Branxton and Murrurundi women up for $20,000 scholarship prize

Two young women from the Upper Hunter area are in the running to win a major scholarship courtesy of the AHA (NSW) Charitable Foundation.

Sherie Cooper of Branxton and Emily McPhillips of Murrurundi are two of four finalists from across regional NSW vying for the $20,000 hospitality prize.

The eventual winner of the scholarship will undertake a three-year Bachelor of Business degree (International Hotel and Resorts Management) at the highly regarded Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHS). The scholarship covers residential costs.

Ms Cooper, a St Catherine's College, Singleton student, is currently completing her HSC and working part-time at Majestic Cinemas.

The 18-year-old is well known for charity work, having taken part in the Lexia program which saw her help teach younger students with reading difficulties, as well as assisting the Helping Hand Group stage the Camp Quality Giggle Ball 2012.

She is keen for a future in hospitality.

"It's an exciting career where no day is the same and each day presents new challenges and opportunities to work in exciting places," she said.

Ms McPhillips, a former Quirindi High student, is currently a part-time waitress at Murrurundi cafes and the night/weekend manager at the popular Henry's Guest House, Quirindi.

The keen touch-footballer said her background of six years in the hospitality industry made her well aware of the qualities needed to further her career.

"Working in the hospitality or hotel industry is an excellent chance to meet people and experience new things - it can provide the opportunity to be exposed to new cultures, different ways of life and new experiences," she said.

AHA (NSW) CEO Paul Nicolaou said the organisation was proud to support the Women in Tourism initiative.

"Women obviously play a vital role in the regional hospitality sector," he said.

"Once considered the domain of men, young women like Sherie and Emily continue to prove the stereotypes wrong. There's no doubt women are the backbone of our 40,000 strong regional workforce and AHA (NSW) is proud to back them through this scholarship."

The 2012 Women in Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship winner will be announced at Marquee, The Star, Sydney on Thursday, 23 August 2012.

Last year's winner was Natasha Moss of the Mittagong Hotel.

Source: Australian Hotels Association NSW, 8 August 2012