketing student who is interested in Events Management will work primarily with the Education and Sponsorship teams to assist in delivering event services provided during the course of the Ekka.

Librarian, Information/Record Management, Historical archiving;

An Arts student who is interested in the field of historical information or museum curating, would be exposed to a rich history of RNA archival items and records. The student would be assisting in creating an information record library with a view of a future RNA/Ekka museum.

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OpportunitiesLEASING MANAGEMENT

Don Savage Manager, Royal Queensland Show Leasing Assoc.Dip.E&C SBIT TVOCP

• Promotion, coordination and management of exhibitor, carnival and retail leasing for Ekka

•Coordination and management of RNA operated catering for ‘out of Show’ events

Don Savage joined the RNA team in early 2006 after an extensive career spanning 40 years with Network Ten in Brisbane. During this time he managed the network’s broadcast on-air operation; was Chief Engineer for almost ten years; and Ten’s Pavilion Manager for the duration of World Expo 88 at South Bank.

The Leasing department allocates all carnival, catering and commercial exhibits on the Showgrounds for Ekka. From the smallest lemonade stand to the largest roller coaster on the grounds, the Leasing department oversees the move-in process of a community that gathers from all areas of the country for ten days in August.

A diverse range of fare from hot dogs to gourmet and specialty food is organised to entice the taste buds of the Ekka patrons while enjoying the fun of Queensland’s largest event.

Working with the Royal Queensland Show Leasing department, the student will provide operational and administration assistance with the lead up to, and during the 2011 Ekka. The student will gain experience with marking out exhibition spaces, checking documentation requirements and exhibitor inductions and pass allocations.