Stacey is best branch manager in Vic region

“For me it is a huge achievement and, to be honest, a bit overwhelming considering we have so many great managers in our region,” Mrs O’Dwyer said.

“However being recognised for hard work and effort is very humbling and I’m very appreciative. It is definitely a career highlight and I’m extremely proud.”

Mrs O’Dwyer has worked for Middy’s Deniliquin for 11 years and was appointed branch manager in 2018.

She started out as a storeman and was promoted to purchasing officer within 12 months.

“I thoroughly enjoy my position with Middy’s and the people I work with,” she said fondly.

“I have very supportive staff, colleagues and senior management people which I very much look up to and have a lot of respect for.

“Above that we have very supportive and loyal contractors, which makes my job so worthwhile.”

“I would not have been able to accept the branch manager’s role if not for my supportive husband and daughters. They not only believed in me, but encouraged me to take on the role.

“I remember my eldest at the time, who would have been 16, said ‘You have to do it mum; you’ll be the best and you can show them what women are made of, my mum the branch manager’.

“When I first started at Middy’s I was the only female in our region, so having thick skin and fitting in with the boys was a must.

“This came quite easy to me - have a bit of banter, don’t take things too seriously and holding your ground was the key.

“I’ve managed to build very strong relationships with the local contractors, their staff and in most cases their families as well, which I’m sure was a key factor in me obtaining this very honourable accolade,” she concluded.

There are four judges in deciding this award for the region, along with a runners up award and three excellence awards.

There is an extensive checklist to which they go by which helps them decide.

A celebration for Mrs O’Dwyer’s award was held in Deniliquin last week.