My story and experience

I am a sixth generation Tasmanian. Born in Queenstown, my early childhood was spent on the Tasman Peninsula before growing up in Hobart.

After five years living in Melbourne as a young mum, I returned to Tasmania in 2000. This was a real homecoming for us – back to family, back to the Tasmanian environment and community.

On returning, I started working in the community sector and that is where my commitment to working for a better future for our state has become clearer and stronger over the past 18 years.  

I began working at the coalface in community aged care with the Salvation Army, then coordinated volunteer programs in the community and health sectors. From that I moved into a capacity building role with Volunteering Tasmania.

Working in a peak body gave me the opportunity to focus on systemic issues and shift to a focus on policy and research. I undertook a Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and moved to working with the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS).

At TasCOSS I had the opportunity to develop in leadership roles and became the Deputy CEO. From 2015, I was manager of Anglicare Tasmania’s Social Action and Research Centre (SARC), leading a dynamic team committed to making change and finding solutions for the social challenges we face in Tasmania.

Advocating for change, for social justice and for a better future for our state has never been just a job for me. In all my work I’ve lived my values and my passion every day. A career in work that has purpose and makes a real difference has led me now to pursue public service as an elected representative for my community.

My family

My lovely family has grown over the years and is the joy of my life. My eldest daughter Sophie has flown the nest and is working and studying in Melbourne. I have shared care of my daughter, Indy, and son, Atticus. We are lucky to have extended family close by, with much appreciated support in particular from my dad, Tony, and my sister, Kate, best grandad and aunty ever.