Plumbing her way to the Commonwealth Games

An award winning female plumber from Slack’s Creek will take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) on Tuesday 3 April.

Shannon Whit, who is hearing impaired, is an inspirational young woman working in the male-dominated trades industry as a plumber after graduating from TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus.

Minister for Training and Skills Development and Member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman said she was proud to see women like Shannon breaking down barriers and excelling in her career.

“Shannon is a role model and is not only succeeding in a male dominated industry, but is also achieving big things after taking out two prestigious Apprentice awards and now being selected to carry the Queens Baton ahead of the  Commonwealth Games,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We are truly lucky that Queensland is home to some extraordinary women”

“Women who are not only navigating successful careers but also challenging barriers that many women face today.”

“Shannon is an inspiration, showing women that there is a place for them in this industry and that they too can have a successful career. “

Profoundly deaf in both ears, she doesn’t let this stop her from achieving her goals. Shannon exemplifies positivity, resilience and confidence enabling her to be a high achiever and this commitment to success in her field was recognised and she was nominated as a baton bearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay.

A TAFE graduate, Shannon won both the Plumbing Apprentice of the Year and the Most Outstanding Apprentice of the Year awards in 2013.

Shannon who studied her trade at TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus, was nominated by her teacher to represent the region in the Queen’s Baton Relay and said she is honoured to be recognised by TAFE Queensland – Gold Coast teachers and thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in the longest relay in history.

“I’m honoured and incredibly grateful to have been nominated by my teachers – it’s a real privilege,” Shannon Whit said.

“My TAFE teachers have always supported my endeavours, and to be able to take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay and to be a part of such a major sporting event throughout Australia and the Commonwealth is very exciting.

“The baton will be carried by around 3,800 people, so as it passes hands it will be engaging with both young and old, increasing our sense of connection and understanding of each other and I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.

TAFE Queensland - Gold Coast Region General Manager, Ms Karen Dickinson said she was excited to see Shannon represent the region as a batonbearer.

“Batonbearers are people that inspire others to be great, and we’re very excited to have Shannon participate in the Queen’s Baton Relay,” Ms Dickinson said.

“Shannon is a great example of someone who has achieved greatness in their field, and she is a fantastic representative for our region and our state. An inspiration too many, we invited Shannon to present to 500 staff at a recent TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Professional Development Day.”

The QBR celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come.

 The Queen’s Baton started its journey in Australia on 25 December, 2017 and will be celebrated in communities across the country for 100 days as it covers around 40,000 kilometres to arrive on the Gold Coast in time for the GC2018 opening ceremony on 4 April, 2018.

Shannon will carry the baton down Garfield Terrace in Surfers Paradise on Tuesday 3 April 2018 at 17:21.

For more information about TAFE Queensland’s partnership with GC2018, our batonbearers and our volunteers, visit tafeqld.edu.au/gc2018.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:    Inga Williams               0410 769 711