I oversee the team of Facilitation and Learning Leads, as we develop and deliver the content and programs of the ARLF, along with developing new products and offerings, and liaising with the Community of Practice. All of those elements are about ensuring that our contribution to RRR Australia is of the highest standard possible, enriched by deep collaboration and learning with others.

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

I have spent 39 years living in rural and regional Australia. I’ve witnessed industries struggle through drought and other disasters, the effects of low socio-economic indicators, and the realities of trying to obtain services and personnel; I’ve experienced the frustration of being committed to being there, and not being able to advance your career or interact with others in your profession and areas of interest. For all that – our country relies on these regional, rural and remote areas, as much as it relies on our metropolitan and urban areas – innovation, technology and new thinking can remove some of the frustrations and obstacles, and help us to adapt or navigate others more effectively.

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

One of my favourite memories of rural Australia is from my teenage years. I used to love camping out by the river. Where I come from, in a regular season, burning off the old grass in pastures and citrus blossom coincide, creating a unique scent. I remember spring nights sleeping by the river, Willy Wagtails twittering at the light of the full moon, with the heavy scent of citrus blossom, touched with the acrid bitterness of smoke. If you were lucky, a spring shower would fall earlier in the day, accentuating the citrus blossom alongside the ever-present eucalyptus.

What’s your professional background?

I spent 13 years working in the community service sector, with children, youth, and disaster-affected residents, before three years of disaster resilience work for a regional organisation of local government councils.

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

Weightlifting, swimming (beach or freshwater, I don’t care), eating great food, watching great movies, growing things in the garden.

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

• The team
• The travel
• The talking

Connect with me on LinkedIn.