Local wins Event Management scholarship

Published on 12 October 2020

Council's expertise in hosting large events will receive a further boost after local Shannan Botten was selected by the NSW Government to receive a Diploma of Event Management scholarship.

Ms Botten, who currently serves as Council's Events & Partnerships Officer, was one of just twelve people from around the State selected for the scholarship.

Ms Botten said she was elated with the announcement and thanked the NSW Government for supporting both her and Broken Hill.

“I can’t wait to start this fantastic opportunity," she said.

"I am passionate about delivering events for Broken Hill and the surrounding community, and obtaining this higher qualification adds to what our city can offer.

“I can’t thank the NSW Government enough for selecting me as a 2020 recipient.”

The Diploma of Event Management scholarships are being funded by the NSW Government to help upskill and create more job opportunities for those living in regional communities across the state.

The initiative is part of the NSW Government’s $6 million Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan, which includes a partnership with Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the business events sector presents a major opportunity for the visitor economy of regional NSW.

“We know that the best way forward is to help to create more jobs and these scholarships will do exactly that - giving people the tools and extra support needed to kick-start their careers in the field of event management.

“I congratulate the 12 scholarship recipients who are already making valuable contributions to their local communities and wish them every success as they begin their diploma studies and continue their journeys in the events sector.”

MEA Chief Executive Officer Robyn Johnson said she was looking forward to welcoming the third intake of regional students at a time when creating skills is key to enhancing career opportunities.

“In the past year, we have seen a number of former scholarship students graduate with their MEA Diploma of Event Management with the skills gained from undertaking the course adding great value to their regions, which is a testament to this wonderful program,” Ms Johnson said.

The 12 recipients were selected by a panel, which included representatives from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, MEA and the six Destination Networks.