About

“Albany Born and Raised”

I was born and raised in Albany, where my father was the first full-time spotter pilot for the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company. Growing up in such a vibrant yet challenging environment instilled in me a strong work ethic and a commitment to serve our community. My journey began at the age of nine, working at the Whaling Station Museum that my family operated, where I learned the importance of education and communication while engaging with visitors.

After completing my education, I embarked on a diverse work history that included roles at the R&I Bank, ANZ Bank, and radio 6VA. Throughout this time, I continued my involvement with the Whaling Museum as a tour guide, and later, I helped manage a small business in Albany. Lack of understanding of the whaling industry led me to hold a strong sense of truth and justice. My experience in various sectors allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by regional communities.

In 2001, I moved to Manjimup with my three daughters and became actively engaged in regional development. I served as the state secretary of Timber Communities Australia, advocating for the timber industry and supporting local businesses amidst challenging government decisions. My dedication to empowering regional voices and fostering grassroots solutions ultimately led me to become the manager of the Warren Blackwood, Small Business Centre, where I focused on developing training programs tailored to local needs.

I then worked as the Executive Officer of the Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils, and I was the Manager of the Manjimup Community Resource Centre immediately before entering politics.

These experiences have ingrained in me the value of community-driven initiatives, and I am passionate about ensuring that the voices of all Western Australians, particularly regional residents like those from my hometown, are heard in parliamentary discussions.

My commitment to public service is rooted in my upbringing, work history, and the belief that every challenge presents an opportunity to create positive change.