I work together with the program learning team to coordinate rural leaders around Australia to thrive and strengthen personal and community development. As well as administrative tasks, I make sure our cohorts are well looked after and the back-of-house logistics are in order for a well-run program.

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

I grew up in a remote small town and very rural environment. I spent all of my childhood years in central west New South Wales in a small town called Lake Cargelligo. My roots run deep in rural communities, and hence my passion toward seeing remote communities strive together for better opportunities for the youth of today is very strong. I myself had to leave my community to explore educational avenues for personal development and career success. 

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

My all-time favourite memory of rural Australia is heading to the farm and lamb marking with my uncle and cousins. We have a large extended family, and we would all pitch in to help my uncle on his farm during the times he needed extra help. The laughs, and bonding were the best! We still chat about funny incidents that occurred to this day and remember those fond memories like it was yesterday and not 25 years ago. Looking back on that now, the drought affected the farm quite significantly. My uncle has since sold the farm over 10 years ago now and so these memories will hold dear to my heart.

I hate to admit it but I’m a little obsessed with country music and have visited the Nashville Country Music Hall of fame in 2019. I’m very grateful to have toured music areas of the USA such as New Orleans and Memphis. If I’m not listening the country music hits, you’ll find me at the beach watching the sunrise and sunsets.

What’s your professional background?

I have a background in events management with Rydges in New South Wales and Queensland. However, I took up photography when my two daughters were born and have since been in the photography industry for 10 years. I contracted to the ARLF and worked with the communications team in community engagement and recruitment for the Regenerate Regional Leadership program in March of 2022. 

My secret background is I’m a hairdresser by trade and have dabbled in hair and beauty brand management also.

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

The things I move love about working at the ARLF are meeting new people and hearing their stories, the team are amazing and seeing the transformation change in cohorts and following their achievements.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.