Mrs O’Callaghan has received a scholarship from the  Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and the federal government. 

It will allow her to  complete either the Company Directors Course or Foundations of Directorship program offered by the AICD.

The Australian Institute of Company Directors is the nation’s leading organisation for directors, dedicated to making a positive impact on society and the economy by promoting professional director education and excellence in corporate governance.

The idea behind awarding the scholarships is to further increase the skill level of women that work in sectors that are expected to dominate future growth. 

Mrs O’Callaghan said she applied for the scholarship, but wasn’t too sure if she would be successful in receiving it. 

“I applied for it so I could upskill,” she said. 

“In terms of what I do here (at Southern Cotton) it obviously covers a lot of that, but in a much bigger way.

“The courses I will have to complete cover things like financial management, the role of a company director and risk management. 

“I think it’s good to always be refreshing what you and learning something new as well. 

“It’s a great opportunity for me.”

The courses will be completed over the next 12 months.

 AICD’s managing director and chief executive officer John Brogden said the scholarships provided an opportunity to obtain further credentials. 

“The scholarship program is an important part of our efforts to increase the number of women on Australian boards,” he said.

“These important industries are likely to play a pivotal role in Australia’s future and we are providing an opportunity for talented women to obtain credentials that will allow them to contribute to this growth.”

Since the launch of the scholarship program in 2010, there has been an increase in the number of women on the boards of Australia’s largest companies.

Mrs O’Callaghan will be fitting the scholarship work into her already bus schedule. 

Business is booming at the Southern Cotton gin, with this year’s harvest expected to be one of the best yet. 

“We’re doing 80 bales an hour at the gin,” Mrs O’Callaghan said. 

“It’s super busy, but we absolutely love it. 

“The farmers are enjoying great picking conditions, so hopefully that continues. 

“The yields are looking amazing, so everyone is pretty happy at the moment.”