Biography

Academic Qualifications

FCME (Fellow of the Collegiate of Music Educators)

M.Mus. (Mus. Ed.) University of Sydney Conservatorium
B.Mus.Ed.
Dip.Mus.Ed.
A.Mus.A.
Throughout my life in the Great Lakes, over more than 30 years, I have maintained a keen and active involvement in community, educational and cultural activities.

I am committed to life-long learning for all, and have a passionate belief in the right of every person of every age to have access to a balanced and creative life in a safe environment.

 

Achievements of Note

  • 2018 Awarded OAM For services to music, music education, local government, and the community.
  • Recently stepped down as Chair of Arts Mid North Coast. Peak body supporting creative and performing arts and cultural development on the MNC
  • 2014 Nominated by Hon Steve Bromhead MP for Minister’s Awards for Women in Local Government Awarded Highly commended for Elected Representative Rural/Regional
  • With the amalgamation of Great Lakes with Greater Taree and Gloucester into MidCoast Council in 2016 was appointed to the Interim Advisory Committee. Did not stand for election to new Council in 2017

While on Great Lakes Council:

  • Re-elected to Great Lakes Council September 2012 for a third term (since 2004).
  • Re-elected to State Executive Local Government Association October 2011 for a third term. Chaired Women in Local Government Committee
  • Founding Chairperson of the Great Lakes Arts Network (GLAN – an S355 committee of Great Lakes Council). This group involved all local creative and performing artists and community members, providing them with support and communication, and encouraging cultural development in the region.  It was also umbrella for a number of Working Groups.
  • Chair – Crime Prevention Task Force. Instrumental in gaining 24 hour policing for Forster Tuncurry
  • Representative on numerous state and local government organisations
  • An active contributor to the community and cultural life of the region, with involvement on many community committees, including school support, and Oyster Festivals.

Personal

  • https://theforstertuncurry.com.au/forster-fortnightly-24th-edition-07-07-2021/#fb0=21 – Thanks to Mary Yule and Vanda Gooley from the Forster Fortnightly
  • Organiser of fund-raisers and performances for local charities and worthy causes.
  • Taught at Forster High for sixteen years (mostly music, also drama english and art). Work at Forster High included the staging of many of the high school productions and the instruction of many of Forster’s best and brightest.
  • Was awarded a teacher exchange to England. Worked there for over a year as head of department over two schools. Travelled widely through UK and Europe. Maintained friendships still to today.
  • Musical Director of many performances for Taree Arts Council Theatre, particularly in the Manning Entertainment Centre. (Eg Jesus Christ Super Star, Pirates of Penzance).
  • Founding President of Sinfonia Mid North Coast, the only community orchestra in our area, which has become a key cultural identity.
  • November 2019, Celebrated Sinfonia’s 20th year with a gala concert in Manning Entertainment Centre. Recently stepped down from Board after serving 20 years. Still play cello in the orchestra.
  • Founder and Director Company of Voices an eighteen-voice adult vocal ensemble that performs throughout the Great Lakes for charitable fund-raising.
  • Directed plays and musicals for the Great Lakes Amateur Dramatic Society, Taree Arts Council Theatre, Carols by Candlelight, the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Tuncurry and many other musical and community events.
  • Taught at local primary and infants schools, and instructed many young talented musicians from my home teaching studio.
  • Left teaching service to assist my father in writing his war memoirs – Kokoda Survivor
  • Honoured with Orchestras Australia Award “to an individual who has fostered orchestral excellence, innovation and creativity in a regional area”
  • Owner -Builder of our home (1982)
  • Have been involved with Cape Hawke surf life-saving club since its inception.
  • Spent seasons on patrol on One Mile Beach
  • Was a volunteer foundation member and original announcer of Great Lakes FM radio station
  • Currently Chair of Tuncurry WW1 Memorial Hall Management Committee. Planning for our centenary (September 18th ) has unfortunately had to be postponed to April 2022 due to Covid 19