Cathy O’Toole

Cathy O’Toole was born, raised, educated and married in Townsville.  She is the former Member for Herbert, a federation seat established in 1901.  She won this seat in 2016 and is the first woman to hold this seat.  Cathy lost Herbert on 18^th May 2019.

Cathy was self-employed from the age of 18 years in partnership with her mother Marie.  Cathy and her husband Dennis also owned and operated a diverse range of small business enterprises and she has extensive experience in business, physical and human resource management.

Cathy also worked in the vocational education and training sector as a TAFE teacher, Project Manager – Implementation of Competency Based Training, Curriculum Designer and she set up her own successful Registered Training Organisation (RTO).  Cathy held CEO positions in the Community Managed Mental Health Sector for almost 15 years.  She worked across North Western Queensland from Palm Island to Mt Isa.

During her time in the community managed mental health sector, in the position of CEO, Cathy provided access to training for all staff in Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management across varying study levels.  Cathy is a Practicum Supervisor and has a particular interest in Leadership, Change Management and Advocacy, using the principles of Choice Theory in a Lead Management context.  She has also provided access to training in Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management for staff working on Palm Island.

Cathy has established and maintained a diverse range of outstanding community networks and has contributed in leadership and member roles on Boards at Local, State and Federal levels.  Cathy has a deep commitment and extensive experience in working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Cultural and Linguistically Diverse communities.

Cathy is currently involved with the following community groups:

• President Townsville Multicultural Support Group.
• Management Committee Member Townsville Regional Committee of the Ageing (TRCOTA).
• Committee Member – Connecting End of Life Care (CELC) Townsville Steering Committee.

Cathy holds the following education qualifications: Masters in Metaphysical Science, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching TAFE, Diplomas of Community Welfare Work, Business Management, Frontline Management, Training and Assessment Systems, Certificate IV in Community Services – Mental Health (Non-Clinical) and Trade Certificate – Certificate III in Ladies Hairdressing.

Cathy believes that the principles of Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management are desperately needed across all sectors in our communities.

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