AWN This year’s National Council of Wool Selling Brokers Australia Woolbroker Award saw three women take the finalist positions, a first for the competition.
Among those three finalists was AWN’s own Cassie Baile, NSW wool technical officer and auctioneer.
Australian Wool Network had no hesitation in nominating Cassie, who shows great commitment to her work and clients and regularly receives great feedback regarding the service she provides. She is an integral part of our wool team with added responsibilities around the show floor and weekly catalogue preparation.
“…the presence of three women as finalists… highlighted the greater opportunities now available to women.”
In nominating Cassie, AWN Chief Financial Officer Rick Maybury says Cassie’s ability to move fluently between the show floor, auction room, and on-farm with clients is a credit to her professional ability.
The Woolbroker Award requires nominees to have been in the industry for 10 years or less and is regarded as a high achievement within the industry. It enables staff to represent their company, themselves and the integrity of the industry within the presentation and throughout the process of what the award represents.
Cassie said she was very grateful to have the opportunity to represent AWN at such a high level and felt the presence of three women as finalists for the award highlighted the greater opportunities now available to women.
“There are so many opportunities for women now and there has been for the six years I have been involved in the industry. As classers in the shed, they are sometimes regarded as being more particular and there is an acceptance that females are able to do the work and do it at a high level,’’ she said.
“I would like to thank AWN for recognising my abilities and nominating me for the award. I received support from throughout AWN but I would especially like to acknowledge the work of Rick Maybury. He has helped me from the very beginning and I am very appreciative of his support.
“Even though I didn’t win, to be one of three finalists in the whole of Australia was absolutely amazing and the competition has certainly given me more confidence. I have gained confidence in presenting, built quality relationships with fellow wool brokers and industry leaders, as well as enjoyed the experience which came from presenting for the wool broker award. I am keen to go back and try again,’’ said Cassie who is well known for her enthusiasm and motivation.
