The inaugural Toowoomba FOGS Indigenous Employment and Careers Expo was held on Wednesday September 14, 2011 at the University of Southern Queensland’s Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre.

Over 500 Indigenous job seekers and school leavers from Toowoomba and surrounding areas were drawn to the event to apply for jobs, try some trades and meet their Rugby League heroes.

Close to 50 exhibitors took part in the event including the Australian Agricultural College Corporation, Blue Care, Construction Skills Queensland, Origin Energy, Ergon Energy, Queensland Health, TAFE Queensland, Thiess, the Toowoomba Regional Council, and the University of Southern Queensland.

Worldskills Try a Trade displays also gave attendees ‘hands-on’ work experience in the beauty, hospitality, construction and electrical industries.

In addition to the interest sparked by the range of jobs and trades on show, Rugby league stars including Scott Prince, Allan Langer, Steve Walters, Gene Miles, Arthur Beetson, Gary Belcher and Colin Scott were warmly received by the job seekers and school leavers.

FOGS Executive Chairman Gene Miles said the inaugural Toowoomba Expo was a great success.

“It’s a great thrill to see the FOGS Expo embraced by yet another Indigenous community in Queensland,” Mr Miles said.

“We’re very proud to be extending opportunities from the Expos to more and more willing candidates,” he said.

The final 2011 FOGS Indigenous Employment and Careers Expo will be held next Wednesday October 5 at Suncorp Stadium from 9am to 2pm. Free entry.

For more information about the 2011 Brisbane FOGS Indigenous Employment and Careers Expo, please call (07) 3217 9347.