Community
29 November, 2022
New president of Study Cairns
ON the same day Study Cairns celebrated its 25th birthday, 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 challenging time for international students to be in Cairns.
Ms Bowmaker changed 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,” Ms Bowmaker said.
“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 business and family and 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,” Mr Craig said.
“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 done over the past few years.”
On a day of celebration, the AGM was followed by an official event to mark the 25th Anniversary 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 Australia’s oldest International Student Clusters.
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.
