Ward: Cathedral
Portfolio: Community Services
Tell us about what you do as a Councillor and in your private life?
Well, as many know, my husband Ray and I work in our small business – the Taggerty General Store. We are passionate about our local community of Taggerty and providing a relaxing one stop shop.
We love a good chat over a coffee once the mail is sorted. Ray and I are members of the local Progress Group, we are both members of the Taggerty CFA and I support the local Cathedral Landcare group.
I am keen gardener and animals are a particular passion – I have two fluffy muppets that I believe are dogs, but really are just spoiled fur babies. Recently my new preoccupation is quilting when I get a spare moment.
What do you enjoy most about your role as Councillor?
I value the role of being an advocate for community members and welcome any opportunities to have a conversation with all residents – both full time and weekenders. I take every opportunity to talk about our great Shire and promote all of the exciting places, events and people to visitors to our region as well as when I visit other localities.
What surprised you most about your role as Councillor?
I can’t believe how welcome I have been made to feel. Support has been outstanding from the Council Officers and I have to say that the positive support that I have received from the local community has really knocked my socks off.
I have also been amazed by the other Councillors’ sincerity and commitment to their respective communities as well as the Shire overall. I am proud to be a member of such an enthusiastic and collaborative team.
What do you love most about where you live?
It’s the people that make a place home. I love that we live in as beautiful place as any in the world, that we get to breathe fresh air every day and we have room to move.
What do you hope will be your legacy when your role as Councillor finishes?
That I have contributed to the future vision of this great Shire. I want to encourage people to put their hand up in four years time to take on the baton for our community.
I want to make sure that our community members feel that they are empowered and that locals can make a difference – that the community has a voice and that it is heard and listened to!
What books are you reading?
I love curling up with a good book – nothing serious for me – I like to totally escape into a world of mystery, crime or fantasy!
What does a typical weekend look like for you?
My weekend is midweek as Ray and I work in the Store Saturday and Sunday. When the weather is kind I love getting into the garden, I confess to a little addiction with retail therapy and love to go out for a good meal.
What is your idea of a holiday?
I love the idea of pottering around at home – just mooching about. I enjoy travelling around our great country – I just love the outback and the casual lifestyle that comes with remote areas.
I am a keen overseas tourist – talking to the locals and soaking up the local culture. If I am particularly in need of time out, Ray and I often go to our favourite spot in Thailand and just relax on the beach, having a quiet cocktail and having a chat with other travellers and the local residents.
Who inspires you?
Anyone who is passionate and committed to the community! I am constantly awed by volunteer members of the various community groups who work tirelessly to get various projects completed because they believe with their hearts that it is the right thing to do.
Text & Images ©COPYRIGHT 2017 Kinglake Ranges News.
With Murrindindi Shire Council.
