Assistant Manager for Agribusiness at Commonwealth Bank of AustraliaSponsored by the Rotary Club of Armidale North
gseemma@gmail.com
Growing up in rural New South Wales, I have a strong affinity with the land and rural life. Our family ran a 3,500 acre grazing property where my family ran beef cattle and sheep for 7 generations. I completed my early schooling at the local primary school and then attended boarding school in south eastern Queensland. After finishing school, I began studying Agricultural Economics at the University of New England in Armidale. I had the opportunity to participate in a university exchange to Purdue University in Indiana for 6 months. After graduating with honours, I began a career in agricultural banking. Initially employed by a small rural bank located in south western Queensland covering a diverse agricultural area, I developed a love for interacting with clients. I continued to pursue this aspect of the role when I moved to an agribusiness banker role with one of the largest banks in Australia. Through this move to a larger bank, I have been able to apply my knowledge to commercial along with agricultural clients. After two years in the business and agricultural banking industry, I spent a period of five months working on a 2.5 million acre cattle station in the Northern Territory, where I was employed as the station secretary. I returned home rejuvenated after the short break, and moved back into my current role as an agribusiness banker with my previous employer, concentrating largely on rural clients. I feel that with my strong rural background, I display a strong affinity with the not only the trials and tribulations of rural life, but also the favourable seasons also. This provides a strong base to develop effective financial solutions for our clients requirements.
I live in Armidale which is located half way between Sydney and Brisbane and two hours from the east coast of Australia. It is cosmopolitan city of 25,000 that enjoys four distinct seasons with warm summer days, followed by an intensely beautiful autumn where the leaves turn from yellow to rich reds. Winters are cold with occasional snow falls, and are followed by mild spring weather. Armidale boasts three independent boarding schools and the University of New England, and is also the regional hub for a large portion of northern New South Wales. It services a large agricultural area and has a strong retail sector. Armidale is also known for its beautiful churches, with numerous cathedrals and churches located in town.
I have consistently strived to maintain a strong involvement in community activities, and was the Glen Innes Showgirl in 2005, and competed in the state finals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in the same year. I also enjoy playing sport, including field hockey, touch football and netball. Our family have maintained a strong interest in horses and horse sports, mainly campdrafting. My parents run 15 horses on their rural property that are used for stock work and also ridden in local competitions.
During the Rotary Group Study Exchange to District 5370, I would like to:
- Visit local agricultural enterprises in the district, from family farms to large agricultural business
- Visit agricultural enterprises that operate in niche and unique markets
- Work directly with people employed in the various roles that service the rural industry
- Network with prominent agricultural industry leaders
- Visit Native American and historical museums, landmarks and/or educational sites
- Attend local rodeos and horse sport events
Please note: I have an intolerance to dairy foods.
