SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council Youth Development Officer Hailey Cosh was one of three women who delivered inspiring speeches at the Zonta annual International Women’s Day breakfast at the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE on Friday.
Ms Cosh, along with local solicitor Rebecca Lancaster and policewoman and cancer survivor Julie Hauff, spoke about being a woman in today’s society and what it meant to be happy and successful.
Very close to her family, Ms Cosh said her greatest challenge was helping to care for her unwell father.
“My father passed away but I treasure the time I had with him,” she told the assembled crowd.
“Both he and my mother encouraged me to work hard and go after your dreams, despite the challenges you sometimes have to face.
“I strongly believe in taking opportunities that come your way and believing in yourself with humility and courage,“ she said.
Ms Cosh, who was raised in the small town of Croppa Creek in New South Wales, said she had just been advised that she was successful in being awarded placement in the National Rural Women’s Coalition Leadership Program and felt this was another great step in her career and life.
Warwick Zonta International Women’s Day breakfast organiser Faye Marley said Ms Cosh’s contribution to the event was invaluable.
“What a wonderful inspirational talk this was and I feel sure Hailey, as well as Rebecca and Julie, were hugely inspiring for young women in the audience.
“I think everyone who was present will replay Hailey’s journey in their mind. We know that that this young lady from Croppa Creek will go from strength to strength,“ she said.
