As the Business Support Specialist at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, I’m all about helping people work smarter, not harder. Over my time here I’ve worn a few hats but the common thread has always been finding ways to make our systems and processes flow more smoothly so the team can focus on what really matters – supporting leadership across rural, regional and remote Australia.

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

Once described as city girl looking for a tree-change, I’d now describe myself a seasoned poddy-lamb wrangler living it up on the “tree-less” Hay Plains.

Like most, my transition into rural living has not been without it’s fair share of twists and turns. I love the sense of closeness to nature that this life brings, although I’d happily go without some of the uninvited critters who seem determined to share the four walls of our house.

I’m constantly inspired by rural, regional and remote communities who tread lightly on their landscapes and still contribute to feeding and clothing Australia and many other countries around the world. 

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

In 2022 our property was severely impacted by several high rainfall events combined with flooding from the Lachlan River Catchment. With more than 70% of our paddocks inundated we required immediate assistance to airlift livestock out of rising water.

Within the hour we had neighbors, friends and Landcare services on hand to help us move mobs of very wet sheep out of harms way. Although this was a very stressful 48 hours, I look back on this memory quite fondly as it perfectly encapsulates how people and communities can work together during challenging times.

I’ll never forget the kindness and generosity that was shown to us during this period – or how quickly the sheep ran out of their aerial crates once they were back on dry land.  

Now, what do you get up to when you’re not at work? What’s your favourite past time?

When I’m not working, you’ll most likely find me hanging out with my trusty (but not particularly useful) kelpie Ziggy, bird watching down by the creek or planning our next off-farm adventure.  

What’s your professional background?

Over the past ten years I’ve worked in a range of communications roles including journalism, public relations, marketing, philanthropy and events.

For the last five years I have used my skillset and experience to support a wide range of rural, regional and remote industries and communities. This has seen me working alongside arts and cultural institutions, rural research and development corporations, educational bodies, regional tourism groups, government departments, agribusinesses and not-for-profit organisations. 

Three things you love about working at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation?

1. Ability to work remotely.
2. Commitment to its core values.
3. Dedication to helping participants reach their full potential regardless of their postcodes.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.