New Chair named for Study Toowoomba

TOOWOOMBA Regional Councillor Nancy Sommerfield was recently named as the new Chair of Study Toowoomba, replacing TAFE Queensland Southwest Corporate Solutions Director Michele Berkhout in the role.

Study Toowoomba is the membership-based peak body for international education and training in Toowoomba and represents a variety of members who directly and indirectly contribute to outstanding outcomes for international students.

Cr Sommerfield is well placed for the role as the group’s Chair, given her role representing Toowoomba Regional Council on the Study Toowoomba Management Committee since 2020. She has also held a previous role in the education sector.

“I sincerely thank Michele for her contribution to Study Toowoomba prior to, and during her tenure as Chair,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“Now that the international borders are open again it enables great opportunities, ripe for harvesting. I look forward to working closely with the other Committee members to drive improved outcomes in this space.”

The impacts of the COVID pandemic delayed many of Study Toowoomba’s plan in recent years, but the group is now confidently moving forward with a full program of activities.

The activities will focus on three strategic pillars – promoting the Toowoomba region to future international students through destination marketing, ensuring the international student experience in Toowoomba exceeds expectations and increasing industry and community engagement with international students.

Study Toowoomba is governed by a volunteer Management Committee, made up of representatives from UniSQ, TAFE Queensland, Downlands College, Concordia Lutheran College and Toowoomba Regional Council.