One Air Force member's dedication and commitment to her local community has resulted in recognition for a national award.
Leading Aircraftwoman Casey-Lee Rebellato was one of eight finalists for the 2023 Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Rural Achiever Award.
The award celebrates the achievements of young leaders aged 20-29 years who are making their rural or regional community stronger and more vibrant.
Leading Aircraftwoman Rebellato grew up on a small cattle farm in Newcastle and believes that connecting industries is of paramount importance for binding local communities together.
"Being selected as a finalist is an achievement for representing rural towns like Newcastle and being able to represent the training and connections I have made in the ADF on a different platform," Leading Aircraftwoman Rebellato said.
"I felt really proud to have the judges recognise my passion for connecting different industries and the importance of local communities."
Leading Aircraftwoman Rebellato is planning to commission as a personnel capability officer and hopes to be posted to a public affairs position.
"This year I received my dream posting to 100 Squadron; a squadron saturated in public affairs with a heavy focus on community," Leading Aircraftwoman Rebellato said.
Leading Aircraftwoman Rebellato was recognised last month at a morning tea hosted by the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley.
"I was honoured and humbled all at once, but very grateful to be recognised in such an environment."
As a 2023 RAS Rural Achiever Award finalist, Leading Aircraftwoman Rebellato had the opportunity to expand her knowledge and network by participating in a series of leadership workshops and events at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with the other seven finalists.
"Being afforded the opportunity to participate in the program with seven like-minded individuals proved to me that the future of the industry is in safe hands," she said.
"I was able to walk away from the program with seven people who I hope to have lifelong connections with to drive the future of our local communities and NSW as a whole."
In her spare time, Leading Aircraftwoman Rebellato also contributes to her local community through volunteering as a riding instructor for RSL for Life's Spur Equine Program, teaching veterans with mental health illness how to ride and care for horses.
