Mark Callaghan’s Welcome

Dear WorldSkills Supporter,

On Monday the 9th of August everyone associated with WorldSkills Australia was saddened by the news that Steve Hornery had passed away.

Steve was a long serving member of the WorldSkills Australia family – beginning his involvement in 1982 as a Regional Committee member at the first WSA regional competitions. Over the next 28 years, he held a variety of roles including those of regional and national competition judge, category convenor, International Expert and Chief Expert and TAFE NSW WorldSkills Manager. Many people will remember Steve for his tireless efforts as a Site Coordinator during WorldSkills Australia National Competitions and it was less than three months ago that Steve was again putting in long hours in Brisbane to ensure that all competitors at the 2010 National Competition were provided with the optimum conditions in which to showcase their skills.

Steve was an exceptional, caring, positive and hard working man who had an impact on many people as evidenced by the many messages we have received from around Australia and indeed from around the world. He continually volunteered his time to inspire young Australians through his efforts in promoting Vocational Education and Training – either through the competition process, skills development camps, Try’aTrade/Taste of TAFE events or the many other events that he was involved in.

I am sure everyone involved with WSA will join with me in extending our deepest sympathy to Steve’s wife Kaye, to his children Nicole and Daniel and to all his family.

He will be sadly missed by all of us who have had the privilege of knowing him and who have been touched by his dedication, energy, enthusiasm and love of life.

Vale Steve Hornery.

For a many years now Steve and Kaye Hornery have spent countless hours/days/weeks working on their property creating beautiful gardens and surrounds in what Steve called “Gods country.”

Both Steve and Kaye have had a dream of opening their home and Gardens to the public as a way of fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation in honour of their late granddaughter Molly.

This dream has come true; The Hornery residence will be open for the public to spend a beautiful day in the Hunter Valley with entertainment, light refreshments and sausage sizzle.

When: Saturday 9th October, 09.00am to 2.00pm
Where: 31 Pothana Lane, Belford (In the Hunter)
Details: A donation on entry is kindly asked and all proceeds will be donated to
the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation.

Please join with us in making a dream come true. If you are unable to attend this day and would like to donate to this wonderful cause please log on to www.mdaustralia.org.au

If you have any further queries please contact Michelle Hardy at the national office on 03 9249 1000 or mhardy@worldskills.org.au

Regional representatives from the 30 regions across Australia will be attending the 2010 WorldSkills Australia Regional Workshop held in Adelaide from 22nd-24th October.

Delegates attending the workshop will discuss key areas of WorldSkills Australia in view of providing and receiving crucial information to ensure the ongoing development of both the National organisation and Regional committees.

Discussion points for this workshop include, but are not limited to topics such as National Competition review and planning, WSA Sponsorship, 2011 Team Australia Skillaroos, 2011 Regional Competitions, Marketing and Communications, Finances, VETiS, Try’aTrade and strategic goals.

At the culmination of the workshop, regional contacts will listen to Youth Forum delegates report on their goals, key findings and strategies to lead WorldSkills Australia into a successful future.

For the first time in WorldSkills Australia’s history we are bringing past WorldSkills Competitors together for a Youth Forum.

The Inaugural WorldSkills Australia Youth Forum 2010 to be held in Adelaide from 21st – 24th October 2010 will allow WorldSkills Australia Champions to help shape the future of WorldSkills Australia.

Read more on the Youth Forum.

A Skillaroos ‘train on’ squad will be announced in early September with a formal team announcement due to be made in November 2010. We look forward to keeping everyone updated with regard to the 2011 Team Australia Skillaroos and, in particular, introducing everyone to these worthy Australian representatives after the team is formally announced in November.

Preparations for the 41st WorldSkills Competition in London are well underway. The WorldSkills London 2011 Organising Committee and WorldSkills International are working in close partnership with a goal of building on the success of previous competitions.

Competition will be held over 4 days from the 5th of October through to the 8th of October – just a year before the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For more information please visit the WorldSkills London 2011 website.

Recently at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition Brisbane 2010, WorldSkills Australia partnered with Dusseldorp Skills Forum and RMIT University and asked competitors and judges to complete an online survey which aims to study vocational excellence. There was a significant level of participation providing WSA/DSF/RMIT with a more comprehensive picture.

Read More on the MoVE Research Project.

We kindly ask for all trainers, employers and families to take the time and go online to complete the survey. We thank you in advance for your time.

Toyota Australia's parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), is Japan's largest vehicle manufacturer and one of the largest automotive companies in the world and employs approximately 299,394 people worldwide.

Established in 1937, the Toyota Group manufactures automobiles in 27 countries and regions throughout the world and its vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions under the Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino brands. 

After over 50 years in Australia, Toyota has grown to be one of Australia's leading automotive companies. But Toyota's focus is looking ahead.  Its many years of experience is just a foundation for a bigger and brighter future for everyone. Toyota leads the automobile industry in environmental technologies with the success of the hybrid technology in the Prius. Fuel cell vehicles are also in development.

Toyota Australia has proudly supported WorldSkills Australia AutoBody Repair Category for our National Competitions since 2008 and has committed to support the WorldSkills Australia National Competition 2012. This partnership is an integral part of our National Competition and we are delighted at Toyota’s continued support.