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USC’s Leanne named Young Manager 2009
A University of the Sunshine Coast business student has been named the 2009 Sunshine Coast Young Manager of the Year by the Australian Institute of Management.
Leanne Fretwell, 28, is studying a Bachelor of Business part-time at USC while working at the Kunda Park national head office of Springfree Trampoline Australia.
Leanne, of Buderim, joined the company as a junior five years ago and now shares the general manager’s role with two other staff, as well as managing its finance, administration, human resources and information technology sectors.
“When I got the promotion in a restructure at the end of 2006 we had five staff here,” she said. “Now we have 19 at Kunda Park, another seven at offices in Sydney and Melbourne, plus casual staff.”
The company is a direct-to-the-public distributor of the Springfree Trampoline, an innovative product focused on safety and the removal of dangerous elements found in some conventional trampolines. It’s now sold in 15 countries.
Leanne was praised for implementing new internal processes while remaining dedicated to the employees she managed.
She said her USC degree was invaluable in boosting her skills and knowledge in order to expand her role at the business.
“I’ll finish next June with an accounting major and a human resources minor, which has been a great combination for me,” she said.
“I was inspired by USC management lecturer Selina Tomasich, who helped me discover my people-focused management style, in addition to my logical side.”
Leanne, who had no previous tertiary education, said USC was perfect for her because its smaller size and convenient location meant a lot more personal contact with lecturers. “I didn’t just learn through textbooks,” she said.
“I’m honoured to receive the institute’s award and I’m grateful to Springfree Trampoline for giving me the autonomy to succeed,” she said.
“I intend to do further study in commerce and management.”
Leanne recently attended the AIM’s gala Queensland awards in Brisbane, competing against eight other finalists. Her category was won by a Rockhampton Council manager.
– Julie Gatehouse