New chief to tap potential

The newly appointed chief executive of the South West Development Commission believes the region is well positioned for job creation and economic sustainability.

Mellisa Teede has taken the reins and is looking to drive opportunities in the manufacturing and technology industries in the South West, which she says is the region’s greatest opportunities.

Ms Teede has more than 20 years’ experience in State Government and a career in teaching and education throughout regional WA.

Her work has delivered a TAFE college in the Goldfields-Esperance region and she has been instrumental in developing the Peel region during her time as chief executive with the Peel Development Commission.

She said the South West already had a strong, diverse economy and her focus would be continuing to develop the region’s capabilities and develop new opportunities.

“The greatest opportunities are around advanced manufacturing and technologies, linked in with what the State Government are doing,” she said.

“We know the State are investing heavily in the defence industry so there are opportunities in ship building and looking at the supply chain there.

“But there’s also the resources sector, a lot of mining equipment and technology service providers support the sector… they’re innovating a lot all of the time.”

With a background in education she said the region should be focussed on training the younger generations to capitalise on new industries and jobs in the future.

“We’ve got tremendous skills and expertise in the region but we need to continue to develop our workforce and build on skills and creativity.

“We know there are critical skills shortages and there will be new skills and new apprentices in the future… so we need to be on the front foot with our local TAFE and University.”