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Bachelor of Social Science (E.C.U). Major – Youth Work, Minor – Justice Studies
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Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (C.S.U.)
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Associate Degree in Legal Studies (C.D.U.)
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Certificate of Directors Essentials (A.I.C.D.)
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Level One Coaching Certification – Youth / Seniors (AFL)
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Sports Mentoring Certificate (Australian Sports Commission)
Professional Career
I have experience in working in community organisations and all three arms of Government (Federal, State and Local). My career has included working from urban youth centres to remote local governments to state government regional centres and invaluable learning time spent at an executive level in Canberra.
All the way, my focus has been working to develop and support young people, improving participation in sports and promoting career pathways, by mentoring and tutoring others.
Key Achievements
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Finalist for NT Sports Awards Volunteer of the Year 2015
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Premiership Coach, NTFL U15s x 3
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Ron Evans Leadership Award Winner 2014
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Member of the NT Youth Justice Advisory Council 2012
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Board Member of Foundation for Young Australians 2005-2008
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ACT Women’s AFL Representative Team 2008
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Inaugural Member of Brightest Young Minds Summit 2007
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Featured in the ‘Who’s Who of Australian Women’ Publication 2007/2008
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Golden Key National Honour Society Member for outstanding academic achievement
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Departmental (DEEWR) Secretary’s Award for Program Implementation (IYEC Program) 2006
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Living in Harmony Award – Lleeuwin Sailing Ship 2004
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Youth Representative, WA Ministerial Council on Child Protection 2003
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Youth Representative, WA Family and Children’s Advisory Committee 2000
Background
Born in Geraldton, Western Australia, home of many sporting stars, I cannot claim to be as famous or as successful as others from Geraldton, however I feel honoured that along my journey I have helped many others be the best they can be.
I come from a long history of business owners and sportspeople on both sides of my family tree. My parents founded the supermarket at Kalbarri, Western Australia, following in the footsteps of family before them who ran businesses like farms, bakeries, dressmaking and surveying. Women in my family were active CWA members, and many family members were active participants, leaders and volunteers in sporting clubs in regional and remote WA, and some even enjoyed international success.
Spending my schooling years in Perth, I began work at 14 and learnt young to combine work with study and sporting pursuits. I took up volunteering with the local Youth Advisory Council and local government and WA Department of Youth Affairs to participate as a youth representative. After being on the lead committee for the establishment of a Youth Centre in the City of Gosnells, as a 17 year old, I went on to become employed as a youth worker at Kenwick Youth Centre. This set the foundation of a long career working in and for community.
Upon completing a Bachelor of Social Science in 2004, I then returned to the Midwest and worked primarily in family support and education. I was sailing on the Lleeuwin Leadership in Harmony Voyage when I got a call up to relocate to Canberra to begin a career in the Public Service. During this time I completed a Grad Cert in Entrepreneurship, Contract Management qualifications and was awarded a scholarship from ACT Women, to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course. I was a sitting board member with the Foundation for Young Australians at the time.
The ACT was also where I kickstarted my AFL playing days and career as a coach, winning and ACT Women's AFL scholarship to complete my coaching certification.
I was also selected as a delegate for the Creating Commonwealth Youth Forum and the the Bright Young Minds summit during this period, providing connections all over the country and world with people who are passionate about economic and youth development.
My career journey has included time spent in urban, regional and very remote places in WA, ACT and NSW, and from 2008, I called the NT home, relocating to work on the Tiwi Islands and then Darwin
Prior to founding Starwin; I held positions in the top end with Tiwi Islands Shire Council; Darwin High School; NT Department of Health & Families; Saint Marys Football, Sporting & Social Club; and ABC Local Radio – Sport, giving me the opportunity to build strong networks and experience in the community and sports sectors.
After completing my third tertiary qualification (an Associate Degree in Legal Studies) I felt ready to live my dream – setting up my own enterprise. Starwin was founded after discussions with my mentors about community need to create pathways for talented young people in the NT.
I am grateful through Starwin, I have had the opportunity to live my values; with a commitment and passion for; improving the lives of young people, sport, travel and community development.
In 2015 I was awarded the Ron Evans Memorial Award, allowing me to travel to the USA for the international B Corp Champions Retreat. Starwin was the NT's first and to date only B Corp, we believe in this model; for profit for purpose and economic change.
In 2018, we set to extend Starwin and we are now co-located in Port Douglas and Darwin, with two hubs in the tropical north, in locations we adore.
We celebrated our ten year anniversary in 2020, and in taking time to reflect on how it all began, we have set a new vision and commitment to the journey of working as a consultant and champion for community change.
You can find out more about my one-of-a-kindness story in this feature from 2019 and my 2013 turtle dreaming blog
