CEO UPDATE
Workforce shortages across hospitality is an issue almost every business would have faced at some point in the past few years. And it is one which isn’t going to disappear any time soon. Since the pandemic and the loss of seasonal Visa workers who helped fill voids across a range of occupations within the industry, we know operators have struggled to consistently keep rosters full. The THA continues to invest heavily in workforce development programs to promote the sector as a viable, exciting and rewarding career choice but recently we also joined forced with other industry partners to re-establish the Tasmanian Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Advisory Committee (THWAC), uniting to provide the state Government with a roadmap to address this issue. The committee, consisting of Aaron Devine (Chair) – CEO, Ohana for Youth, Arcadia College and Ohana College, John Dabner – GM, Tall Timbers Tasmania, Karen Burbury – CEO and ED, Eski Group, Bianca Welsh – co-owner, Stillwater, Tara Howell – Founder and Director, Blue Derby Pods Ride, Amy Hills – TICT CEO and myself, is industry led and has a remit to advise Government, informed by on the-ground- feedback, on the future of skills and workplace development. Following the group’s second meeting in November, three areas of focus were agreed upon to improve: • worker attraction and retention in the tourism and hospitality sector
• critical skills and training gaps impacting the workforce right now • funding allocation and focus areas of the Tasmanian Government Watch this space from 2024 and beyond as we ramp up our efforts to ensure we continue to keep this industry vibrant and strong. Despite the challenges our industry keeps staring down, there is plenty to look forward to in 2024. Our membership team have been busy piecing together an events calendar that will see more engagement with venues than ever before, while we continue to formalise agreements with new corporate partners who bring with them some great offerings to our membership base. I want to thank our president Ben Carpenter and the rest of the THA board for their commitment throughout this year, as always it has been great to hear a wide range of views and opinions put forward on how to advance the industry forward. Thank you also to all my staff who strive to make our people and businesses the best in the country by equipping them with the knowledge and tools for success.
Wishing everyone a great Christmas and safe New Year.
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