The Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen announced that Mr Skaines,  from Torryburn, was  a successful recipient of a scholarship in a Diploma of Event Management, funded by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Mr Johnsen said the scholarship program is part of the NSW Government’s partnership with Australia’s peak industry body for business events, Meetings  and Events Australia (MEA), which aims to upskill and create more job opportunities for rural and regional NSW communities.

“I am delighted to announce that Ivan Skaines, who works as Economic Development, Tourism and Events Co-Ordinator at Dungog Shire Council, is one of 18 recipients who will benefit from a Diploma of Event Management, thanks to the support from the NSW Government,” he said.

“Ivan works closely with local event organisers, businesses and community organisations including Dungog Shire Events, Dungog Regional Tourism and Dungog District Chamber of Commerce to stage and promote events in the area.

“Ivan will be connected to an online community of students, providing a great opportunity for networking and learning more about the development and delivery of events from fellow peers.

“Our region already plays host to a fantastic array of events and its opportunities like this which help us to expand our current tourism offering while upskilling our local champions.”

The 18 recipients were selected by a panel which included representatives from Destination NSW, MEA and the six Destination Networks. 

Mr Skaines welcomed the opportunity to complete the course.

“We certainly fight above our weight in terms of our event calendar here in Dungog Shire, and I will be able to use my experience with local events as practical examples in the course.”