Rachel Edwards
Koroit,Australia
Summary
Experienced in education and community development with a strong background in training, leadership, and workforce development. Expertise in designing and delivering impactful training programs, leading teams, and fostering industry partnerships to drive positive outcomes. Excels in curriculum development, student mentorship, and integrating technology to enhance the educational experience. Holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40116) and multiple industry-relevant qualifications. Dedicated to lifelong learning, professional development, and actively engaging with the community.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator- Mental Health Services & Housing
Warrnambool City Council
11.2022 - Current
- Support individuals and families relocating to South West Victoria for mental health roles by facilitating seamless integration through housing, education, healthcare, and social services
- Collaborates with government agencies, nonprofit organisations and industry partners to leverage resources for community development programs to promote engagement and long-term settlement, while building strong and positive stakeholder relationships to enhance regional attraction, recruitment, and retention
- Maintain open lines of communication and act as a liaison between different groups within community - including residents associations, and business owners' associations - encouraging collaboration towards shared goals
- Creates marketing materials and program improvements to raise awareness of available resources and services among residents to assist with strengthen community ties and assist with workforce relocation
- Contributed with key industry to develop a Key Worker & Affordable Housing Project in Warrnambool which is currently waiting for planning approval
- Present to council executive team and councillors on projects
- Acted as Manager of Strategic Planning & Policy throughout this duration, supporting strategic goals of Council and providing leadership to staff
Training & Development Officer
Bookeasy Tourism Holdings
05.2021 - 11.2022
- Provide training and software support for reservation systems to tourism operators, visitor information centre staff and local businesses (Australia & New Zealand)
- Setting up accommodation, event, and tour operator consoles, responding to support queries, establishing channel management connections, and linking reservation systems to digital media platforms
- Lead destination affiliate projects, motivate and support tourism operators to develop web listings, and utilise property management systems
- Created engaging instructional materials and resources for use during training sessions
- Improved program designs based on requirements gathered from employees and managers
People & Culture Support Officer
Moyne Shire Council
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Provide administration support during COVID to respond to job applications, online correspondence, and inquiries
- Tasks included updating employee personal records, staff training completed/due, and send out performance appraisal & probationary period reminders whilst ensuring attention to detail and compliance with company policies, procedures, and industry regulations
- Participated in hiring processes by conducting interviews and evaluating candidates' fit for roles
Communications & Marketing Tourism Officer
Moyne Shire Council
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Contracted position to support tourism recovery within Moyne Shire during COVID with key deliverables around project delivery, event and tourism marketing and business recovery planning
- Developed a digital marketing guide for event management organisations, procurement management of caravan park tender, development of caravan park refund policy and 'Welcome back' to Moyne signage, and created engaging digital content for the MSC Business Ambassador Program
- Designed creative promotional materials including brochures, flyers, posters, advertisements, and newsletters
Tourism Teacher
South West TAFE
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Contracted 12-month role delivering Certificate IV Travel and Tourism & Certificate III in Tourism for a government-funded program along the Great Ocean Road in collaboration with South West TAFE, tourism businesses, and their employees
- Experience delivering classroom and on-the-job training to large and small cohorts using modern and engaging teaching tools such as Kahoot & Mentimeter
- Providing clear leadership, direction, and support to students on tourism operations and marketing opportunities
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and research
- Incorporated real-world examples into lessons whenever possible to make content relevant for students eg Virtual Reality
- Worked one-on-one with students who needed additional support or accommodations due to special needs
- Graded assignments promptly, providing thoughtful feedback to help students improve
- Organised materials and class spaces to deliver successful lessons and encourage learning
Visitor Information Centre Coordinator
Warrnambool City Council
03.2009 - 01.2019
- Manage visitor servicing team, visitor enquiries, online reservation system, liaising with local and regional tourism stakeholders
- Represent city at local, regional, and intrastate meetings
- Oversee staff and volunteer well-being, conduct staff performance reviews and staff/volunteer meetings, roster staff, and deliver staff and tourism operator training
- Coordinate, promote and assist with volunteer program
- Deliver key projects on time and within budget
- Develop print collateral and digital media marketing campaigns to encourage visitor dispersal across the shire
- Manage destination website and social media pages
- Contribute to Warrnambool City Council meetings and events team, plan, and implement council projects
- Meet Council policy and procedures, adhere to safety compliance and tourism accreditation
Education
Certificate IV Training & Assessment 40116 -
South West TAFE
Warrnambool, VIC01-2018
Diploma Tourism & Events -
South West TAFE
Warrnambool, VIC01-2013
Certificate IV Tourism -
South West TAFE
Warrnambool, VIC01-2009
Certificate IV Business Management -
Australian Business College
Warrnambool, VIC01-2004
Certificate III Horticulture -
South West TAFE
Warrnambool, VIC01-2003
Advanced Certificate in Travel Operations -
Da Silva College of Business & Tourism
Ballarat, VIC01-1994
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Accountability
- Leadership
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Time Management
- Emotional intelligence
- Engaging Facilitation
Timeline
Coordinator- Mental Health Services & Housing
Warrnambool City Council
11.2022 - Current
Training & Development Officer
Bookeasy Tourism Holdings
05.2021 - 11.2022
People & Culture Support Officer
Moyne Shire Council
04.2021 - 07.2021
Communications & Marketing Tourism Officer
Moyne Shire Council
09.2020 - 04.2021
Tourism Teacher
South West TAFE
01.2019 - 12.2019
Visitor Information Centre Coordinator
Warrnambool City Council
03.2009 - 01.2019
Certificate IV Training & Assessment 40116 -
South West TAFE
Diploma Tourism & Events -
South West TAFE
Certificate IV Tourism -
South West TAFE
Certificate IV Business Management -
Australian Business College
Certificate III Horticulture -
South West TAFE
Advanced Certificate in Travel Operations -
Da Silva College of Business & Tourism
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