One of the joys of Tech Connect is seeing the different ways our partner venues are supporting trainees across Queensland. We recently caught up with the team at the Townsville Civic Theatre, where Amy Ward has quickly immersed herself as a key member of the technical crew.
Working across multiple departments, Amy has gained experience in audio, lighting, staging and venue operations. She has supported a wide range of productions, from touring shows to performances by local amateur drama companies and the Townsville Choral Society.
According to Head of Audio, Mark Campbell, Amy has shown a real aptitude for sound.
"She has a fantastic attitude, learns incredibly quickly and has a really strong work ethic. She's become really confident working on floor sound and is always keen to learn something new,” he explained.
Like many regional venues, Townsville Civic Theatre relies on a small, highly skilled technical team. Creating opportunities for young people to enter the industry has become increasingly important as many of the venue’s experienced technicians approach retirement.
Technical Manager Rohan Thomas says the Tech Connect bursary, generously funded by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, was instrumental in allowing the venue to participate in the Tech Connect program.
"Without the bursary, having a trainee simply wouldn't have been possible," he said.
Thomas also explained that regional pathways into technical production are becoming increasingly limited.
"Many young people leave Townsville after school because they don't realise careers like this exist. Years ago, there were formal training opportunities through James Cook University, but those pathways no longer exist. Programs like Tech Connect are helping bridge that gap."
By removing geographical and societal barriers and providing a safe and supportive environment for trainees to learn, Tech Connect is ensuring that the future of technical production is as diverse as it is skilled.
For the Townsville team, investing in trainees isn't just about supporting one person – it's about building the future workforce for the region and ensuring local venues have access to skilled technicians for years to come.