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18 July 2007: New Website Encourages Workers to Make the Move

Attracting skilled workers to the Gladstone Region is set to become easier for businesses with a specialised website www.makethemove.info being launched today. A joint initiative between Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL), Rio Tinto Aluminium Community Fund and the Queensland Government, www.makethemove.info is designed to provide up-to-date information on the lifestyle and career benefits of moving to the Gladstone Region. Site users will be able to gain a comprehensive picture of the Gladstone Region with information on educational providers, community and sporting groups, real estate agents, shopping centres and other essential services all available from the one site. It forms an integral part of GAPDL’s Make the Move strategy which focuses on attracting and retaining workers in the Gladstone Region to address current and future skills shortages. Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL) Acting CEO Mr Brent Randall says the main function of the site is to positively influence the decision making process of those considering moving to the region. ‘www.makethemove.info is a tool that businesses, both large and small, within the Gladstone Region can use in their recruitment process,’ Mr Randall said. ‘With the internet playing a vital role in recruitment, businesses will be able to use www.makethemove.info in their recruitment information package as a way of providing potential employees with lifestyle information that will ultimately play an important part in the decision to relocate for work. ‘To ensure the site meets the needs of regional business I encourage people to log onto www.makethemove.info and provide us with any feedback. Rio Tinto Aluminium Community Relations Manager Mr Mitchell Innes said www.makethemove.info was an important tool to assist regional business address skills shortages. "This is the latest partnership the RTA Community Fund has been involved in to assist local businesses meet their recruitment needs," Mr Innes said. "We are proud to be working with GAPDL to promote the benefits of the region to potential employees and their families."

17 July 2007: Alliance Creates New Position

An alliance between Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL) and Discovery Coast Tourism and Commerce (DCTC) 1770 Festival Sub Committee has resulted in the creation of a new position at the Agnes Water Visitor Information Centre. A Tourism and Events Officer will be based at the Agnes Water Visitor Information Centre from August 2007. The officer will manage the visitor information services at the centre and will be the Event Coordinator for the 1770 Commemorative Festival. GAPDL Acting CEO Mr Brent Randall said it’s a win-win situation for GAPDL and DCTC 1770 Festival Sub Committee. ‘GAPDL and DCTC have formed a strong working relationship over many years,’ Mr Randall said. ‘There are many synergies between the two organisations and as such the Tourism and Events Officer will continue to manage the quality service provided through GAPDL’s Agnes Water Visitor Information Centre as well as help manage the 1770 Commemorative Festival. DCTC Chair Helen Hoban says the new position is a great boon for the area. ‘DCTC is delighted to be working with GAPDL on such an important project,’ Mrs Hoban said. ‘DCTC has formed a good relationship with GAPDL and appreciate the work they have done for Agnes Water and Town of 1770.’ Applications are currently being sought for the Tourism and Events Officer. For further information log onto www.gladstoneregion.info

4 July 2007: GAPDL Chairman bids farewell to the Gladstone Region

Economic and tourism achievements for the Gladstone Region will be fondly remembered by outgoing Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited (GAPDL) Chairman Mr Mark Clarke. Mr Clarke tended his resignation from the GAPDL Board on Thursday to pursue business interests in Emerald. ‘With a new business, Newhaven Ford, starting in Emerald it was becoming harder and harder dividing my time between Gladstone and Emerald,’ Mr Clarke said. ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the helm of the GAPDL Board for the past 10 months. ‘While it’s sad to be leaving the GAPDL Board, I am left with many fond memories. ‘I was Chairman of the GAPDL Board from 1994 -1996, so it’s been great to witness the changes GAPDL has made to the region and how the organisation has changed for the better as well. ‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow board directors for their valuable contribution to GAPDL and the Gladstone Region as well as the dedicated staff of GAPDL whose contribution to the economic, tourism and community betterment of the region is unmeasurable,’ he said. GAPDL Acting CEO Mr Brent Randall says Mr Clarke’s dedication to GAPDL will be remembered. ‘Mark is very passionate about the long term growth of the Gladstone Region in both economic development and tourism realms. ‘His personal investment into bettering GAPDL has left our organisation in a strong position for the future,’ he said. Deputy Chairs Mrs Leigh Zimmerlie and Mr Andrew Bauer will head the GAPDL Board until the AGM in late September.

4 July 2007: Salt Says Own Identity Way Forward

Australia’s leading social demographer, Mr Bernard Salt, says Gladstone and the region must continue to create its own identity to keep moving forward. A special guest at GAPDL’s Enterprise Luncheon on Wednesday 18 July 2007, Mr Salt says it’s vital that Gladstone creates its own identity within Queensland. ‘Gladstone must create its own identity,’ Mr Salt said. ‘This can be achieved in a number of ways, but ensuring the Gladstone Region has its own television news service, military base and/or direct flights to and from Sydney is a good start. ‘People within the Gladstone Region need to be the drivers of these initiatives to create their own legacy for the city,’ he said. GAPDL Acting CEO Mr Brent Randall said Mr Salt’s presentation at GAPDL’s Enterprise Luncheon will certainly be a thought provoking one. ‘Mr Salt is one of the eminent commentators regarding changes in society,’ Mr Randall said. ‘His presentation is a must for anyone interested in the growth of the Gladstone Region,’ he said. GAPDL’s Enterprise Luncheon featuring special guest, Mr Bernard Salt will be held on Wednesday 18 July 2007 at Rydges Gladstone from 11.45am. For further information or to book a ticket or table call GAPDL on 49724000. The GAPDL Enterprise Luncheon with special guest Mr Bernard Salt is sponsored by The Gladstone Observer, Foreman Projects, Peet Limited, Hot Print Design, Qantaslink, Reef City Marine, Hot FM, LJ Hooker, SunSuper, Rydges Gladstone, Gladstone Printing Services, The Rock and GCCI.