Cotton industry rising star Rebecca Fing, Goondiwindi, Queensland, has been named the Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year.
Ms Fing was awarded the accolade and a $5000 bursary on behalf of the Chris Lehmann Trust at this year’s annual Australian Cotton Industry Awards held on the Gold Coast last week.
The award, sponsored by Bayer, celebrates the achievements and dedication of young individuals who contribute to the development of the Australian cotton industry.
Ms Fing was recognised for her commitment to the cotton industry through her business House Paddock Training and Consulting and as Cotton Australia Regional Manager for the Macintyre Valley in Queensland.
In the past 14 years she has helped to make the industry more productive, helping more than 800 cotton industry staff members gain formal agriculture and business management qualifications.
She has also supported more than 200 farming businesses manage staff and work health and safety risks through a series of workshops.
“It’s a wonderful surprise and I’m honoured to be recognised as the Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever of the Year for 2016,” Ms Fing said.
“The generous bursary from the Chris Lehmann Trust and Bayer will provide me with the opportunity to further my knowledge and contribution to the Australian cotton industry by being able to undertake training in the areas of people management and work health and safety.”
Cotton Australia chief executive officer Adam Kay said it was a fantastic achievement.
“I’d like to congratulate Rebecca as the recipient of such a prestigious industry award,” Mr Kay said.
“We wish Rebecca the best of luck and would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bayer for their ongoing support, assisting in the progression of young industry professionals like Rebecca.”
Bayer business development manager David Strong said Bayer was proud to support the achievements of promising young talent in the cotton industry.
“We applaud the commitment and accomplishments of all the Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever finalists,” Mr Strong said.
“On behalf of Bayer, we extend a warm congratulations to Rebecca and thank her for the outstanding contributions made to the Australian cotton industry.”
