Cairns education cluster wins industry accolades

Cairns education cluster Study Cairns last night collected a prestigious award for their leading
role in Queensland's international education sector.

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said last night's Queensland Education and Training International Awards for Excellence were held to recognise the State's top achievers in the international education and training sector, with Study Cairns one of 16 award recipients.

Study Cairns is an education and tourism network representing organisations, institutions and business in Cairns that are dedicated to providing help and support to students in the Cairns region.

The network won the award for Outstanding Industry Support.

"One of Study Cairns' main achievements during the last 12 months was the launch of its International Strategic Marketing Plan, which has seen the delivery of an education agent familiarisation tour of the region as well as upgrading the Study Cairns brochure marketing collateral," Ms Boyle said.

"The international education industry is valued at more than $2 billion and Study Cairns is helping the Far North to increase our slice of this sector which is great for the region and great for jobs and I thank them for their dedication and innovation."

The QETI Awards are part of a Queensland Government program to recognise international education and training institutions, students and educators for their contribution to building and sustaining international education in the State.

The Awards, which are now in their fourth year, are unique in Australia. They recognise, celebrate and showcase Queensland institutions and individuals that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the international student experience.

In 2008, more than 84 000 international students from over 160 countries chose Queensland as their study destination. These students studied across the four education sectors - higher education, vocational education and training (VET), English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), and schools.

The international education and training industry sector contributes over 17 000 full-time equivalent workers to the Queensland economy.

"It's important to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of this vital export industry, not only to Queensland's economy, but also to the cultural fabric of our State. By highlighting examples of best practice, we will continue to build Queensland's reputation as a quality provider of international education and training services," Ms Boyle said.

Desley Boyle may be contacted on 4051-2868

Last updated 11 September 2009