2020 Scholarship winner announced

Congratulations Lily Pursell!

Each year Women in Tourism and Hospitality Tasmania (WITH Tas) invests in and connects to the next generation of women in our industry through a scholarship program.

This provides financial and  practical support to a young woman studying tourism/hospitality subjects who aspires to pursue a career in the industry.

This year the $1,000 scholarship has been awarded to Lily Pursell, a year 12 student studying VET subjects at Guilford Young College.

Last year Lily completed the Certificate II in Tourism and this year is studying for Certificates II in Hospitality, Kitchen Operations and Business, as well as undertaking a school-based traineeship with the Parks & Wildlife Service. Up until recently Lily also had casual work at Pancake by the Ponds in the Derwent Valley.

In her application and at interview Lily displayed great enthusiasm, drive and commitment to pursuing a career in the tourism industry. Her goals are to complete further qualifications in tourism and hospitality, secure full-time work and achieve a management position in the industry, then eventually running her own business.

Lily is already displaying entrepreneurial drive - as a keen photographer of nature and landscapes, she has established her own photography business.

As part of the Student Leadership team at GYC, Lily had also been organising and running events at school, putting into practice organisational skills developed through her studies and work experience.

On successfully completing this year’s subjects Lily will receive a $1,000 prize, which is generously sponsored by Tourism Tasmania.

Lily Pursell, winner of the 2020 WITH Tas scholarship

Lily's scholarship includes:

  • $1,000, awarded in November
  • Peer support throughout the year
  • Access to a wide network of women and other contacts in the industry
  • Attendance at three events, including a Management Committee meeting

Two encouragement prizes also awarded

Due to the high calibre of applicants this year, the WITH Tas Committee has decided to award two ‘encouragement’ prizes of $500 each.

Caitlin Foale, studying for the Certificate III in Tourism at Drysdale TasTAFE and Thais Sousa, studying for the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at registered training organisation, Frontier Education, both displayed strong motivation and ability to succeed in the tourism/hospitality industry.

In recognition of their potential they will each receive $500 on completion of their studies at the end of the year.