Where are you from, and how did you find your way to Shepparton?
I’m originally from Maffra. When my parents sold their dairy farms and relocated to Boosey, I stayed at school in Sale, went onto study at University of Melbourne, before commencing work and travel. My work and travel took me to lots of interesting places across Australia and overseas before I returned to Melbourne.
We had talked about moving closer to mum and dad’s farm one day, but a random job advert in early 2007, when I was a few weeks into maternity leave with my second child triggered our move to Shepparton. Initially we thought we would stay a few years, but 15 years later, we are still here.
What primary, high school and university did you go to?
I went to Maffra Primary School, then Gippsland Grammar in Sale and then onto University of Melbourne in Parkville. I also went back to complete Grad Dips in Agribusiness at Monash University and then Corporations and Securities Law at University of Melbourne.
What do you do here?
I’ve been a director of Goulburn Valley Water since 2016, and earlier this year I became the CEO of the Committee for Greater Shepparton. I’m also a wife, a mum of three kids and a dog owner.
What’s the best part of your job?
The licence it gives me to be incredibly curious about so many aspects of our region, industry and community, to spend time soaking up the wisdom, stories and ideas from very generous members, and hopefully converting these ideas into outcomes that build a stronger city for everyone.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m not sure if I enjoy it, or I’ve convinced myself I enjoy it, but there is something special about kids’ sport. Seeing them learn the lessons that come with playing a team sport or focusing on a skill and finally having that breakthrough moment. It doesn’t always end as they or we would like, but there are so many key lessons for them – and usually a few for the parents too.
With Shepparton hosting the Asian Cup qualifiers this week, I’m hoping to make it to as many Joeys games as possible.
What’s your favourite thing about Shepparton?
The people and the opportunities they make possible. We originally thought moving to Shepparton was high risk – if the job didn’t work out there would be limited other local opportunities. Instead, we’ve enjoyed some very interesting roles, learned a lot and met fascinating people along the way. It’s the same for our kids – I’ve lost count of the activities and sports they have been part of, and the quality coaching and support they have enjoyed. It would not have been possible if we had stayed in Melbourne.
What’s one thing you would change about Shepparton to improve it?
I would really like our city to be smart in where and how we grow so we hold onto our compact footprint, our public open spaces and precincts, and blend this with some creative housing design in our CBD. Higher (not high) density living isn’t for everyone, but when you stand on the balcony of SAM at sunset and look out over the river you know there’s an opportunity for something spectacular. I want us to learn from other regional cities, so we find a balance between building up and building out.
What are three words you would use to describe Shepparton?
Generous, diverse, resourceful.
