The bursary was presented as one of four Australian Hotels Association (AHA) of NSW and BMIHMS grants at the AHA NSW’s annual excellence awards in Sydney on Tuesday evening.

Abbey was a runner-up for the $20,000 main prize, instead receiving one of three $10,000 bursaries to undertake a two-and-a-half year Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resorts Management) at the Blue Mountains school.

Abbey said “it was experience in itself just going to the awards”.

“It was definitely a very overwhelming feeling,” she said.

“Now I’ve kind of composed myself, it’s definitely such a great opportunity for someone, especially from Narromine, getting recognised in such a prestigious award.”

Abbey is set to head to the Blue Mountains in January, and said the funds would help her cover the cost of accommodation while she studies.

Ultimately, she wants to manage hotels around the world.

“It will allow me to travel and I have an enthusiasm about hospitality – it’s so diverse and there’s so much you can do,” she said.

“It’s not really a career that you could do back home.

“There’s other ways [to get into the business] but being able to be selected for such a school is quite an honour.”

Abbey was accompanied to the awards by Narromine High School hospitality teacher Simone Googe.

She said Simone, and the school’s career adviser Jan Davison, had been a great help in helping her shape her future aspirations.

“Explore your options,” Abbey said to young people thinking about life after school.

“Go to your teachers. They will assist you like you wouldn’t believe!”