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

My passion for rural, regional and remote Australia comes from both personal history and professional experience. My family’s story is deeply connected to rural communities, agriculture and politics in Queensland, giving me an inherent understanding of the vital role regional Australia plays in our nation’s future.

Over the past two decades with the ARLF, I have remained committed to strengthening agency, leadership and equitable opportunities across rural and regional communities. My belief in the power of immersive learning experiences has also been shaped through my background in education and life-changing experiences living and working in remote Canada, volunteering in rural Vanuatu, and supporting vulnerable communities through Melbourne’s Sacred Heart Mission. These experiences continue to shape my leadership and reinforce my belief that investing in people creates stronger communities and lasting change.

What’s your professional background?

I began my career as a Physical Education teacher, spending much of my time working within boarding school communities. From there, I moved into community and leadership development roles, including working with the Australian Sports Commission and participating in international development work in the Pacific as an Australian Volunteer.

Prior to becoming Interim Chief Executive, I spent 18 years with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, working alongside communities, industries and leaders across rural, regional and remote Australia. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges, opportunities and leadership potential that exist within regional communities.

Today, I lead a passionate team focused on building the social infrastructure, leadership capability and connections that enable communities and industries to shape their own futures. I bring energy, strong networks and a deep belief that investing in people creates the foundations for prosperity, resilience and progress.

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

One of my favourite memories is a 17,000-kilometre family adventure across Australia over three months. Travelling through vast open plains, beneath endless skies and across incredibly diverse landscapes gave me time to truly connect with Country alongside my family.

What stays with me most are the people we met along the way and the way the landscape seemed to stretch on forever. The openness of the skies, roads and land has a profound effect on me. It helps me breathe more deeply, feel grounded, inspired and present. It’s a feeling I carry with me long after the journey ends.

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

The people who bring passion, expertise and purpose to everything they do.

The Foundation’s commitment to creating positive change through leadership and community development.

The opportunity to enable and amplify the role of rural, regional and remote Australia in shaping our country’s future.

Connect with me on LinkedIn.