A chance to stand up for western NSW and the thousands of people and industries that call it home has inspired Narrabri’s Georgia Campbell to steer her career in an unexpected direction.
Miss Campbell, 24, has accepted a position as western NSW policy advisor for the Minister for Western NSW, Kevin Humphries.
She has moved to Sydney for the 12-month maternity position and starts on Monday.
The business graduate worked in real estate and accounting with Davidson Cameron and Co for three years and in customer service with Narrabri Shire Council for the past eight months.
She hadn’t considered a career in the political arena until the offer arose, but is now sure it’s the right direction.
“It’s going to be a big learning curve for me but I’m excited to learn and develop those skills,” Miss Campbell said.
With her temporary contract at council nearing its end, the opportunity to work alongside the NSW Member for Barwon in his Western NSW ministerial portfolio was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“I was very interested in learning how it all works and having the ability to be involved in helping western NSW because I am from this area, and I am very passionate about it,” Miss Campbell said.
“I want to work to benefit western NSW.”
Mr Humphries said Miss Campbell had a deep understanding of the issues faced by the region’s residents and had the skills to do well in the job.
“Georgia is a community-based person and knows country issues,” he said.
“She gets stuck in and helps organise and improve the community, and makes the community a better place.
“Over time we want to make western NSW more livable for people. We wanted someone that had a good background in country living, but is willing to learn.”
The role will involve working with Mr Humphries and other ministerial offices to develop and refine policies that improve the lives of those living in the region.
Miss Campbell is looking forward to travelling the region with Mr Humphries and hearing first hand from local people about the issues they face.
She’s even excited about spending 12 months in Sydney, but says that part took convincing.
“I lived in Brisbane for three years [when studying] and I didn’t think I’d ever go back to the city,” she said.
Miss Campbell hopes to leave a mark while she’s in the role.
“These areas are so remote, and it’s important to provide them the same attention that the cities get,” she said.
“I think it’s important for them to have a voice and that’s basically what we are.”