Mudgee local, Melanie Trethowan, has been recognised through a scholarship designed to increase diversity in company directors and empower rural women.

Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton congratulated Ms Trethowan saying that the Board Diversity Scholarships were awarded to women who had been recognised as leaders in their own right.

“This is about offering greater opportunity to rural women to expand their role within the local community and also about recognising the skills that rural women have to offer,” said Mr Coulton. 

“Thirty women from rural and remote Australia were selected in this round of the Scholarship with over 300 applications having been received.

“I congratulate Melanie on being named a successful applicant in this round.

This program is a step towards promoting greater diversity in leadership positions. It is clear that greater diversity on boards does lead to better outcomes for business, government and community.” 

Mr Coulton also encouraged rural women to consider applying for a Board Diversity Scholarship with the next round to be launched in coming weeks. The Scholarship gives women the opportunity to participate in the Company Director Course or Mastering the Boardroom Course.