Inaugural Awards assist women in career development

The Best of the WEST Awards were an overwhelming success

More than 70 people gathered at USQ recently to formally recognise outstanding women and girls achievements in non-traditional fields at the inaugural Go Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (Go WEST) Best of the WEST Awards.

The Awards were open to women and girls undertaking a career or study in Engineering, Science and Technology (SET) and living in regional, rural and remote areas of Queensland with nominations coming from across the region.

Go WEST provides support for female USQ students and professionals in the discipline areas of SET where females are traditionally under-represented.

'To have more than 70 people here and for the event to be so successful was a great reflection on the work that women and girls from this region are doing in these areas,' Go WEST Project Team Leader Dr Jacquie McDonald said.

'Research finds that women working in SET areas often find themselves in a ‘chilly environment’, unsupportive of their role and contribution.

'This is one area our project aims to address through collaborative activities and networking such as these Awards.'

A range of different awards were presented on the day with organisers congratulating all of the winners. Dr McDonald made special mention of Moranbah Year 12 student Rebecca Kerr.

'It was very pleasing to note that one of the highly commended award winners was Ms Rebecca Kerr from Moranbah State High School West of Rockhampton.

'Rebecca is exactly the kind of SET person Go WEST is targeting; someone who lives in the bush and is keen to study Engineering.

'Although she was unable to physically attend the Awards I have heard that she is looking forward to the opportunity of meeting women interested in Engineering and Surveying and participating in Go WEST activities as she has applied to study at USQ next year.'

Rebecca was one of two remote award winners along with Lindy McKeown, located in Seattle, (USA), who were able to participate virtually and were presented with their awards via Skype.

Special guests including USQ Chancellor Bobbie Brazil and well known local women Mary Wagner and Councillor Carol Taylor also attended the Award ceremony, which look set to get bigger and better in 2010.”

'Next year the team will focus on consolidating existing activities like these Awards and reaching out to girls in USQ local, rural and remote feeder schools to attract students to study in SET disciplines and promote USQ as a University of choice.

'We are working to support women and help them achieve their career goals.'

Contact Details:
Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 or 0400 025 429