As a Community Connector within the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, I play a part in supporting rural, regional, and remote communities to prepare for the challenges of drought. My focus is on fostering connections among community members and organisations, helping them access essential resources and support to prepare for tough times.

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

I don’t know if I can pinpoint a moment that explains my passion, but I think for me it’s the people I’ve met along my journey that bring me passion. I’ve been lucky to meet many incredibly strong movers and shakers and all round community driven people across my travels in remote Australia, and their passion has really rubbed off on me!

What’s your professional background?

Prior to joining the ARLF, I worked in various remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory in Community Development. I’ve built some incredible relationships across the Top End, which I am very grateful for.

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

One of my favorite memories of remote Australia perfectly captures the beauty of Kakadu National Park at the end of the Wet Season. I had the incredible privilege of visiting Ubirr Rock on my birthday a few years ago, and the journey there was anything but ordinary. After months of heavy rain, the road was completely flooded, so we traveled by boat through what is usually a bustling highway, surrounded only by the sounds of wildlife and the gentle lapping of water. Upon arriving at Ubirr, we were amazed to learn that we were the first tourists to visit in almost six months. First we had a Traditional Owner show us some rock art I had never seen before, a thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) which has been extinct on the mainland more than two thousand years – gives you an idea of the age of the art! We then climbed up to the lookout to see the floodplains, the landscape was alive with vibrant greens and stunning views, dotted with wild pig tracks and rock wallabies hopping around. The serenity of a place that is typically bustling with tourists left a lasting impression on me. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to live in such a remarkable place, full of experiences you could only dream of in the city.

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

When I’m not at work, I love to do things around my town of Jabiru! Whether that be explore the National Park, learn about local wildlife, spend time with friends, or support the local footy team (Go Bombers!), I love to be involved in my community. I’m also an avid cook, I love to cook and share meals with my friends, family and my retired greyhound Darryl.

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

Learning about new places, meeting people and making an impact for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia!

Connect with me on LinkedIn.