New president of study cairns

HAND OVER

Last updated: 17/11/2022, 10:00:00 (AEST)

Executive Committee: David Craig (front left) with Nami Matsuoka, Danielle Carey, Janine Bowmaker (Treasurer), Sophie Costi (Vice President), Frank Lanza (Secretary), Samara Lever, Jodie Duignan-George, Joy Jenkins and Sarah Mort.

A new era has begun at Study Cairns as well-known President, Janine Bowmaker, hands over the reins to David Craig, Director (International) – JCU.

On the same day that Study Cairns celebrated its 25th birthday, with a function attended by many who were instrumental in the establishment of the International Education Student cluster organisation, Janine Bowmaker stepped down from her role as President, handing over the role to another well-known identity in the Cairns Education Sector, JCU’s David Craig.

At the helm for three years, Janine Bowmaker led Study Cairns through what was arguably the most difficult time for international students to be in Cairns. Changing the focus from promoting Cairns as a study destination to caring for international students who needed support during the pandemic, and earning Ms Bowmaker a special award from Cairns Regional Council at this year’s Citizenship ceremony.

‘It has been an absolute privilege to be President of Study Cairns,’ said Ms Bowmaker, who is also the owner of Banora International Group, an organisation that specialises in study tours. ‘But I’m not going anywhere and I’ll remain on the Executive Committee to continue supporting the industry however I can. It’s time, however, to refocus on my own business and my family, and to play a supporting role wherever I can.’

David Craig is thrilled to take on the role of President.

‘I acknowledge the incredible amount of work that Janine has personally devoted to ensuring the international student sector remains strong, and we are all pleased that she will remain on the Executive Committee to retain continuity within the organisation.’

‘It is an exciting time for the industry as the sector bounces back globally, and I’m looking forward to the projects Study Cairns has planned for 2023. We are in a very positive position, thanks mainly to the hard work that has been done over the past few years.’

In a day of celebration, the AGM was followed by an official event to mark the 25th Anniversary of the formation of Study Cairns. Originally formed in 1997 as one of the initial Cairns industry clusters under CREDC (Cairns Regional Economic Development Committee), Study Cairns is recognised as one of the oldest International Student Clusters in Australia.

The event was attended by many who have played a significant part in the continuation of Study Cairns, and is responsible for supporting an industry that attracts 32,000 international students a year (post-Covid), with an estimated annual economic input of $130million.

The Executive Committee of Study Cairns now consists of David Craig (President), Sophie Costi (Vice-President), Frank Lanza (Secretary) and Janine Bowmaker (Treasurer). They are joined by fellow committee members Jodie Duignan-George, Sarah Mort, Danielle Carey, Joy Jenkins, Nami Matsuoka and Samara Dever.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CELEBRATION, OR THE NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PLEASE CONTACT:
Linda Cooper – 0419 656 995 - gm@studycairns.com.au