INSIDE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LOST LANES 2019
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 15 JUNE 2019
Issue No: 249
Weekly information from us to you
SHAKING UP STEREOTYPES: Apprentice mechanic at Council's Alan Turner Depot, Tegan Muirhead, was recognised with a highly commended in the Women in a Non-Traditional Role category at the Minister's Awards for Women in Local Government at Parliament House last week. INSET: Tegan recieves her award with Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr MP and father Jeffery.
Apprentice mechanic's trailblazing career Tegan Muirhead said fear had initially held her back from becoming a diesel mechanic.
was shocked when she heard of her nomination and even more so when it was revealed she had received a highly commended award in the Women in a NonTraditional Role category for regional and rural areas. Ms Muirhead said she had always been covered in dirt and grease But the young Wagga Wagga and fixing things with her dad on City Council apprentice is now their family farm at Hillston. inspiring other women to take “Dad, my younger sister and I the risk and to help break down did harvest between the three of gender stereotypes across maleus last season,” Ms Muirhead said. dominated industries. “We were harvesting the crop and Ms Muirhead shared a message fixing breakdowns and all that.” of encouragement to other The 25-year-old said her budding tradies, following the 2019 Minister’s Awards for Women experiences growing up had made in Local Government presentation her a jack-of-all-trades. Ms Muirhead said she had in Sydney on Thursday, June 6. worked two jobs before deciding The future mechanic said she
to take on further education. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a mechanic at first, but one month in I knew it was for me,” she said. “I was worried at first because I thought people wouldn’t be supportive - being little old me among all these blokes - but everyone I’ve met has gotten behind me and barracked for me to finish this. “That’s what I’m going to do.” To other young woman considering a career in a maledominated field, the 25-year-old said “take the plunge”. Wagga Wagga City Council General Manager Peter Thompson and Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr applauded Ms Muirhead.
“In her role, Tegan is able to get hands-on experience by helping maintain around 2000 items of plant and equipment at the Alan Turner Depot,” Mr Thompson said. “I would like to commend Tegan for her efforts and dedication to her apprenticeship. “At Council, we encourage women to consider non-traditional roles and to pursue their passion. Our Workplace Diversity Strategy promotes diversity and inclusiveness, builds respect and recognises the true potential of all our employees.” Dr McGirr said it had been a pleasure meeting Ms Muirhead and her father last week at the awards. “It’s inspiring to see the fantastic
influence young women like Tegan are having on future generations across our electorate,” Dr McGirr said. “They’re breaking down barriers and defying age-old gender norms and conquering traditionally maledominated industries. “It was great to personally meet and congratulate Tegan at the presentation last week, and I would also like to commend councils like ours, as well as the NSW Minister for Local Government, in supporting initiatives like these, that foster, build-up and recognise women, taking on leadership roles and making an impact across our communities.” Ms Muirhead’s achievement will be officially recognised at an upcoming Council meeting.
Weekly waste tip Soft plastics including plastic shopping bags, bread bags, cling film and biscuit wrappers go in the red lid bin. These items can be recycled if taken to a local REDcycle collection point. Visit redcycle.net.au.