With the support of her parents, Diane Schmidt knew the world was her oyster and she was capable of striving for any career she desired.

After completing Year 10 and landing a job as a “coffee and tea lady” at an accounting firm, Di met a woman who would be the inspiration behind her successful career.

“I was inspired by a manager, she seemed happy and had it together. She was an accountant so I went to TAFE,” she said.

After attending TAFE, she moved from her home town of Broken Hill to Albury where she obtained her Bachelor of Business (Accounting).

Her career as an accountant began in a “lovely tax accounting firm that became my family”, from there she made the move to Adelaide to be closer to family where she worked in both commercial and government roles as a senior manager before opening her own practice.

Eight years ago, Di and her husband Paul were looking for a “tree change” so both sold their businesses and made the move to Wentworth.

Di first obtained employment at Wentworth Shire Council before finding her way to SuniTAFE in 2018, where she began as the Senior Accountant. She is currently a member of the Executive Strategic Leadership Team and is employed as the General Manager of Corporate Services and CFO.

“I am very proud to be part of that Strategic Leadership Team that has gender equality with both five men and five women in the team,” she said.

“SuniTAFE for me has been a fantastic experience, where would you rather be when training and education has got me to where I am."

“The training and education SuniTAFE provide gives us a pathway no matter what our career goals are.”

Di said she is incredibly proud to be part of a workplace that gives men and women equal opportunities.

“It’s really important that women and young girl see women in leadership roles,” she said.

“I am grateful to SuniTAFE and all the opportunities they have provided me including leadership training with the current Strategic Leadership Team, which is something I really value.”

In her current role at SuniTAFE Di is responsible for strategic leadership and governance roles for Financial Services, Procurement, Human Resources, Quality and Risk and Education Services, non-trade delivery oversight and TAFE Kids Inc.