Accounting alumna named racing carnival ambassador
Date posted: 19 Oct 2011
Bree Laughlin
Bachelor of Bus (Acc) 2007
When a friend encouraged her to enter the Search for the Face of Caulfield competition, Swinburne alumna Bree Laughlin employed her philosophy of ‘Good things happen to people who can be bothered to make them happen’.
She submitted her application, was excited to make it through to the finals, and was announced as the winner at a gala lunch in September.
A keen fan of horse racing, Bree was born in rural northern Victoria where she grew up surrounded by horses. Her maternal grandparents were involved in harness racing, so she attended country races from a young age.
As a child, she took up golf, played seriously as a junior, and toyed with the idea of becoming a professional player, but chose a practical path instead, enrolling in the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at Swinburne.
“I chose Swinburne because it had a terrific feel about it,” Bree said.
While studying, she worked at Baker’s Delight, continuing there as a franchising coordinator when she completed her degree in 2006.
After participating in a graduate program with Pitcher Partners, Bree became regional finance manager for Racing Victoria’s Northern Victorian Region, enabling her to move back to her home town of Kerang for a time.
Unsure if the finance world was for her, she decided to take a holiday in North America to help clear her head.
When she returned to Melbourne earlier this year, Bree applied for a six-month position in marketing with Mawsons, a company specialising in concrete and quarry materials. The part time role allowed Bree to investigate other prospects, including the Face of Caulfield competition.
“Mawsons pride themselves on valuing their staff,” Bree said. “I am very fortunate that I am able to take the time out to take on the duties of the Face of Caulfield. They are also very excited for me.”
Bree has retained her childhood passion for horse racing and still regularly attends country and city meets.
After winning Fashions on the Field at the Swan Hill races two years ago, she was asked to host the fashion stage and discovered a flair for presenting.
As the Face of Caulfield, Bree attends various events, co-hosting at the fashion and entertainment stage. She judges the Chadstone Fashion Stakes and works with the media as a representative for Caulfield.
Bree also presents webisodes which air on the Melbourne Racing Club website, keeps racing fans updated on the happenings at Caulfield via Twitter and Facebook and writes a blog.
At this stage she is not sure what the future holds.
“I would love to pursue a career in the media as a host whether on a lifestyle show or continuing through the racing industry,” she said.
You can now connect to Swinburne through the following social media platforms:
