About Us

Since 2003 Goondiwindi Training and Technology (GTT) has been successfully providing innovative training and development opportunities to individuals, businesses and organisations throughout the Border Rivers region. In 2010 GTT expanded its operation into South West Queensland, opening an office in Cunnamulla.

As a grassroots driven not for profit entity, GTT provides flexible and responsive learning opportunities for the community. It offers a wide range of industry courses to keep local employees and jobseekers updated and up-skilled, while GTT's recreational courses present wonderful opportunities for those with a passion for self improvement or a desire to learn a specific skill.

In addition to training, GTT provides access to modern specialised facilities for workshops, seminars, meetings and conferences for businesses and organisations on a fee for service basis.

GTT also delivers a number of successful employment and alternative education initiatives on behalf of Commonwealth and State Government Departments.

GTT is owned and managed by the incorporated not for profit community based organisation Goondiwindi SILO (Schools Industry Links Outreach) Inc which was established in 1999.

2010 Management Committee

The SILO Committee comprises of 11 members representing education, industry and the local community who committed to creating rural training and employment opportunities as well as passionate about building the capacity of our community.

President:	Betsy Turner
Vice President:	Brett Hallett
Treasurer:	Bruce McCollum
Secretary:	Marilyn Sinclair
Executive Officer:	Esme Cairns
Committee Members:	Sue McCollum, Phil O'Shea, Anna Power, Dick Sudholz, Dot Sudholz and Julia Telford

Goondiwindi SILO Inc welcomes new members who wish to contribute to the organisation's strong links with industry and education within the community. To become a member you are required to pay an annual fee of $5 and be nominated by a current member. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact the Executive Officer on 0746 712258 or info@gttc.com.au

Staff

Esme Cairns	Executive Officer Esme has been involved with the organisation since it began in 1999, first as a foundation member of the Management Committee and then as Executive Officer from 2004. Her role is to work on the business rather than in the business, overseeing the operations and human, physical and financial resources of the business to ensure its commercial viability and long term sustainability. Esme is a great advocate for GTT as well as the region, believing that the enhancement of GTT's capacity to deliver will have a direct benefit to building the capacity of the region. With her experience and qualifications in training, youth work and business management, along with her extensive community involvement, Esme is well positioned and privileged to lead the enthusiastic and dedicated GTT team.
Mary Bourke	Youth Connections Manager - Goondiwindi Drawing on her broad experience of working in education, health and marketing Mary brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her role as Youth Connections Manager. Mary is actively involved in a variety of local community organisations and sporting clubs, both as a player and parent. Her strong connections with local businesses opens many opportunities for GTT's clients. Mary is currently completing a Certificate IV in Youth Work as well as her Trainer and Assessor qualification.
Jessica Cairns	Finance Officer Jessica works in a part time capacity at GTT to undertake the financial responsibilities for the business. Her expertise and experience from working with a local firm of accountants as well as her attention to detail ensures that the organisation's compliance and bookkeeping is well under control.
Arthur Griffith	Groundsman Arthur is responsible for GTT's immaculate grounds and amenities. His tireless dedication and hard work ensures that GTT always presents as a professional place of learning.
Michelle Smith	Get Set for Work Coordinator Michelle's experience and qualifications in the community service sector and training provided a solid foundation for her role as Get Set for Work Coordinator and helping prepare young people for work. Michelle is passionate about working on the land and delights in the practical hands on aspect of her position, especially when dealing with machinery, stock and her beloved polocrosse horses. Her ability to quickly establish a rapport with the young people and her easy going can do attitude makes her a great role model for her students.
Karen Ticehurst	Youth Connections Manager - Cunnamulla With a Bachelor of Science - Applied Psychology and an extensive background of working with families and youth, Karen is the ideal person to be rolling out the Youth Connections program in Cunnamulla. As part of her Local Community Partnership role, Karen has worked closely with industry, education providers and young people over the last six years to facilitate successful transitions and career guidance for young people. Karen is passionate about her community and is currently the Deputy Mayor of the Paroo Council.
Amy Tweedy	Training Coordinator After studying and working in Brisbane for ten years, Amy has returned home to once again enjoy rural living. Amy is a highly motivated, enthusiastic and confident person who has a dynamic work ethic. Her exceptional organisational and project management skills along with her attention to detail make Amy an outstanding Training Coordinator for GTT. With well developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, Amy is able to effectively deal with a range of stakeholders including trainers, employers and service providers to facilitate responsive training in our community.
Michelle Wallace	IT Support IT Michelle oversees GTT's information technology network and keeps the system and its users on track. Michelle also designs and manages GTT's website and provides expert advice and guidance on the organisation's technology requirements. Along with her IT qualifications, including Education Queensland's Orange Card Accreditation, Michelle is a qualified trainer and assessor who has designed and delivered tailored IT short courses to both staff and clients.

A Concise History of the GTT

1999:	Goondiwindi SILO (Schools/Industry Links Outreach) formed out of a community initiative and commitment to offer rural industry training and opportunities to local school students Catherine O'Sullivan is elected as the inaugural President of the management committee
2001:	SILO becomes an incorporated not-for-profit entity
2003:	Goondiwindi Training and Technology Centre construction begins and is completed by October Louise Lye is appointed as Centre Manager Mike Beeston is elected as President of the management committee Doors are open to offer a range of training and educational facilities to schools, businesses and individuals
2004:	Esme Cairns appointed as the GTT Executive Officer
2006:	Macintyre Alternative Training and Education (MATE) and Get Set for Work (GSFW) programs run for the first time and are a resounding success Bruce McCollum is elected as President of the management committee
2009:	GTT is successful in gaining funding to deliver a Productivity Places Program based on hospitality as well as sourcing funding for a First Start trainee
2010:	GTT opens an office in Cunnamulla Betsy Turner is elected SILO President GTT delivers the Youth Connections program across the footprint of Goondiwindi Regional Council, Paroo, Balonne and Bulloo Shires Goondiwindi Training and Technology continues to grow, offering more courses, enhanced programs and improved facilities to cater for a burgeoning rural community!