My role here is aligned with my passion for community work. Living in a community that is prone to severe weather conditions it has made me acutely aware of the importance of community collaboration and support. I have volunteered my time to help assist those impacted by natural disasters such as floods and fires.

Through my love of travel, I am constantly inspired to explore new places, meet new people, and discover the incredible beauty and potential that exists in every corner of the world. I am usually looking for my next destination before I land back in Australian.

Where does your passion for rural, regional and remote Australia come from?

Wallerawang is where it all started. Growing up in a close-knit community where everyone knew each other and worked together to support one another. I witnessed the resilience and a strong sense of community love, that thrives in small towns. I spent a lot of my childhood going between Bylong and Lightning Ridge.

What’s your favourite memory or most memorable moment of rural, regional and remote Australia?

At a very young age I would catch a bus from Lithgow to Rylstone. I would wait for my aunty to finish work and then we would then make the trip down the mountain to Bylong.  This would be my home over the school holidays.  We would pack the horses for the night and head for the mountains, stopping along the way to catch yabbies.  There was always something to do on the farm from rounding up cattle, rabbiting or just picking fruit and nuts from the trees. As I got a bit older, we would head to town on a Friday night for the local Blue Light Disco. We still talk about the adventures we had back on the farm growing up.

What’s your professional background?

Before joining ARLF I worked for a local accounting firm for 17yrs in the SMSF team. I have been on sporting committees (netball, cricket, touch football) over the years. I have even called bingo at the local RSL Club.

What are three things you love about working at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation?

ARLF offers opportunities for learning new skills and gaining experiences. The workplace also allows for collaboration and teamwork with colleagues, sharing of ideas, knowledge, and skills to achieve common goals.

Connect with me on LinkedIn. www.linkedin.com/in/reigan-nugent-6b973ab8