Manufacturing Minister Dale Last announces marketing campaign with NQ Cowboys to encourage more women into the manufacturing industry

Partnering with the Crisafulli Government, the North Queensland Cowboys are hoping to inspire more regional women to enter the manufacturing sector- like some of their star female players are doing.

Manufacturing Minister Dale Last, NRLW Cowboys player and TAFE student Makenzie Weale and Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel at TAFE Bohle campus, Townsville.

The North Queensland Cowboys are hoping to inspire more regional women to enter the manufacturing sector just like some of their star female players.

Queensland’s Manufacturing Minister Dale Last announced a $120,000 marketing package at the Townsville’s Manufacturing Hub at the Bohle TAFE on Wednesday and said there were great opportunities for women across Queensland in the manufacturing space.

The partnership will see game day advertising at the NRL and NRLW matches at Queensland Country Bank Stadium promoting “trailblazing women” in the industry, hoping to inspire the next generation.

Cowboys NRL chief executive Jeff Reibel, with NRLW Cowboys player Makenzie Weale and Manufacturing Minister Dale Last at the Bohle TAFE campus.

It will also provide business development opportunities for regional manufacturers.

NRLW Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale is scoring tries while also studying at TAFE North Queensland to be a heavy commercial mechanic.

She said there were several players on the team who are in the manufacturing industry.

“[It’s] such an interesting partnership to have to be able to promote,” she said.

Mr Last said he was proud to be working with “such a well known brand” as the Cowboys.

“We’ve got a number of young women who are undertaking courses at the moment that are going to assist them in moving and transitioning into the manufacturing space going forward,” Mr Last said.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Chief Executive Officer Jeff Reibel speaking at TAFE Bohle campus.

He said he hoped the campaign targeted as many women as possible who are wanting to take the next step in their career, or for those just starting out.

“I have a lot of the coal mines in Queensland in my electorate and it’s reassuring for me, refreshing as well, to go out and see all these women now going through the resources sector and working in those coal mines,” Mr Last said.

Mundingburra MP Janelle Poole speaks with TAFE students at the Bohle campus in Townsville.

“There’s so many opportunities here in Townsville … food tech, aeronautic, defence, you name it, Those opportunities are right here in this community.”

North Queensland Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel said it was a “unique and innovative” partnership.

“It’s not only talking about women in manufacturing and promoting women in manufacturing through the eyes of and through engaging with role models and superstars of our NRLW team, but also practically on the ground through our Career Transition Services at Cowboys House,” he said.

“To have women in manufacturing at the forefront and an option for the young ladies as part of NRL Cowboys House is just another element as part of this partnership.”

Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said women were under-represented in technical and trades roles and that she wanted to see that number grow.

“About 180,000 Queenslanders work in manufacturing – but only a quarter of them are women,” Ms Poole said.

“Let’s just remember our young women are already kicking big goals in the manufacturing industry.

“We want that number to grow because the result will be greater innovation and productivity, not just in Townsville, but across Queensland.”

Originally published as Manufacturing Minister Dale Last announces marketing campaign with NQ Cowboys to encourage more women into the manufacturing industry