The Sage Hair apprentice said she was grateful for the attached scholarship, which will make an important impact on her blossoming career as a hairdresser.
“As a first- year apprentice, I travel to Bendigo each month for three days to attend trade school and learn my craft,” Matilda said.
“This scholarship will significantly support my growth and development in the field of hairdressing.
“I am honoured to win the Chamber Gaye Riggall Scholarship, and to be the first female recipient.
“Winning this scholarship at the start of my career is a great privilege and I would like to thank the Deniliquin Business Chamber and the Riggall family.”
The Chamber Gaye Riggall Scholarship is an annual scholarship for a young person working in Deniliquin to study or invest in professional development activities.
It was launched in 2019 and the Deniliquin Business Chamber and the Riggall family jointly fund the $2000 prize, named in honour of Gaye Riggall.
Mrs Riggall, who passed away in 2013, was the first ever female councillor on the former Conargo Shire Council, and eventually became its first mayor.
She was also editor of the Pastoral Times before founding the Deniliquin Independent, and was the inaugural director of the Peppin Heritage Centre between 1989 and 1994.
The scholarship is aimed at employees of Deniliquin Business Chamber member businesses who are aged 35 or under.
It provides young people working locally an opportunity to invest in themselves and their career, which then benefits their employers and the Deniliquin business community.
“Although only in her first year as an apprentice, Matilda is already adding value to the business with her excellent customer skills, commitment to the business, positive attitude to study, and Instagram page, according to her employer,” Matilda’s award citation read.
“Once fully qualified she intends to take on a mentoring role and encourage other young people to locally pursue their passion for hair and beauty.”
In an ever-changing field, Matilda said the scholarship will allow her to develop cutting-edge skills to bring back to Sage Hair.
“As hairdressing is an ever-evolving profession, this opportunity will allow me to pursue professional learning to further my skills and bring them back to my salon and Deniliquin.”
Sponsored by Deniliquin Business Chamber and the Riggall family.
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