Coffs Harbour student wins Minister's tourism award

Southern Cross University student Jacqueline Lidbury has received a Minister's Student Achiever Award in Tourism and Hospitality Studies.

The NSW Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Sandra Nori, said that Jacqueline Lidbury was one of 11 students to receive an award which included a cash prize of $1,500.

"The winning students were selected for their sustained academic achievement and for demonstrating the capabilities and personal qualities that would make a significant contribution to the tourism and hospitality industry in NSW," Ms Nori said.

"The State Government is encouraging talented students such as Jacqueline to progress with their studies and continue in the tourism industry," she said.

Jacqueline is studying a Bachelor of Business in Hotel and Resort Management at the Coffs Harbour campus.

Having grown up in the NSW coastal town of Forster, Jacqueline was aware of the importance of the tourism and hospitality industry. With top marks at high school, Jacqueline gained entry into the course at SCU, which was her first choice.

Initiated by Tourism NSW in 1991, the Minister's Student Achiever Awards acknowledge the importance of professional training to the tourism industry. NSW students of tourism and hospitality courses at university or TAFE are eligible for the award.

The students must be NSW residents in their first year or equivalent. "Jacqueline and the other students are the future of tourism – a future that will benefit everyone in NSW," Ms Nori said.