Name: Lisa McDonald
Position: Economic Development Manager
Contact Details:
Ph: +61 7 4726 2766
E-mail: lisam@tel.com.au
Projects/Responsibilities:
Background:
I started out in Agriculture with a degree and PhD in farming systems. I came to North Queensland to work in the sugar industry and did a range of projects focussing on improving efficiencies across the sugar value chain.
I became interested in the world outside of agriculture and did an MBA at James Cook University. This ultimately led to an interest in the area of regional economic development. It’s an exciting time to be working in the Economic Development group at Townsville Enterprise, the region is growing rapidly and our economy is very diverse. There are so many opportunities for this region to grow in a sustainable way and Townsville Enterprise is at the forefront of encouraging new developments.
What I like about North Queensland:
Townsville has a great lifestyle; we live in a great part of the world. I also like the laid back approach of the people here, we are lucky to be able to combine a dynamic economy with a relaxed lifestyle.
I really admire the community spirit of the people in Townsville, there are always heaps of people involved in any large public events and the councils have developed some great outdoor spaces for people to meet.
Position: Senior Business Development Manager
Contact Details:
Ph: +61 7 4726 2756Projects/Responsibilities:
What I like about North Queensland:
Having returned from a short stint in South East Queensland, I am certainly glad to be back in North Queensland. The people are friendlier and travelling to work each morning is a breeze. I particularly enjoy the variety of free public entertainment and events and the quality dining options. My family and friends enjoy visiting me here as there is always somewhere new to explore and the variety of water park options keep the kids amused.
There is certainly a buzz in the air in North Queensland and I am excited to be a part of the further development of this prosperous destination.
Name: Mark Lewis
Position: Business Development Executive
Contact Details:
Ph: +61 7 4726 2757Projects/Responsibilities:
Background:
After more than ten years in the Australian Regular Army and various jobs in Australia and overseas I studied at James Cook University, obtaining a Bachelor of Tourism Management (Hons), before taking up a position with the Townsville Enterprise Economic Development Team.
What I like about North Queensland:
Townsville is large enough that it has all the services, entertainment and facilities my family needs while not being overcrowded. The greater region has so many interesting places to visit and things to do that you can never be bored. Most of all though, are the opportunities in education and employment for my kids. Whatever it is they decide to do in their lives, they will be able to it here if they want to.
Position: Economic Development Project Coordinator
Contact Details:
Ph: +61 7 4726 2751Projects/Responsibilities:
Background:
I moved to Magnetic Island from central New South Wales with my family in 1988. I attended primary school on the Island and travelled to and from Townsville for High School – Townsville Grammar School. Once graduating, I spent my first year at James Cook University studying Tourism. I then travelled and worked in England for two years and once returning, realised that a Business Degree would be more beneficial in fulfilling my future aspirations. I graduated in March 2007 with a Bachelor of Business Majoring in International Business.
I have been working alongside the Economic Development Team at Townsville Enterprise since December 2006.
What I like about North Queensland:
Magnetic Island, it is the most magnificent place to grow up.
Contact Details:
Ph: +61 7 4726 2735
E-mail: greg@tel.com.au
Projects/Responsibilities:
Background:
I am at the final stage of a double degree of a Bachelor in Business Administration in European Management.
Actually completing a four-year program, two in France and two in England, my role for this six-month work experience is to learn the different issues of project management within the Economic Development Team and to develop a better understanding of the Australian, and more closely, the North Queensland economy.
My previous work experience is a long period internship in the Waste Industry in the South of France, where I was in charge of government tenders.
What I like about North Queensland:
Townsville is from my European point of view, a really nice place to live and work with a living cultural and sporting community. Of course the weather is gorgeous and the atmosphere is perfectly balanced between a laid back lifestyle and very challenging job positions.
The impressive development of a very competitive economic sector combined with an enchanting natural environment is to please even the most skeptical of us.
Aussies in general and North Queenslanders in particular, have been warmly welcoming and helpful in many ways and became good mates really quickly. Townsville is a really great place to discover and live.