From St. George, the inland fishing capital of Queensland, to Gatton, Australia’s salad bowl, UQ Skills Academic Program Manager, Dianne ‘Di’ Palmer, has built a career defined by passion, resilience and a deep commitment to people.
“I was born in St. George and lived there until the end of Year 12,” Di says.
“I grew up in a very rural environment surrounded by animals from as early as I can remember.”
Her childhood was shaped by life on the land, caring for everything from family pets to livestock, and spending time on sheep and wheat properties.
“We owned a variety of animals, and I helped with mustering and farm work on friends and family's properties.
“That connection to animals and the land has always stayed with me.”
It was a natural path, then, that she would pursue veterinary nursing.
After finishing high school, Di moved to Toowoomba “because Brisbane was way too scary at the time”, and began what would become an 18-year career in the industry, later continuing in Brisbane.
“I’ve always had an interest and a passion for animals.
“Being able to help both people and animals in their time of need, that’s what made the job so rewarding.”
Her experience spanned mixed practice and general clinics, before moving into high-pressure emergency work.
“You’re often in situations where you have to think quickly and act quickly.
“It’s high pressure, high adrenaline, but you’re working as a team, and when you get a positive outcome, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Those years didn’t just build technical expertise; they shaped how she approaches her work today.
“You learn to problem solve on the go, make decisions under pressure and adapt quickly.
“I think that’s something that’s really stayed with me. I enjoy that fast-paced environment and the challenge that comes with it.”
When Di started a family, she began to transition into education, joining UQ Skills (then G-VEC) as a trainer and assessor while still working part-time in industry.
“For a number of years, I did both,” she says. “And while it was very different, it was just as rewarding.”
What drew her to teaching was the opportunity to shape the next generation.
“You’re working with students who are passionate about the industry. You can share real experiences, real stories, and help prepare them for what they’re walking into.”
It wasn’t long before her strengths in organisation and leadership saw her move into program coordination and management.
“As the organisation grew, I got more involved in the coordination side of things.”
Now, 16 years into her journey with UQ Skills, Di oversees a diverse portfolio of programs and plays a key role in ensuring their successful delivery. It’s a complex position, but one she thrives in.
“There are a lot of moving parts.
“But I enjoy that, bringing everything together, working with different people and making it all function. It’s like putting a puzzle together.”
Her veterinary nursing background continues to influence how she works.
“It definitely prepared me for this role.
“I like being able to respond quickly, make decisions and keep things moving. Problem solving is a big part of my role, especially when you’re dealing with so many different programs, students and industries.”
Di is also proud of the organisation’s reach, particularly in regional and remote communities.
“Getting out to those areas and working with people who really value the opportunity to learn. That’s incredibly rewarding.”
Known affectionately as “Di”, she brings not only experience and capability to her role, but genuine care.
“We’re a team,” she says. “You spend a lot of your time at work, so you want to do the best you can by the people around you.”
Looking ahead, her focus remains on growth for UQ Skills and the students it supports.
“I am excited to keep evolving, embracing new ideas and supporting our students to achieve their goals. That’s what it’s all about.”
Explore animal and veterinary care programs with UQ Skills.
