Broken Hill-based midwife Meg Austin has been shortlisted as a finalist for a notable award.
Ms Austin is preparing to fly off to Sydney next week to participate in the Royal Agricultural Society’s (RAS) Rural Achiever Award.
She said she is “pretty excited” to participate and believes it will be a valuable experience.’
“This will be a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and an experience to network,” Ms Austin said.
The finalist will be in the state’s capital from April 5-16 during the Sydney Royal Easter Show that starts next Friday.
The R.M. Williams RAS Rural Achiever Award recognises future young leaders working hard to make a significant contribution to their community and rural Australia.
Ms Austin found out about the award through the Canowindra Show Society, which she’s been actively involved in for the past five years as a steward of the Showgirl program.
She said receiving the honour is not her primary focus and wants to see the show return after some time away.
“That would be the icing on the cake,” Ms Austin said. “I’m involved in the show society and want to support that to get up and running again.”
Having completed her new graduate year as a registered midwife in Broken Hill, Ms Austin said she is committed to providing care for women during their pregnancy.
“It’s so rewarding,” she said. “Looking after them and then seeing them out makes me feel so part of the community.”
Ms Austin, along with her colleagues, supports childbearing mothers throughout every pregnancy stage, which sometimes involves out-of-hours care.
Growing up in Central West NSW, she has always been passionate about living and working in regional areas and is hopeful she can inspire others to give back.
“Rural life has always been home for me,” she said. “Even being a finalist, there has been some talk amongst my friends.”
The winner is set to be announced at the Sydney Royal Easter Show that will run from April 8-19
For more information, visit www.eastershow.com.au.
