information pack - the RNA

12011 QUT StudentInternship Program

Table of ContentsChief Executive’s message 2Meet our existing QUT Students and former 3QUT Students, now members of RNA StaffProgram Overview 4Considerations 4Recruitment and Induction Procedure 4Benefits 5Supervision/Mentoring of StudentsExperienceAttendance at RNA Showground MeetingsTrainingRegular Progress Reports and End of QUT Student Internship FeedbackOpportunities 6Entertainment 6Construction Management, Engineering or Architecture 7Building Management, Management and Maintenance, Surveying 8Communications 9Human Resources 10Health and Safety 10Marketing 11Film Production 11Event Services 11Librarian, Information/Record Management, Historical archiving 11Leasing Management 12

2Chief Executive’s MessageOn behalf of The Royal National Agricultural andIndustrial Association of Queensland (RNA) wewelcome you to this unique environment full ofdiversity, history and tradition of over 130 years.The people of the RNA are integral to the successand future of the Association and are charged with theunique responsibility of ensuring the success of theEkka into the future.The RNA was established in 1875 with the purposeof providing an opportunity for country and urbanresidents to celebrate together by putting on the firstever Queensland Inter-colonial Exhibition. The missionof the Association, which remains the same today,was to promote and encourage the developmentof the agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, industrial,manufacturing and cultural resources of the State ofQueensland.Today the RNA represents around 5,000 membersand the RNA Showgrounds hosts not only the Ekkabut 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 firstshow back in 1876.As a former QUT graduate, I hold a personal andprofessional interest in the creation of this program.Our aim is to invest time and energy to inspire thegraduates of today to be successful leaders in theirfield.Our objective to the QUT Student InternshipProgram is:• Providing opportunities for students of differentdisciplines and from different backgrounds;• For students to gain real life experience whilst givingstudents the insight into the business and peoplethat make up the RNA and the varied businesseswithin the group;• To assist students with making rewarding businesscontacts outside the QUT campus; and• To provide the RNA team with the assistance of highperforming students specialising in their businessareas.We look forward to your interest in joining ourinaugural 2011 QUT Student Internship Program.Jonathan Tunny

3Meet our existing QUT Students and formerQUT Students, now members of RNA StaffOur 2011 CPIE Student – Matthew Sweetman joined the Corporate Servicesdepartment, in February 2011. Matthew is currently completing a Bachelor of Businessand is assisting Colleen Blount – Financial Controller in a four-month study/workexperience placement. Matthew is working across all facets of Corporate Finance andthe objective is for him to experience and attain a comprehensive understanding of thecorporate/business environment and Finance’s involvement in its daily operations.Katherine Johnston was appointed to the newly created position of Media andCommunications Officer, reporting to Veronica Carew – Communications Manager.Katherine completed a Bachelor of Business (Double Major – PR and Marketing) fromQUT 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 anddelivering 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 supportto Jacqui across the 17 competition sectors. The Competitions department is responsiblefor the 25,000 competition entries for the Royal Queensland Show. Tara completed herBachelor of Business (Major – Marketing) from QUT.Louise Steele, HR Administrator has joined the Human Resources/OHS department ina 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 assistingLaura Dodd – Organisational Development Manager and Colette Cattell – HumanResources Executive working three days per week.Louise is responsible for a broad range of HR administrative tasks, including recruitmentfor corporate and festival roles, setting-up various HR processes, administering inductionprograms, 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 ofInformation Technology (Software Architecture Major) from QUT and will be supportingQuentin Stoodley – Systems Manager, with the development, deployment andmanagement of in-house and commercial software applications to support the RNA’sbusiness operations.

4OverviewThe 2011 QUT Student Internship Program is theRNA’s initiative to provide students currently studyingan undergraduate degree the opportunity to undertakepractical work experience in various departments ofthe RNA Showgrounds.The 2011 QUT Student Internship Program willfocus on building knowledge of the RNA operations,enhancing students’ communication skills to ensurefuture effectiveness, corporate business etiquette andprotocols and expose students to various internalstakeholders across the business to enhance theirindustry experience.This year the program opportunities will be extendedto students with the following studies and careerinterests:• Human Resources, Health and Safety;• Construction Management, Engineering orArchitecture;• Building Management, Facilities Management andMaintenance, 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 willbe mutually negotiated with the student and theSenior Management representative (of respectivedepartment) on the operational needs of thedepartment or project;• Students must be enrolled at the QueenslandUniversity of Technology as an undergraduate inrelated degrees to the program’s opportunities and;• Students must be in the third year of studies or above.Recruitment andInduction ProcedureApplications will open in April 2011, and studentsare able to commence their placement betweenApril to August (start dates vary according to eachdepartment/project).Expressions of interest should be sent to:Laura DoddOrganisational Development ManagerHuman Resources DepartmentRNA Showgrounds600 Gregory TerraceBowen Hills Qld 4006Tel: 07 3253 3912Email: ldodd@rnashowgrounds.com.auAn application form, including submission details,will be sent to the student to assist with theircompletion of their application. The closing date forapplications is Friday 20 May 2011.All applications will be reviewed by the SeniorManagement representative of the department(mentor), in conjunction with Laura Dodd -Organisational Development Manager. A short-listround of interviews will then be held and successfulapplicant chosen.Prior to commencement, the successful applicant willbe required to read through and abide by the RNA’sstaff policies and procedures.RNA will then host an internal induction day for allsuccessful QUT interns.

5BenefitsSupervision/Mentoring of Students• Students will be assigned to a Senior Managementrepresentative (mentor) who will assist the studentwith the tasks they are assigned and to keep thework conducted both relevant and interesting.• Students will also have the opportunity to gainadvice and direction with planning their career.• Students will be asked to retain a daily recordof their activities to report and discuss with theirmentor.Experience• Students’ hours of work experience gained maycount toward their university course.• Students will be presented with a letter ofappreciation and certificate of participation, signedby Jonathan Tunny, Chief Executive.Attendance at RNA Showground Meetings• Students will be given the opportunity to attendinternal and external meetings (where appropriate) tobroaden their exposure on operational aspects andcorporate business etiquette.• Students will also be invited to attend relevant staff socialfunctions, including attendance at an RNA Councillorluncheon.Training• In addition to mentoring and technical training,students will be provided with various internaltraining workshops which may include topicsof health and safety, customer service andcommunication.Regular Progress Reports and End of QUTStudent Internship Feedback• Meetings between the students and OrganisationalDevelopment Manager will regularly take place todiscuss the progress and to gain feedback on whatother areas the students are gaining experience in.At these times the students can provide feedbackon the relevance of work assigned and the QUTStudent Internship Program in general.• At the conclusion of the student’s program, studentsare required to complete a survey form to providefeedback and suggestions of improvement to theprogram.• This is an opportunity for the students to represent,develop and improve the QUT Student InternshipProgram for 2012.

6OpportunitiesENTERTAINMENTBrendan Christou –Chief Operating OfficerBBus QUT MBA Curtin CPA• RNA operations• Financial management• Information technology• Member services• RQS and RQFWS coordination of competitions,judges and stewardsBrendan Christou, QUT graduate and CPA,commenced at the RNA in March 2004 as theorganisation’s Financial Controller. His role has evolvedconsiderably since then, with increased responsibilityseeing him promoted to Corporate Services Managerin 2008 and most recently to Chief Operating Officerin 2009. Brendan’s previous experience spans acrossthe retail, engineering and financial services industries.He completed his Master of Business Administrationfrom Curtin University in 2008. Brendan is a memberof the Brisbane Development Association’s ExecutiveCommittee and is Treasurer for the Ambassadors of StJohn’s Cathedral.Entertainment at Ekka encompasses the Main ArenaNight Time Program ‘Ekka Ignites’, Mini Stagesincluding Fashion Stage, Royal Queensland Food andWine Show Stage, Animal Arena and the Auditoriumvenue home to the Cotton and Wool Fashion Parades,Children’s Shows and the Ekka Concert Series. TheEkka entertainment proposition also incorporatesthe utilisation of roving performers and animal centricentertainment to create the carnival atmospherethroughout the grounds.OpportunityWorking within the Entertainment team you will haveexposure to contracting and budgeting, occupationalhealth and safety specific to performance,performance scheduling, stage management,coordination of daily street parades and ad-hocpromotional activities that arise throughout theevent and the event media launch. There will beopportunities to participate in both administrative andfunctional aspects of the entertainment team. Note –this is not a creative/performance role.

7OpportunitiesCONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT,ENGINEERING OR ARCHITECTUREOpportunityReporting to the RNA’s Project Director, you will bepart of the Redevelopment team who are driving the$2.9 billion regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds.Steven GrimesProject DirectorRNA Showgrounds RedevelopmentBE QldSteven joined the RNA in September 2009 to overseethe Association’s role with its project partner, LendLease, in the delivery of the $2.9 billion redevelopmentof the RNA Showgrounds. Steven brings with himmore than 23 years professional experience inAustralia, the United Kingdom and the United Statesdelivering award winning, large scale, mixed usedevelopments. Previous positions include TeamLeader for Lend Lease Water Alliance on the GoldCoast, Development Operations Manager and ProjectDirector for Actus Lend Lease in the United States.Regeneration of the RNA Showgrounds is one ofAustralia’s largest mixed use property developmentsever to be undertaken. As part of the RNA’sredevelopment team you will help create a newvibrant destination for Brisbane and gain a valuableinsight into all aspects of this unique project. Theskills developed by being a part of this project will beinvaluable as all our cities struggle with the challengesof supporting growing populations and the everincreasing demands on infrastructure and services.

8OpportunitiesBUILDING MANAGEMENT, FACILITIES MANAGEMENTAND MAINTENANCE, SURVEYINGMartin CicheroFacilities ManagerBSurv UQ Grad Cert (Facility Management)QUT JP (Qual)• Asset management• Maintenance• Gardening• StoresMartin, QUT graduate, joined the RNA in July 2009as Facilities Manager, coordinating the Association’sbuilding, cleaning, maintenance and landscapingservices while overseeing the RNA’s 22 full-time facilitystaff, who combine to maintain the Association’sassets and provide support services to all events.His previous experience includes positions in Surveyand Development consultancy companies and theDepartment of Natural Resources. Martin has spentover a decade maintaining and operating infrastructurefor two of Australia’s largest residential communities,Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island Resort.The Facilities department provides a multiplicity ofservices for the larger organisation and supports theEvents Management department in staging events onsite. Service delivery is via a two team combinationof ‘In House’ tradesmen and support services staffbased on the Client’s specified booking. The servicesinclude supply and placement of tables, chairs,partitioning, carpets, stages, audio visual equipment,cleaning and waste disposal. The two teams alsocombine to complete maintenance tasks acrossthe ground on both buildings and landscaped areastogether with external tradesmen. Outsourcing andsoft sourcing is used to deliver non core businesstasks and where expertise is needed on specialisedtasks.OpportunityWorking with the Facilities department who areresponsible for the presentation and maintenance ofthe 22-hectare Showgrounds, you will have exposureto various contract management processes, throughminor work projects. From preparing and specifyingscope of works, estimating, budgeting and qualitycontrol and opportunities for Drafting/CAD, forconstructed plan compilation and infrastructurelayouts.

9OpportunitiesCOMMUNICATIONSThe RNA Communications department is responsiblefor developing and implementing the 2011 Ekka mediastrategy which involves managing all publicity in thelead-up to and during Ekka. This includes liaising withjournalists across television, radio, print and onlineforums to achieve widespread publicity. It is a uniqueopportunity to be part of the public relations campaignfor the biggest event in Queensland.Veronica CarewCommunications Manager• Integrated communication strategies and publicrelations initiatives• Media and issues management• Management of internal and external communicationsVeronica joined the RNA in April 2010, bringing withher 16 years experience in media and public relations.A strategic corporate communications managerVeronica has nine years experience in the not-forprofitsector at a state and national level developingstrategies and campaigns to promote the interests ofagriculture, education and the over 50s in the media.Previously Veronica spent eight years working as ajournalist and editor in the Australian print media.OpportunityThree internships are available for final yearcommunication students, majoring in either PublicRelations or Journalism. A full brief is availablefrom Ingrid Larkin, Lecturer, QUT Business School,Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations on3138 4069 or ik.larkin@qut.edu.au. Applicationsclose on Friday 20 May 2011.

10OpportunitiesHUMAN RESOURCESOpportunityMeet the hundreds of casuals that make the greatteam who put on the Ekka. You will gain experiencein supporting the HR team with interviewing,administering employment paperwork, organising stafftraining and uniform requirements.Health and SafetyLaura DoddOrganisational Development ManagerGradDip HR Monash• Recruitment and Workforce Planning• Learning and Development• Industrial Relations• Change Management• Occupational Health and SafetyLaura Dodd joined the RNA team in February 2008,bringing with her experience from a number ofsignificant companies including The Just Group andChannel Four Television (UK). Laura’s responsibility isto provide total organisational development supportto the RNA and its employees, with particular futurefocus on the RNA Redevelopment. Laura is currentlycompleting her Masters in Organisational Leadershipthrough Monash University.The Health and Safety team is responsible for regularhazard inspections, overseeing all workplace healthand safety requirements at various events, monitoringand reviewing work processes, process andimplement OHS policies and procedures, establishingeducational programmes, ensuring companystandards and all statuary laws are complied withonsite, and that plant and equipment meet AustralianStandards.OpportunityBe part of the Ekka OHS team responsible forensuring the safety of over 400,000 Ekka staff,Exhibitors, Competitors and Patrons. You will gainvaluable experience in reviewing risk assessments andwork method statements, hazard identification andincident investigation.

11OpportunitiesMARKETINGThe student will gain work experience in supportingthe existing team in aspects of implementing the2011 Ekka Marketing and Sponsorship campaign.This invaluable experience will help the student in thecompetitive Marketing industry.Film ProductionJustin GraceMarketing and Sponsorship ManagerBBus, BA QUTJustin, QUT graduate, joined the RNA in January 2011and has a dual qualification from QUT—Bachelorof Business, majoring in Advertising and Bachelorof Arts, majoring in Media Studies. He has six yearsmarketing experience in the retail, leisure and foodindustry. In his previous role as Executive Manager—Communications at Royal Children’s HospitalFoundation, his responsibility was the portfolio ofmedia and sponsorship partnerships within the private,media and government organisations.The RNA Marketing department oversees andimplements the full marketing campaign for Ekkaeach year. This includes working with media partners,creative and media agencies and internal teams todeliver a through-the-line marketing campaign whichgenerates interest and attendance at Ekka. Teammembers specialise in several areas from marketingthrough to the digital space and educational elementsof the show.The student will primarily work on developingand producing a documentary about the RoyalQueensland Show (Ekka), its heritage, quirks and itsfuture.Event Services x 2An Event or marketing student who is interestedin Events Management will work primarily with theEducation and Sponsorship teams to assist indelivering event services provided during the course ofthe Ekka.Librarian, Information/RecordManagement, Historical archiving;An Arts student who is interested in the field ofhistorical information or museum curating, would beexposed to a rich history of RNA archival items andrecords. The student would be assisting in creating aninformation record library with a view of a future RNA/Ekka museum.

12OpportunitiesLEASING MANAGEMENTThe Leasing department allocates all carnival, cateringand commercial exhibits on the Showgrounds forEkka. From the smallest lemonade stand to thelargest roller coaster on the grounds, the Leasingdepartment oversees the move-in process of acommunity that gathers from all areas of the countryfor ten days in August.Don SavageManager, Royal Queensland Show LeasingAssoc.Dip.E&C SBIT TVOCP• Promotion, coordination and management ofexhibitor, carnival and retail leasing for Ekka• Coordination and management of RNA operatedcatering for ‘out of Show’ eventsDon Savage joined the RNA team in early 2006 afteran extensive career spanning 40 years with NetworkTen in Brisbane. During this time he managed thenetwork’s broadcast on-air operation; was ChiefEngineer for almost ten years; and Ten’s PavilionManager for the duration of World Expo 88 at SouthBank.A diverse range of fare from hot dogs to gourmetand specialty food is organised to entice the tastebuds of the Ekka patrons while enjoying the fun ofQueensland’s largest event.Working with the Royal Queensland Show Leasingdepartment, the student will provide operational andadministration assistance with the lead up to, andduring the 2011 Ekka. The student will gain experiencewith marking out exhibition spaces, checkingdocumentation requirements and exhibitor inductionsand pass allocations.