My contribution to the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s vision is in developing and delivering content and experiential learning for our participants in the Leading Australian Resilient Communities Program. Positive learning experiences for our participants result in an increase in healthy leadership behaviours and practices, which in turn, contributes to thriving communities. 

When I’m not at work, I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, having outdoor adventures in beautiful places, and eating great food. And I love a great movie!

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

I have spent 35 years living in the same small, rural town that produces beef and citrus. I’ve witnessed the industries’ struggles through drought and other disasters, the effects of low socio-economic status, and the realities of trying to obtain services and personnel, the frustration when you are committed to being there, of not being able to advance your career or interact with others in your profession and areas of interest. But Australia depends on hundreds of these small rural towns – through technology, innovation, commitment and vibrant leadership – some of the “cons” can be overcome, and need to be because there are so many “pros” to these communities.

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?

Before joining the ARLF, I spent 13 years working in the community services sector with children and youth and some community recovery work. I also did three years carrying out resilience work in collaboration with local government councils before joining the ARLF.

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

• The team.
• The travel.
• The talking – me and others.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.