Orange Agricultural Institute’s, Cheryl Pope, has won one of 10 NSW scholarships to attend the 2009 Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium in Canberra later this month.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Executive Director for science and research, Renata Brooks, said Ms Pope was awarded a place at the two-day masterclass in recognition of leadership and mentoring roles that she has taken on.

"Ms Pope provides a valuable leadership role in the NSW DPI sheep genetics and improvement group, which has included input into an award-winning precision sheep management system," Ms Brooks said.

"We have seen Ms Pope actively encourage fellow workers to meet their potential in positions as co-chair of the NSW DPI women’s consultative group and in a pilot mentoring scheme.

"Enthusiasm and drive in supporting team members and leading projects has earned her this place in the leadership symposium."

Ms Pope said she was looking forward to meeting with some of Australia’s foremost women leaders and learning how other women are applying diverse leadership styles to succeed in business and government.

"It’s a unique opportunity to interact with some of our most successful female talent and have access to expert advice on effective leadership practices," Ms Pope said.

"I am looking forward to engaging with fellow participants and speakers - being exposed to new ideas and ways thinking which may benefit the Department and our stakeholders."

NSW DPI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages staff to take advantage of professional development opportunities, which in turn helps expand its corporate knowledge of contemporary workplace policies and practices.

The $1500 scholarship from Women & Leadership Australia has been matched by NSW DPI to allow Ms Pope to attend the symposium and a future leaders networking forum.

The leadership symposium, which will be held at the Australian Institute of Sport on June 17 and 18, is sponsored by Workplace Training Advisory Australia, Women & Leadership Australia and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Winner of a STAR award from the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) for excellence and innovation last month, the precision sheep management project was funded by the Sheep CRC.

Digital photographs available bernadette.york@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Bernadette York, NSW DPI (02) 6391 3936 or 0427 773 785