From First Shift to Future Leader: New Pathways for Women in Queensland Clubs

Queensland’s community clubs are powered by people. Now, two new workforce initiatives are aiming to help more women enter the industry, build sustainable careers and progress into leadership.

Delivered over the next two years through the Queensland Government’s Workforce Connect Fund, these initiatives have been developed by Clubs Queensland, CTA Training Specialists and employment partners to address two important workforce priorities: attracting more women into club employment and developing the next generation of female leaders.

The first initiative, the Women into Clubs Employment Pathway, is designed for women entering or returning to the workforce, including career changers, mature-aged women and participants from regional and remote communities. The goal for this pathway is: “Attracting, preparing and connecting women with employment opportunities.”

Rather than simply directing candidates towards a job advertisement and hoping for the best, the program provides a supported journey from career discovery through to employment and mentoring.

Participants will undertake job-ready training covering RSA, RSG, customer service, professional communication, workplace expectations, conflict resolution, digital literacy and interview preparation. This will be followed by structured workplace experience, employer interviews, job matching, onboarding and ongoing support.

The second initiative, the Women in Clubs Leadership Academy, focuses on women who are already working and ready to take their next step.

Current and emerging leaders will complete a combination of nationally recognised training, practical leadership development, masterclasses, workplace projects and mentoring. Topics will range from emotional intelligence and coaching great teams to financial confidence, operational leadership, strategic thinking and leading change.

Leadership in a modern community club is not just about understanding daily operations. It requires the confidence to manage difficult conversations, guide teams through change, make informed decisions and see the bigger picture.

For clubs, these initiatives provide an opportunity more than another recruitment campaign or training course. They provide an opportunity to help shape a stronger workforce by offering workplace experience, employment opportunities, mentoring and meaningful development pathways.

Information sessions will be held on 16 September 2026, with face-to-face and online attendance available for clubs and industry stakeholders wanting to learn how they can participate.

A stronger industry is not built by waiting for the perfect candidate to appear. It is built by opening the door, creating a pathway and backing people all the way through it.