Members of Parliament, leading industry professionals, high school educators and high school girls from across Queensland converged on Brisbane’s Victoria Park for the event that celebrated the 11th anniversary of UNICEF’s International Day of the Girl.
UNIQ You CEO Val Ridley said, in its second year, the fundraiser has once again exceeded expectations, raising funds to connect regional and remote schools with the UNIQ You service in 2024.
“It was incredible to be joined by over 200 guests passionate about advancing the opportunities and future prosperity of our rural and remote girls on International Day of the Girl,” Val said.
“Thanks to the generosity of organisations and individuals that attended, we are thrilled to be able to connect more high schools with our service, so their grade 9 to 12 high school girls can access inspiring role models who are shaping the industries and careers of the future.
“Every contribution to our Scholarship Fund provides opportunities for high school girls to have conversations that can change the trajectory of their future and provide future economic empowerment.”
Previous Interim Chief Scientist for Queensland, Professor Bronwyn Harch was a special guest at the breakfast and hosted a live virtual advisory session with three female students from across Queensland.
“It was such a privilege to speak with and share my experiences and advice with the three year 11 students on the advisory call. Hearing their thoughtful questions and aspirations was awe inspiring!” Bronwyn said.
“The session was a powerful reminder of how access to women working in male dominated industries, women who have broken down barriers and succeeded, can inspire and motivate the next generation to take a career pathway they might not have had the confidence to pursue otherwise.
“Thank you UNIQ You for hosting this event and for the work you are doing for girls in regional and remote Queensland.”
General Manager – Northern, Trevor Hyde from lead event sponsor Komatsu Australia was the final guest speaker for the morning and highlighted the benefits of empowering rural and remote girls extends well beyond the individuals themselves.
“I am joined here today by some of Komatsu’s female apprentices, technicians, supervisors and branch managers who are leading the way in our industry and are challenging societal norms,” Trevor said.
“Accessible advice for girls from women who are succeeding in our industry, like those here with me today, instil confidence in young girls through the sharing of stories of resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.
“Empowering our rural and remote girls through conversations benefits not just the individuals themselves but also their communities and society as a whole.”
Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald and Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause attended the breakfast at which Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads Chief Operations Officer and Gender Equity Champion, Anne Moffat also made the opening speech.
UNIQ You’s International Day of the Girl Breakfast, sponsored by Komatsu Australia, Appoint Recruitment and Personalised Freight Solutions Global, raised funds towards providing regional Queensland secondary schools with one-year fully subsidised access to UNIQ You.
The service connects grade 9-12 high school girls (and their guidance and career officers) with over 60 inspiring industry advisors drawn from sectors under-represented by women.