Where are you from, and how did you find your way to Shepparton?
I was born in Cessnock in New South Wales, but before I came to Shepparton I was in Inverloch in South Gippsland. I initially represented the aged care providers Victoria and Tasmania, and Shepparton Villages was one of our members.
So, I first got to know Shepparton Villages about six years ago and was asked if I’d be interested in coming onto the Board, which I did because I thought it was a great organisation.
One thing led to another, and when the chief executive officer (my predecessor) resigned, I had a good think about it and I thought, you know what, it’d be something I’d be interested in doing. I applied for the role and was lucky enough to get it.
What’s the best part of your job?
I like helping people. So for me, I always find that the best part, no matter what I do. There’s always some element of helping people in what I do, whether that’s at a strategic level or at a very grassroots operational level.
How would you describe Shepparton in three words?
Wonderful Victorian oasis.
What do you do outside of work?
I do a range of things outside of work. I play piano badly. I cycle. I belong to a boogie boarding group, primarily over 60 of which I’m now probably the youngest – so I love to catch waves whenever I can. I love riding my bike. I love catching up with family, friends, and being in the great outdoors.
What your favourite thing about Greater Shepparton?
I think it’s got a nice natural environment that the city has built on, and it has a lovely feel to it. Being a bike rider, I’ve really enjoyed being able to jump on my bike and ride along Broken River. I’ve even ridden all the way to Tatura and back and got to discover things along the way.
What’s one thing about Shepparton you would change to make it better?
I’d like to see more mixed-use developments in the CBD area, particularly with a focus on building apartments. This would help revitalise the CBD and bring it back to life. There are lots of great assets in and around the CBD, and if more people lived in town, those assets would get more use.
The new Shepparton Art Museum is about to open and imagine having as walking distance from your apartment that beautiful new rooftop bar? You’ve got Aquamoves, you’ve got river trails, and plus, the businesses that already exist in the CBD – the more people within walking distance would bring more business to them, particularly the hospitality businesses.
