Taylor Smyth took home the Outstanding Employee award at Wagga Wagga Business Chamber’s Golden Crow Awards. Photo: Bidgee Strawberries and Cream.
A Wagga cafe supervisor was named a finalist in the Riverina Murray business awards Outstanding Employee category for her dedication to family farm Bidgee Strawberries and Cream.
Taylor Smyth started out as a “little paddock worker” five years ago before working her way up to cafe supervisor, where she is now “pretty much managing” the cafe and making sure everyone enjoys their time on the farm.
The 19-year-old was born and raised in Wagga, and has plans to eventually work towards being a paramedic “in the distant future”. Region caught up with her to find out about her journey.
How does it feel?
I didn’t really recognise the feeling at first, but now that it’s been about a month later, it feels kind of surreal.
How did you start at Bidgee Strawberries and Cream?
This was when I was 14. They were looking for [strawberry] pickers, and my mum said, ‘This can be a good first job for you. It’s outside, and you might not have to deal with a lot of people.’
So we did that, but turns out they actually wanted adults. But they decided to give me a chance as a little paddock worker. So I started out there.
You’ve been there for almost five years now; how has the experience been?
It became ‘working with’ instead of ‘working for’. They just create such a good environment, and they’re just really good people to work with.
I’ve seen the cafe grow, and I’ve seen so many implementations.
I’m proud of them as much as they’re proud of me.
Is there a must-try item on the cafe menu?
Oh, the strawberry ice cream.
So, what’s next?
I have plans to eventually become a paramedic, but for now, I’m quite happy just working with them, the community and anyone that comes along, and seeing what adventures come.
I’ve seen what paramedics do. They can save lives, and I’ve just always loved being able to help people. This is a field that’s really spoken to me for a while.
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream lets you pick your own strawberries. Photo: Bidgee Strawberries and Cream.
Is there anyone you want to give a shoutout to?
Kylie and Michael, the business owners – they’re amazing.
And my mum, she’s been my biggest supporter and she showed me from a young age what hard work can get you. I think that’s how I ended up with such an amazing award.
I love it there [Bidgee Strawberry and Cream]. It’s easy to work hard when you love it, to be honest.
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream offers strawberry picking experiences starting in November. More information can be found on its website.
