My History
I grew up dreaming of farms with horses and cows, but in my final years of high school, my careers advisor told me that agriculture didn't have a strong future and suggested I pursue other interests.
After school, I spent a year working on cotton farms with shifts at McDonald’s in Moree, mustering beef cattle at Wollomombi, sheep drenching in WA, and even grooming polo horses in England. When I returned to Australia, I enrolled in mechanical engineering at Sydney University. Two years in, I realised my heart was still in agriculture. I switched to agricultural subjects but couldn't complete all the requirements without restarting the whole degree, so I pursued a degree in biology with a focus on soil science and math. Whilst I was in Sydney I kept myself busy during the week working in a Redfern pub and driving trucks in the army reserve to get me out of the city on weekends.
A few years later, I worked as an environmental scientist starting with soil testing through to environmental effects, then I progressed to working on major projects like highway upgrades and high voltage transmission lines across Australia, keeping developers accountable and consulting with the community. Despite this, the agricultural countryside kept calling me back. I pursued my passion for farming by completing a degree in veterinary science, specialising in production animals – or as I love to say, I became a livestock veterinarian. I named my business ‘Regional Veterinary Services’ so I could live anywhere but the city!
I met my future husband, Rodney, a Queenslander. He was worth moving north of the NSW border for. In 2019, after 10 years of running my own veterinary business near Surat in Queensland, Rodney and I, along with our now three children, moved south to Guyra in the New England, chasing the blue-ribbon grazing country with consistent rainfall in Australia.
Rodney visited Glencoe and Walcha for my family Christmases and noticed the New England always appeared to have better seasons (aka green grass).
Since moving to Tenterden Station, I've been fortunate to be involved with the CWA, specifically the Guyra Evening Branch. Their kindness and support during the fires and drought were incredible. Our little family joined the local Guyra Pony Club, and contribute Guyra show entries in the pavilion every year to keep the incredible show alive and well, sometimes with quality, sometimes with the best last minute cake and veggies or flowers we can find!
I became a Local Board member for the Northern Tablelands Local Land Service, recently finishing my term. While I have reduced my outside veterinary work, I've focused on running a merino stud. My husband runs a breeding, backgrounding and fattening beef operation alongside my sheep. I have been active with NSW Farmers at the Guyra Branch, to keep abreast and ensure what matters in the country is being heard at the next level.
Our children are at school in Guyra and Armidale. We are so grateful for the amazing opportunities our kids have to be involved with little athletics, swimming, gymnastics, soccer, hockey and rugby plus many more including the Armidale Pipe Band – such a diverse, amazing assortment of opportunities.
I believe our community has so much to offer. I want to represent you as a councillor and to ensure our voices are heard across the Armidale Region in Council and beyond to State and Federal Governments where necessary.
Our voice is crucial for ensuring we are accounted for and fostering positive growth in our region.
Supporting Guyra, Armidale and our smaller communities is essential to retaining residents of all ages, offering opportunities for personal growth, career development and family well-being. This will help make our region an appealing place for all generations to live, grow and retire.
