25th June 2004

What:              Launch of new seafood handling courses

When:             From 4pm Saturday 26 June  

Where:            Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin

New industry training courses to ensure the quality of local seafood produce will be launched by Charles Darwin University at the Darwin Seafood Festival from 4pm on Saturday 26 June.

From next month, the University will offer tailored courses focussed on the preparation of Northern Territory's local seafood produce for domestic and international export. These courses will dovetail into related training currently on offer at the University to create a one-stop-shop for training and assessment for the aquaculture and maritime industries.

"The new nationally accredited courses are being offered to help seafood industry companies and their employees meet expectations for the highest quality produce," said Joanne Ruscoe, Aquaculture Programs Coordinator at the University.

"Working in collaboration with the Australian Maritime College, the University's new training will include areas such as Food Safety, OH&S, Hygiene and Sanitation, Cold Chain Management and Environmental Management Systems for up to 30 participants at any one time".

Ms Ruscoe explained that the seafood industry is a growing industry in the Northern Territory, and includes activities from commercial fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing and sales and distribution.

"The one-stop-shop strategy will see training become more flexible, relevant and efficient for industry. For example, aquaculture businesses are now able to source training across maritime, processing and aquaculture sectors.

"All training is nationally recognised and can be customised to cover all levels of work, ranging from inexperienced new entrants to the industry, through to skilled operators, supervisors and managers.

Tomorrow's launch will be followed up with an industry forum day specifically for the aquaculture sector scheduled for 15 July. For further details on the forum contact John McGuren on 08 8946 7253.

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