In pictures: Townsville Business Women’s Circle’s bursary function

The Townsville Business Women’s Circle held its Cocktails and Canapes Networking function at The Metropole Hotel to highlight its Marsh Education Bursary recipients.

Townsville Business Women’s Circle Management Committee: Gina Rahmel, Claudia Smith, Jacqui Gage, Renee Bennett, Kirsty Keyes, Tracey Mayhew and Emma Mooney

The Townsville Business Women’s Circle held its Cocktails and Canapes Networking function at The Metropole Hotel to highlight its Marsh Education Bursary recipients.

The Business Women’s Circle education bursary started in 2015 allowing women in our community to apply for assistance for professional and personal development, be that through attending seminars, completing courses or even buying essential equipment required for their studies.

Townsville Business Women’s Circle committee member Emma Mooney said the business women’s circle raised money for the bursary through sponsorship, bursary donations and raffle prizes.

“To date, 68 womens have benefited from the bursary, sharing in about $130,436 that has been raised by TBWC members and attendees of events.”

Bianca Cornish, Lucia Leonardi, Layne Vignale, Ellen O'Connor, Rebecca Hoffensetz

Marsh Education Bursary recipients

Ellen O’Connor

Ellen runs a private practice supporting parents, mainly women, navigating parenthood and significant changes. She has identified a critical need for perinatal mental health support and seeks further training in risk management and assessment. As a part-time worker and mother of two young children, Ellen plans to use the bursary funds to advance her skills. This will enhance her ability to provide effective interventions and establish local referral pathways.

Georgia Gardiner

Georgia juggles three jobs while self-funding her full-time Bachelor of Nursing Science degree. Constantly stressed and busy, she plans to utilise the bursary funds to reduce work hours and focus on education, health, and loved ones. Financial relief will enhance her well-being and academic success, covering textbooks and educational support. This bursary will significantly improve her overall well-being and help her excel in her studies.

Jenna Mottin

Jenna is the dynamic and dedicated co-owner of TalkHQ Speech Pathology, leading a team of 20 females with a proven track record in leadership and excellence. Passionate about providing exceptional speech therapy services to the paediatric population, Jenna excels in team management, client relations, and program development in rural communities. Jenna applied for the bursary to attend Brene Brown’s “Lead with Courage” workshop, which will enhance her leadership skills, benefiting both her practice and personal growth.

Rebecca Hoffensetz

Rebecca is a seasoned Learning and Development professional who has applied for the bursary to enrol in AIHR’s Learning & Development Certificate program. A three-time North Queensland VET/Teacher of the Year finalist and Lead Training Facilitator, Rebecca brings extensive experience in management, training, and administration. She aims to advance her skills to enhance the Leadership Excellence program and contribute more effectively to her organisation and community.

Jennie, Layne, Jason Vignale.

Layne Vignale

Layne is a dedicated Year 12 student who is aiming to enrol in a Medical Imaging Course at CQU Mackay. With multiple work experiences at Queensland X-Ray, Layne is passionate about this career path. The bursary will support Layne in setting up an effective study environment and buying a much-needed laptop, allowing for a balance between studies and social life. Layne exemplifies creativity, enthusiasm, determination, and strong communication skills.

Lucia Leonardi

Lucia is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Aspiring to become a surgeon, she aims to attend JCU for a medical degree. Lucia’s commitment to service extends beyond textbooks; she seeks firsthand experiences in underserved communities. Recently, she discovered Projects Abroad, an internship program in a third-world country, which excites her. Lucia hopes to bridge passion and purpose, embracing cultures and enhancing her medical journey and will use the funds to attend one of the Project Abroad programs.

Bianca Cornish

High school student Bianca is preparing to attend university next year to pursue a career as a physiotherapist. She applied for the bursary to purchase a high-performance computer, essential for her studies, as her current laptop is failing. Moving to Brisbane for her Bachelor of Physiotherapy is costly, and this bursary would alleviate financial strain. A new laptop would significantly impact her learning and future career success.

Jana Brown, Mikaeli Biedermann, Molly Souzaliotis.

Lucia Leonardi, Layne Vignale, Bianca Cornish

Brydi Minelli, Rachel Mahoney, Ellen O'Connor

Gina Rahmel, Bec Moschella, Jessica Crowden

Jac Pemmelaar, Kristie Dawes.

Gina Rahmel, Claudia Smith, Tracey Mayhew

Gina and Ellie Rahmel, Jayne and Melissa Arlett, Neva and Julia Neal.

Caitlin Hore, Shantelle Scovell

Jessica Crowden, Bec Moschella

Lydia Varghex, Tegan Sloane.

Originally published as In pictures: Townsville Business Women’s Circle’s bursary function