LOCAL teenager Maixence Williams will be heading to the Seafood Directions conference this year, after being awarded a top bursary.
The Government of South Australia supported Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA) in awarding her $5000 to attend this year’s conference.
The bursary is awarded to a South Australian woman in seafood who is passionate about their work and the industry, and who wants to develop their networks, connections, skills and capacity.
Miss Williams, who is completing year 12, works as a deckhand on a commercial lobster fishing vessel during the Southern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery season.
She is working toward gaining her Coxswain Grade II Near Coastal qualification, while also working as a factory hand and buyer for Williams Seafoods.
It will be a great experience for the keen fisherman, who hopes to continue her work in the industry.
“I definitely want to move into this fishing industry, having a family background,“ she said.
“I’m hoping to take over my family business working in the factory and owning that.“
Through the bursary, Miss Williams will attend the national Seafood Directions conference, held every two years.
Attendees will be mentored throughout the three-day conference and attend WISA-specific workshops and events including a workshop to develop actionable plans to address barriers to women’s progression in the seafood industry, and a session on business marketing and communications.
Seafoods Directions, held in Brisbane 13-15 September 2022, is a national forum that provides an opportunity to promote the seafood industry, discuss industry issues, workshop solutions, teach best practices, share knowledge, and plan for the future of the seafood industry.
The bursary is a key opportunity for participation, funded through the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.
“I am very excited to be attending Seafood Directions, to expand my networks in the South Australian seafood industry, as well as my knowledge, by learning from other women within different seafood sectors,“ Miss Williams said.
“I am passionate about working in seafood, as I love being outside on the ocean and in our beautiful environment.
“Through the mentoring provided and this experience with WISA, I know that it will be beneficial and rewarding for my future career within the Southern Rock Lobster industry.“
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven congratulated Miss Williams.
“Women play a significant role in South Australian agribusiness, including our seafood industry,“ she said.
“However, there is enormous potential for us to benefit even more from female industry participation and leadership in the sector.
“The Government of South Australia wants to encourage other women to join the sector by highlighting career pathways and providing personal development.
“We’re proud to support initiatives like the WISA bursary, which creates opportunities and breaks down barriers for women so they can have rewarding careers in seafood.
“Congratulations to Maixence, who looks to have a bright future in South Australia’s seafood industry.“
