About SDIEA

Southern Downs Industry Education Association Inc (SDIEA) is a Warwick based not for profit organisation that provides services to young people between the ages of 13 – 19 years.

SDIEA is managed by a board made up of representatives from:

Education
Training
Local Government
Business and Industry
Young people

Our board members give up their time and expertise to guide our organisation now and into the future. Their role is to set the strategic direction of our organisation, taking into account our clients needs, environmental factors and available funding.

Our executive board (see below) have almost daily contact with our Manager expediting operational solutions to ensure our staff have the necessary resources to do their jobs. Any member of the executive board would be happy to answer any question you might have regarding our organisation.

President Deb Dunstone

Deb has been a committee member since 2002 and our President for the past 4 years.

The work of SDIEA provides so many opportunities for the youth of our community. The staff of our organisation have a passion for making a difference in the life of a young person. It is a privilege to be part of this team. Each and every day I aim to make a difference for students. My work with SDIEA allows so many opportunities to make this difference. The programs and support this organisation provides to students, their families and employers in our community have gone from strength to strength over the years. It has been an exciting journey and continues to be one I am proud to be involved with.

Secretary Daniel Spry

Dan is the current President of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce and is a valued representative of local business and industry. Dan first became interested in our work through his role as VET coordinator for Rotary. Dan also knows the difficulty young people face when planning their careers as a Dad of two recent year 12 graduates.

Treasurer Janelle Robb

Janelle has been our Treasurer for the past 3 years. Janelle has a great passion for ensuring that students can access a variety of learning experiences. Janelle is a mad sports fan and can be found most weekends, organising, refereeing or cheering on sporting activities.

Our Staff

Our staff are a multi disciplined team. The passion they demonstrate to their work is awesome. Any one of our team would be happy to discuss our services with you.

Jackie Robertson - Manager

Jackie’s role is to manage the day to day operations of the SDIEA under the direction of the Management Board. In addition to this Jackie also delivers Career & Transition Support and our Adopt a School program.
Jackie’s background is diverse and she holds qualifications/experience in:

Career Guidance
Accounting
Marketing
Training & Assessing
Policy formation
Quality development

Jackie spent many years in the private sector and has a detailed understanding of the issues facing businesses today. Jackie’s passion is helping young people make their career goals a reality.

Natalie Perrett

Natalie is our Office Manager and also looks after Warwick State High Schools School-based Australian Apprenticeships. Natalie's unique experience in industry gives her a solid grounding in understanding what employers want.

Suzie Collins - Full-time Youth Support Coordinator (servicing Goondiwindi & Inglewood

Suzie comes to us from a legal background and like most of us, has changed career paths. Suzie is a gifted adventure learning practitioner and can be described as an outdoor person. Suzie has worked with youth for a number of years and is highly experienced. Give Suzie a call.

Vacant Youth Support Coordinator (servicing Southern Downs Regional Council area)

Clare Hine - Part time Youth Support Coordinator

(servicing Southern Downs Regional Council area)

We have welcomed Clare back to the team ithis year, after a year in the Northern Territory. Clare has worked in a variety of industries, but most importantly Clare has a great depth of knowledge and experience as a social worker as well as working within education systems in different states and territories.

Grace Smith - Team Leader Practice &Get Set For Work Coordinator/Trainer

Grace's role is to indentify, recruit, coordinate and train young people aged 15 -17yrs in our alternate learning program Get Set For Work.

Grace's background is very diverse. Grace holds qualifications in teaching and training. Her passion in working with young people is second to none. Grace is a keen horsewoman, loves travel and adores V8 cars. Grace also supports our professional staff in their work through intake and case management meetings along with facilitating case conferencing.

Emma Cameron

Emma's role is to deliver our Warwick Youth Links service, a supported referral model, coupled with administration support to the whole team. Emma's background is diverse. Emma has worked in the Oral Health industry along with the Hospitality industry. Emma is now considering formal study in social work. Currently Emma is completing a Office Administration Traineeship with us. As a young person herself Emma is very passionate about the services SDIEA provides to youth.