Leadership skills earn high praise

A desire to improve the lives of others drove Amber Ramage to become a leader at school and in the community as she pursues a career in the health sector.

Amber’s work as head girl at Bunbury Senior High School in 2019 has seen her recognised by the Zonta Club of Bunbury with the 2020 Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award.

The award recognises commitment to the volunteer sector and a dedication to the empowerment of women.

Much of Amber’s work originated at school as she thrived in her role as head girl.

“I learnt a lot about leadership and time management but also that my opinion matters and that I could really make a difference,” Amber said.

“By having the connection with staff we were able to bring ideas forward and get the support to help put them into action.”

One of her finest achievements at the school is her leadership of the Coat Donation Campaign, encouraging people to donate a coat that could be used by somebody in need.

“Anyone in public can leave a coat that they don’t need anymore and anyone who needs one can take one,” she said.

Amber has been accepted into a physiotherapy course at Notre Dame, but deferred for a year.

“The plan for this year was work and travel but circumstances are making that a little bit difficult,” Amber said.

“I’m using the time to research different options and do some planning and personal development while we wait for everything to settle down.”

While she is yet to make a final decision on her area of study, Amber has her heart set on a profession that will allow her to improve the lives of others.

“I know I want to do something in the health field and I want to help people to get healthy mentally and physically so they feel they can get the best out of life,” she said. “Physio feels like a good way to help people get past obstacles they otherwise might not be able to.”

Amber’s nomination for the Zonta award was testament to her impact on BSHS.

“One of my teachers wanted to nominate me after the work I had done as head girl,” she said.

“I think it was that she had seen my progression from being really quiet and not really putting myself out there, to Year 12 where I was trying to make an impact.”

Time in quarantine after overseas travel has left Amber with plenty of time to reflect on her achievements and the importance of this award is not lost on her.

“It’s huge, it’s such an honour,” she said.

“The Zonta Club is amazing, they do so much work for women and girls.

“To think that I’ve made enough of a difference to be recognised by them makes it feel a lot bigger to me.”