IN celebration of International Women’s Day, Gunnedah Shire Council’s (GSC) Breanna Green has claimed the NSW Ministers award for women in traineeships or apprenticeships for rural or regional councils.
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Ms Green was named the winner of the award by NSW minister for women Gabrielle Upton at an awards ceremony on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old said she was humbled by the award.
“It was a surprise to win the award," Ms Green said.
"I knew I had been nominated because I had to sign off on the nomination form, however I had no idea I had won.
“I received a bunch of flowers and a card from The Hon. Gabrielle Upton, Minister for Local Government on Wednesday to notify me as I wasn’t able to attend the awards night.”
The former Gunnedah High School student is currently completing her certificate four in business administration through council’s traineeship program.
"I found out council offers a program for trainees and I thought it would be an amazing opportunity,” Ms Green said.
“At the moment I am striving to complete my certificate four in business and administration and I think this traineeship is a great way to get experience while you work and I think if you are a woman entering the work force and you just work hard and strive for what you want you'll be successful."
GSC general manager Eric Groth said Ms Green’s accomplishment is an indicator of her potential.
“We are very proud Breanna has been recognised as the inaugural winner of the 2018 Ministers’ Award for Women in Local Government Traineeship Award,” Mr Groth said.
“She is a welcome addition to the team at Council and it is only fitting that she has been awarded for her efforts.
“This is a significant achievement at the start of her career and reflects what is to come.”
Deputy mayor Gae Swain praised Ms Green’s efforts and encouraged more women to get involved in local government.
“I think it is important to have all people involved in local government,” Cr Swain said.
“Obviously when we look at the proportion of women’s representation in local government it is a lot less than men, that’s not to say there’s anything wrong with that, but if we can get more women involved I think they will come with a different perspective.
“I think the opportunity for women to be involved in the decision making within their own communities is really important as well.”
Ms Green said she will now continue to focus on her job and completing her certificate four in business administration.
“I love it here, it's an amazing job, I've been here now for over a year,” she said.
“At the moment I am striving to complete my certificate four in business administration.
“I also have day-to-day goals and projects that I am currently working on as well.”
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
