Where are you from, and how did you find your way to Shepparton?
I originally grew up in a small town called Saint Arnaud in central Victoria and my partner in Yarrawonga. We most recently were settled in Altona. One day I was driving around Melbourne and the thought hit me, “Why am I here and what’s next?”. I didn’t act on the thought but when COVID hit, we made the move back to Yarrawonga. I underestimated how strong my country roots are and the opportunities for our son in a regional community, and then this fantastic opportunity in Shepparton presented itself, and the rest is history.
What do you do here?
I am the Executive Officer of Goulburn Murray Community Leadership, the organisation behind the highly successful Fairley Leadership Program. Our Vision is to ignite positive change in the communities that make up the Goulburn Murray region. We identify leadership gaps and help people find the voice to create and inspire change in the community.
What’s the best part of your job?
Definitely meeting people, great conversations and listening to stories and feedback from Fairley Leadership Program alumni and their experiences. The program is entering its 25th year, so there are alumni of different generations who have led fascinating lives and give so many unique perspectives.
What do you do outside of work?
A lot of family time and getting out and about, enjoying the outdoors. I’m also a keen cyclist, and of course there are many beautiful places to cycle through and to in our region which makes it all the more enjoyable. I believe in maintaining a good level of fitness and mindfulness as this translates across to all aspects of one’s life.
What’s your favourite thing about Shepparton?
The diverse range of people I’ve met, there is so much positivity and ambition in Shepparton and excitement about the future, everyone I’ve come across embodies this. There is also a great coffee/cafe culture here, I’ll even say it’s close to nudging ahead of Melbourne!
We also have a great CBD with so many facilities, shopping options and park/recreation areas, all being within only two hour drive from Melbourne.
What’s one thing you would change about Shepparton to improve it?
I believe in making Shepparton better, not necessarily changing it. We can look at how we can make it better and draw on our strengths, which there are many of, to improve our town. Goulburn Murray Community Leadership supports a culture that cultivates strong leadership skills, fostering positive change for Greater Shepparton.
