Congrats to former Nats’ staffer Isabelle Gillespie, who has been named by the Premier as the NSW government staff member of the year.
Issy has received the Nick Ruygrok Award for what’s been described as her “outstanding and dedicated service to the NSW Government and the people of NSW.”
The award was established in memory of Nick Ruygrok – a seasoned marginal seat campaigner and outstanding ministerial staff member in the Baird Government.
Nick’s dedication to service and professionalism were unmatched and recognised government-wide.
Nick was tragically killed in a cycling accident, aged just 25 years, and since 2016, the most passionate and dedicated staff member within the NSW Government has been awarded the Nick Ruygrok award in his honour.
The award is given to someone who has shown outstanding commitment to their role throughout the year, an ability to achieve outcomes that advance the government’s agenda, a willingness to bring unique perspectives to problem solving, a collaborative and constructive approach, and a highly regarded team player.
Issy officially started her political career in 2016 in the NSW Nationals secretariat, where she was digital communications manager then head of digital and marketing.
Issy joined Bronnie Taylor’s office in 2019 as a policy adviser. She was promoted to senior adviser, and currently holds the position of Deputy Chief of Staff.
The nomination form describes Issy as someone who “never shirks her responsibilities to the Minister, the portfolio and to government.”
It says she is “supremely reliable,” someone who is a “fast and efficient operator,” someone who “minimises the scope for mistakes and is a good judge of risk,” and someone who “shows absolute sound judgment on the strategic direction of the Coalition and its National Party partner.”
The nomination form describes Issy as a born leader and “one of those rare people who are the complete package.”
Little wonder, then, that she has been given this award.
