It was this enthusiasm that saw the Forbes local stand out as a successful candidate of the Board Diversity scholarship.

Emma was one of only 30 people across regional Australia to be awarded with the scholarship and last week member for Calare John Cobb travelled to Forbes to congratulate her. 

The scholarship involves a five day workshop in Sydney and a yearly membership of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The program aims to provide women with the governance and skills to help secure directorships.

Emma said she was thrilled to be offered the opportunity the scholarship offered.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to network with other people,” she said. 

“I’m interested in pursuing an opportunity as a company director and I hope [the scholarship] will improve my effectiveness as a director.

“I hope to make a lasting contribution to the board as well create a sustainable future and a resilient community.”

As well as Emma, Parkes local Nicole Mercer was the only other candidate in the Calare division to receive a scholarship and Mr Cobb congratulated both women. 

“Forbes farmer Emma Thomas is a member of the Trade and Market Access Committee of Grain Trade Australia and is actively involved in a number of organisations, including Kangarooby Catchment Landcare Group and LachLandcare incorporated,” he said. 

“She is also a member of National Policy Group of Grain Growers Limited and a member of Central West Regional Development Australia.

“I congratulate Nicole and Emma on being outstanding candidates for the scholarship.”

Emma has a Masters in Environmental Business Management.

She has served on Central West Regional Development Australia for three years and has been specifically focused on improving rural economic development opportunities.

More than 300 women from rural and remote areas across Australia applied for the scholarship and the next round of Board Diversity Scholarships will be launched in coming weeks.