House debates

Monday, 2 December 2019

Statements by Members

Meldrum, Ms Arcadia

1:37 pm

Photo of Pat ConaghanPat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I rise to talk about an inspiring young woman from my electorate, Arcadia Meldrum. Arcadia won the Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year Award for 2019, and her work ethic and attitude to life is truly inspiring. Just 18 years of age, she has a dream and a plan of how to achieve that dream.

This year Arcadia completed her high school certificate with Newman Senior Technical College in Port Macquarie. She also completed a certificate III in tourism and, during that certificate III, Arcadia undertook work placement at Rydges Hotel on the foreshore or Port Macquarie. There she gained a love of managing events. She helped with everything from corporate events to weddings and gala dinners.

She is a go-getter. She managed all this while holding down two different jobs, one as a retail assistant and one as a cafe waitress. Arcadia's dream job is to be doing event management at the 2024 Olympic Games, assisting to run a big event that the Australian Olympic team will be involved in. It is wonderful to see such a strong work ethic in someone so young. Congratulations, Arcadia. I wish you all the best with your future. Thank you for inspiring all the young people in Cowper.