The full contingent of the technical team at the Margaret River HEART has now been recruited with the seven new staff members completing intensive inductions into the centre this week. Technical Supervisor Phil Bebb said the team members, who were selected from a competitive application process, would form a technical talent pool to draw from on an as-needs basis. “The centre has been refurbished with industry standard digital lights, audio, cinema, and state of the art technical equipment,” he said. “We’ve recruited to cover all technical operations streams with staff having a comprehensive experience and skills base between us. “We are now well-positioned to be able to provide a high level of service to touring shows, and provide the audience with a seamless, enjoyable and immersive experience.” Mr Bebb said while the centre had more technical staff to draw from, the resourcing load per function had actually decreased as a result of the systems now being digital and integrated. “We are achieving enormous business efficiencies with the new high tech equipment,” he said. “What used to take two people to do, now only takes one. “Even things like adjusting lighting – I used to have to run between the lighting desk and the light, then the lighting desk, back to the light. “Now it’s a smart application that I can use on my phone. “It’s great for us, it’s great for the bottom line, and our set-up and turnaround times are infinitely faster which ultimately means we have capacity to do more shows for the wider community.” The HEART is now gearing up its first major touring shows on 28 and 29 January 2020 with the WAIFs set to perform. Limited tickets for the event are still available for sale online at www.waifs.com   High school graduate recruit Among the new recruits is 2019 Margaret River High School graduate Harrison Lambert who said he was thrilled to be able to pursue a tech career in his hometown. “I want to be have a career in the tech industry – this is what I want to do,” he said. “I was able to get a lot of volunteer experience and a small amount of employment through high school and volunteering in community groups. “To now be able to get a job in the industry in my hometown is really exciting. “I feel like I have a good generalist skills base but to be able to work at a best practice centre with the high tech lighting and sound gear is such a great foundation for my future career. “I love the pace that we work at and have already learnt a lot from Phil and the other team members.”