How event experience led to prestigious nomination

Diploma of Event Management (SIT50316) Student, Beth McDonald recently completed hands on experience as part of her diploma with the Mudgeeraba Show Society where she assisted in sourcing & recruiting 150 volunteers for the 2022 Mudgeeraba Show.

Beth decided to study a Diploma of Event Management at TAFE Queensland as she wanted to use the diploma as a stepping stone to university, whilst obtaining experience and benefiting from the volunteering opportunities.

Beth McDonald said the hands-on experience with the Mudgeeraba Show Society was very interesting as she witnessed the thought process behind everything they do, for a non-for-profit event.

“It was great to see the hierarchy of the show and all the channels they have to go through before making a decision, even as something as simple as the colour scheme,” Miss McDonald said.

“Melanie, the President of the Mudgeeraba Show Society was amazing, I loved working beside her and offering my learning from my diploma to help her plan events,” she said.

Melanie Bryson, President of Mudgeeraba Show Society said she was so impressed with Beth that she personally nominated her as Miss Mudgeeraba Show Young Woman of the Year 2023. Being nominated for such a program allows the Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show to engage young women in the community to develop their leadership skills and confidence to continue their involvement in, and representation of the show. 

“Miss Mudgeeraba Show Young Woman is a leadership program for all young women who will learn to engage in the community and the agriculture show movement,” Bryson said.

“The aim of these awards is to recognise, develop and celebrate young leaders in our community,” she said.

“I have been so impressed with Beth’s dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and work ethic and I can't wait to have her as a major player around the office.”

Beth will continue to support Melanie with upcoming awards nights, competitions and the Annual Agricultural Mudgeeraba Show. 

Event Management Teacher Audra Broughton said being nominated as Miss Mudgeeraba Show Young Woman is a huge honour and a testament to Beth’s hard work.

“I have been so impressed with Beth’s commitment to her studies, supportive nature with class peers, community spirit and humble nature,” Broughton said.

“Being nominated is a testament to her work ethic and positive attitude,” she said.

Beth McDonald said the Diploma of Event Management teachers Audra and Jo have been incredibly helpful, understanding and always offer to help when needed. 

“I can't explain how great Audra has been,” McDonald said.

“I found it really helpful how small our class were, it allowed Audra to really assist us and explain things for all of our different learning styles,” she said.

“She was amazing at teaching us using her own personal experience but also using our own work experience such as mine as a Crew Coach at Hungry Jacks.”

TAFE Queensland is entering into an amazing collaboration in 2023 with the Mudgeeraba Show Society. TAFE Queensland will operate a branded marquee for the Show weekend where we TAFE Queensland will host a VIP lunch for the Mayor, local members of Parliament and local counsellors; as well as utilising the marquee to showcase other industry areas.