The agribusiness advocate is a finalist for the 2015 NSW Regional Woman of the Year Award.

The nomination recognises Mrs O’Callaghan’s active support of agribusiness in the Riverina and her role in developing the region’s burgeoning cotton industry.

She helped transform a paddock into a $26 million operation by developing a cotton ginning business at Whitton.

Since she was recruited in 2012, the business has produced more than 500,000 bales of cotton.

Mrs O’Callaghan is an agronomist by trade, using industry expertise in her role as general manager of Southern Cotton.

“In just three years, we have built the Southern Cotton business from the ground up, and now we are the best gin in Australia,” she said. “This isn’t only a great result for Southern Cotton and the cotton industry, but for Riverina communities as well.”

Mrs O’Callaghan has seen cotton production continue to grow in the region.

She said even after 27 years of industry experience and great success in her present role, the nomination came as a surprise.

“It’s always lovely to be recognised for doing something that I love,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.

She has seen agriculture evolve from a traditionally male industry to an industry with boundless opportunities.

“There are a lot of women working in agriculture now,” she said.

She’s passionate about mentoring aspiring industry experts.

“I think it’s important that young people realise the world is their oyster, once they have a passion they can achieve anything,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.

She puts her money where her mouth is, speaking at career days to inform young people about industry pathways.

“In agriculture doors open and doors close; I didn’t know I would work in the cotton industry when I started, I just knew I loved agriculture,” she said.

To vote for Mrs O’Callaghan, visit www.women.nsw.gov.au as winners are selected via an online public vote.