Janelle’s career journey of teamwork and dedication achieves a 40-year milestone at TAFE Queensland

Her career is defined by dedication, teamwork, and pride in making a difference.

Janelle began her journey in 1985 as a storeman, playing a hands-on role in establishing what is now the Kingaroy campus.

“I started my role on the 2 September 1985,” Janelle said.

“As a team, we were setting the campus up from the very beginning. We unloaded trucks, put equipment into workshops and classrooms, and got everything ready for the first intake of students in 1986.”

From those early days, Janelle’s role quickly became central to keeping the campus running smoothly.

Supporting multiple trade areas, including fitting, welding, automotive, carpentry, electrical and rural, she ensured students and teachers had everything they needed to succeed.

“We would set up all the equipment for classes first thing in the morning and go around during the day to make sure everything was working, then pack it all up again at the end,” she said

In those early days, Janelle’s willingness to step in wherever she was needed quickly became clear. Before officially moving into her stores role, she spent her first two weeks supporting the campus administration office during a critical setup period.

“With no office staff in place, I stepped in to help for the first couple of weeks. This involved answering phones, working on the switchboard, typing letters and photocopying,” Janelle said.

“It was a great experience and really showed how everyone just pitched in and helped where they could.”

What has remained constant throughout her four-decade career is the strong sense of teamwork that underpins life at the Kingaroy campus.

“We made an agreement early on that we would all help each other and work together as one big team,” Janelle said.

“If things were quiet in the store, we’d help the maintenance team or the cleaners. Everyone just worked together to keep the campus running.”

“Over the years my role has changed. I’m now part of the Facilities team, which means I get to do a bit of everything, from office work, mowing, gardening, driving forklifts, trucks and tractors, cleaning, maintenance to liaising with contractors and suppliers, plus still a little bit of store work.”

“Every day brings a different mix of jobs and a new challenge to get them done.”

This collaborative approach reflects one of TAFE Queensland’s values, working together, which continues to shape its supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

For Janelle, that culture has been at the heart of her experience.

“It’s always felt like a big family. It’s my second home,” she said.

Over the years, Janelle has also demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, forging a path in what was once a male-dominated field.

“While it was tough when I first started — I was the only woman in the store area,” she said.

“But my dad always told me you don’t give up, you keep going.”

“There were days early on when I didn’t want to come back, and he encouraged me to be strong.”

“But I proved I could do the job and last the distance.”

Her career has also taken her across the region, supporting campuses in Roma, Nurunderi (Cherbourg), Chinchilla, Charleville, Dalby, Toowoomba and Warwick, building valuable skills and contributing wherever she was needed.

Now, as she celebrates her 40-year milestone, Janelle reflects on a career filled with growth, challenge, and pride.

“I’m proud of my career with TAFE Queensland. I’ve learned a lot over the years and gained skills I still use today,” she said.

With a strong focus on collaboration, development, and community, TAFE Queensland continues to provide meaningful career pathways where employees can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

For Janelle, the message to others, particularly young women considering careers in trades or operational roles, is simple:

“Have a go. Don’t give up. Keep going, even when it’s hard,” she said.

After 40 years of service, her story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the rewarding careers that can be built at TAFE Queensland.

Janelle was presented with her 40 years of services certificate by Acting Manager, Human Resources (South West Region) Rhonda McDade.