Sylvia Jones
My name is Sylvia Jones and I was born in Western Australia and previously worked in the Banking Sector, in Retail, and in the Chiropractic field. After attending a Rural Women's Gathering in Yorketown in 2004 I was inspired by the keynote speaker Margaret Rohan-Kelly to change my direction in life and in 2005 followed my lifelong dream of studying for a Bachelor in Nursing Degree. I am at present a Registered Nurse at Penola War Memorial Hospital and work part-time at the Mount Gambier Chiropractic Clinic.I moved to the South East when partner Brenton was posted here in 1996 and now call the South East home.
As a mother of five I juggle family life, work commitments and am involved as an active member of St Paul's Parish and am on various committees in the Mount Gambier Community.
I now take on the role of Chairperson of the South Australian Rural Women's Gathering Inc 2009, and do so with the support of talented people listed here below. We look forward to hosting a memorable event, bringing some relief if only for a week-end from the struggles of life especially in this time of drought, economic downturn and climate change.
Alexi Kentish
I live just outside of Mt Gambier with my husband, Nic, and three children, Poppy, Sid and Nina. We have an organic beef, sheep and grain farm. My role on the farm has traditionally been as the agronomist looking after the crops and pastures. More recently I have retired from that job and I manage the office and do the books for our business. My back ground is in agricultural science and I worked in the fertilizer industry for many years before having a stint in the public service working for the Department of Agriculture in soils. It was in the Department that I was introduced to Facilitaion and so after I was married I began working as a facilitator for farmer groups in both the beef and wool industries (as well as looking after the agronomy needs of the farm). I was regional winner of the ABC Rural Woman of the Year awards in 1997 and since then have served on many Boards including the Soil Conservation Board, Foundation for Australian Agricultural Women, National Rural Womens Cooalition (representing FAAW) and most recently on the National Board for Equestrian Australia. I am really excited about the SA Rural Women's Gathering - it is going to be a very special event.
Ann Mulcahy
With my husband, Jim and three teenage daughters I moved to Mount Gambier from Tasmania in 1991. As a seventh generation Tasmanian, the emotional wrench I felt as I sat in the back of the boat and watched the Tasmanian coastline slipping out of view was almost palpable - I felt like a deserter, but career options left us little choice.However I have no hesitation in now saying this was one of the best things we could have done in our lives. Mount Gambier and living in the South East is magnificent. Our girls have grown to be beautiful, loving, intelligent and articulate women and their husbands are truly wonderful men – this is, of course, a purely unbiased opinion. Our only, but most beautiful, grandson (Felix) was born in November '07 so it just gets better all the time.
After 30 years as a registered nurse and midwife mainly spent working as a community health nurse, I'm not really good at walking away from social justice issues – there's so much to advocate for in rural communities – but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Since 1998, I've been working here in Mount Gambier and around the South East as a TAFE educator and love it.
Jim and I suffered the empty nest syndrome for about a nanosecond and are now flat out enjoying all semi retirement has to offer – so much to do and so little time!!
I'm really looking forward to the gathering as the idea of hundreds of women coming together just to have fun is as exciting as it is challenging – who needs a big day out when you can have a big weekend out!
Judy Crawford
Married, with a gorgeous 22 year old son. Most of my career life has been in Education, taking on diverse roles such as teaching, Counsellor, Distance Education, TAFE lecturer, Deputy Principal & others. In these roles I've had opportunity to manage projects which focus on bringing the talents of people/volunteers together and strengthening the community (eg Regional Development Board, Visitor Information Centre, event management for local & regional events, drug education summits, community action group, sporting clubs, community- based theatre, & visual/performing arts projects).Having lived & worked in remote outback & rural communities for 22 years, I, too, have experienced the effects of hardships (eg drought, isolation, lack of support services) & triumphs borne by rural women as they juggle the many roles in their daily life.
My passion for life-long learning includes committing volunteer time for Lifeline & the Animal Welfare League.
Barbara Crouch
I was born in Victoria and raised within 5 Kms of the CBD. I got married in 1977 and had 3 children after a failed marriage I met again my childhood sweetheart Robin. My children and I joined him in South Australia .We married in 1991.We have 6 children between us - he has three and I have three. We have 5 grandchildren.
Because Robin was a teacher, I developed an interest in and became involved in Education and trained as a School Services Officer, becoming a Resource Centre Manager some years before I retired.
Robin became a Principal along the way and after a number of years being highly involved with Small Schools and their particular we together decided to take an early retirement.
We chose to settle in Millicent and bought a house that we are renovating - slowly!
To keep myself busy I chose t to return to "work" 12 months ago as the Co-Ordinator of the Lifeline Opportunity Shop in Millicent. Working with the volunteers is a joy!
Caroline Jenner
I have lived in the South East for most of my life, and enjoyed my late teenager years in Adelaide working in Education. This year will be my 19th anniversary, and looking forward to many more years as I have a wonderful husband.Our children Megan aged 16 and BJ aged 11 are the joy of our life. We travel a lot, 4 wheel driving around the country. Our holidays have seen us travel to Frazer Island, Cape York, central Queensland, most of SA, NSW and Victoria.
Camping in the outback is a wonderful experience that I encourage everyone to do once in their life.
Elizabeth Hodges
Born in Mount Gambier, I moved to Adelaide for tertiary study and then worked with the ABC in the early days of television. After my marriage, I lived in Melbourne, had 3 children (the eldest Farmer Rob engaged to Jo) and later helped establish with my husband, Hodges Funds Management, which specialised in direct equity investments for our clients.When widowed in 1998, I returned to Mount Gambier to live on the family farm. I serve on a board of family enterprises and am actively involved with local committees. At present I am the chairman of Women in Business & Regional Development and have been a past president of Soroptimist International Mount Gambier.
My Christian faith is important to me and interests include music, bridge, gardening, reading, my family and grandchildren.
Denise Richardson
Hello and welcome to the 14th Annual Rural Women's Gathering at Mount Gambier.I have lived in Mount Gambier for 9 years but have lived elsewhere in the South East and think it is one of the most diverse and beautiful parts of Australia. I am married and have three wonderful adult children Vanessa, Colin and Belinda .. but as yet no grand-children!. My loving husband Alan has been very supportive over our marriage of 30 years.
My first job when leaving school was with the tiny ANZ Bank branch in Lucindale. Between getting married and then raising children, I spent a total of 14 years of service with them. This included several years in Mount Gambier, then a move to Perth for 8 years. In coming back to Mount Gambier from WA, I worked in other Financial Institutions, had a 2 year stint selling Real Estate and also worked as a Receptionist at a Chiropractic Centre. I then found my passion was working in the Tourism Industry and I have worked for 4 years at The Lady Nelson Visitor & Discovery Centre, with short stints helping out at the Mount Gambier Public Library.
Since coming back to Mount Gambier I have been involved in the Yahl Progress Advisory Committee for 6 years, which was successful in securing Federal Government funding to build a new playground at Yahl. I have also served on the Mount Gambier City Council Social Committee; the South East Rail-Trail Committee and more recently have taken on the exciting task of being Treasurer for the SARWG.
I look forward to sharing with other women at the Gathering, just what Mount Gambier and district has to offer. Plus there's the fun of working with the committee to create this positive and inspiring event.
Linda Breuker
Hi, My name is Linda Breuker. I was born and raised on a farm near Coonawarra and went through school in Penola before moving to Adealide when I was 19. While living in Adelaide I was involved with The Adelaide Rural Youth Club- being from the country it was a great way of meeting other people in my position moving to the city to work. I loved living in the city but always knew I would return to the country area at some time, I didnt like the idea of bringing kids up in the city. By moving back here my boys have been able to help their Grandpa with shearing and with the cattle - they now want to know when they can start driving and riding motor bikes.I got my first job in Adealaide working with J Holland Optometrists, working there for 8 years before returning to Mt Gambier to get married. When we moved back to Mt Gambier I was lucky enough to get a position with Laubman & Pank and have been with them for 14 years. My husband Jos and I have been married for 14 years and we have 2 sons, Jayden who is 13 and Jacob is 10. They are both involved with Cricket and Tennis in the summer and Soccer all year round, so this doesn't leave me much time to get involved with any comittees. My husbnd works away from home so I don't have any back up with sporting commitments. When he is home we like to go out for dinner, play cards, and go camping.
Our major camping event for the year is at Easter at Camp 'wats ta ete' - this year we had 10 boys under 17. This is held on a property that has been passed down in my family from my Grandfather, he used to camp there himself in the 1940's with his horse and cart. The boys took their metal detector with them this year and dug up parts of his old cart.
A good friend of mine talked me in to going the a Rural Womens Gathering at Yorketown 3 years ago and we had a great time - we decided that weekend that at some stage we would host it in Mt Gambier, we just wanted to go to a few more to get more ideas on how to do things, and this year was the year to put them all into place. So we hope you enjoy your weeked with us.
Janeen Wyly
Came to the South East many years ago to teach at Nangwarry, Gambier North and Penola. Taught piano and organ and played for weddings, dances etc. My children were band members and we played all over the South East and Victoria for many years. Have 3 adult children and 8 gorgeous grandchildren.Changed direction in my life as they left home, started and ran a Florist & Gift business in Penola for over 10 years. Now I enjoy my time by having visitors come and view our large garden.
I have attended all but 3 Women's Gatherings since they began, and I am so looking forward to a happy time in Mount Gambier.
Kate McDonough
I was born in Adelaide, and moved to Mount Gambier (the first time) when I was 5 with my two brothers and sisters when my father was transferred here. I have moved away from Mount Gambier more than 5 times but always seem to move back! (11 years now!).I have started my own company in Event Management (community and corporate events, marketing, visual documentation and presentations), and I have been frantically working on getting education, skills and experiences to help me provide the best service to my clients.
My aim with being on this gathering committee is to get hands-on real life experience in registration and logistical management, and also on developing a website that can be passed onto each new committee which includes a training process to ensure that it is easy for attendees to keep up with info on each gathering. The extra benefits that I have got so far include meeting and working with other passionate local women, attending fun meetings and development of new business opportunities.
Currently I am also on the newly established Mount Gambier and Districts Women's Business Network committee where we arrange social and educational events for women. I have three children and a husband who support my continous learning attitude and quite often are roped into helping out at functions.
Lucy Richards
Married to Phil, we've lived in Mount Gambier since 1982. We have two sons, one teaching in Adelaide, the other a landscape architect in Melbourne. I grew up in Naracoorte and love living in rural communities.I have worked as a relief teacher in various primary schools for over 25 years. In the last 12 months I have enjoyed a new challenge, presenting Saturday Breakfast on the ABC Local Radio in the South East.
In my spare time I enjoy golf, walking, swimming, traveling, reading & gardening.
Leonie Davis
Hi there, my name is Leonie Davis and welcome to the City of Mount Gambier where I was born. I married a local and through my husbands work we moved and lived in the State of Victoria for several years in the country townships of Leitchville and Simpson. We returned to Mount Gambier in 1990 with our two children - Shaun and Aaron.I have now four beautiful grandchildren, two live in Adelaide whilst the two little ones live here in Mount Gambier so as a Nanna I have many wonderful and specials moments with them, watching the grow - 'it's great being a grandparent'.
Upon returning to Mount Gambier I worked as a receptionist at Jen's Hotel and then applied for a position at 'The Lady Nelson Visitor Centre' and that is still where I am today. I only work part time but I enjoy meeting the travelling visitor no matter if they are from within Australia or Overseas and letting them know what Mount Gambier has to offer.
I am also treasurer of our local branch of Make-A-Wish and we hold many fund raisers throughout the year raising money to bring joy to children with life threatening illness by granting their most cherished wishes.
My work colleague Denise Richardson was talking about the Rural Women's Gathering which she went to and this is where I gained my interest, so I am a knew kid on the block so to speak, but look to the gathering with much interest and excitement.
Take care and see you all there......
Liza Kirby
I grew up on a sheep and cattle farm near Meningie in South Australia. I completed my schooling and university in Adelaide majoring in business. I was employed in Marketing based positions before moving to Mount Gambier 12 years ago.I live on a cattle farm at Mingbool with my husband, Michael, and four children, Amy, Chloe, Mia and Charlie. I am heavily involved in the local primary school and kindergarten that my children attend and a long standing involvement with the Mount Gambier Toy Library.
My time is spent cooking, gardening, sewing, renovating and keeping the books for our business as well as catching up with friends.
I love living in this region with all it has to offer and am excited to be able to show this to other women from around the state.
Rebecca Yoannidis
Born in Mount Gambier in 1975. Still here and loving it! I live a little out of town with my husband, Guy and two sons, Doyle and Gien.We have 2 cats, a cockatoo, some fish, and several hectares which our local butcher is raising cattle on.
I enjoy volunteering at my son's school participating in different tasks. My favourite being class excursions, but foremost my involvement with the parents & friends craft group.
When spare time comes my way I make a hasty retreat into my craft room so I can create something 'magnificent'. I love making jewellry, in fact any sort of accessory from many and varied techniques.
I indulge in a belly dancing class once a week and I relish the opportunity of designing a costume for a harem night. I confess that I am big into retail therapy.
Cups of tea and chocolate sustain me and I devour Mills & Boon's at bedtime.
I am excited about being a committee member for the Mount Gambier SARWG after going to and enjoying the previous gathering at Mount Barker.
Tiffany Doyle
Born in Mount Gambier in 1970 to parents Geoff & Gill Doyle. I grew up and went to school locally along with my two sisters Trudy-Anne and Rebecca. Birthdays are a large celebration in our family as my sister (older by 3 years) and my grandmother (older by 50 years) and myself all share the same birth date.I have two extremely active and spunky daughters, Penny and Annie, all three of us are very keen sportswomen. My partner Kevin runs his own business in Solid Plastering. We live in a Mount Gambier stone home circa 1945 in an old established area of the town close to the Blue Lake.
I have worked in the Timber Industry for more than 20 years, foremost as a Sales Manager and Service Centre Supervisor.
I am passionate about yarn craft and I am a prize winning Crochet Artist. I meet with a group of fellow crafters once a week, three of whom I shared the wonderful experience of the previous Women's Gathering in Mt. Barker.
Janelle Jones
My name is Jahnelle Jones and I was born in Western Australia. I work currently in the National transport and logistics field and have done so for the last 9 years. After moving from Western Australia about 5 years ago I moved to the South East and although now based in Adelaide.I travel to Mt Gambier frequently to visit family (my mother is Sylvia Jones - Chairperson) and I have lived and studied in regional areas.I have attended 3 gatherings in the past - Yorketown, Naracoorte and most recently at Mt Barker and I love the social interaction and networking this iniative brings.
My role within the gathering is going to be a 'Runner/Dogs body' this is purely because I have been unable to attend the meetings that have been held and not being able to participate fully in the planning process, I will be their 'Jack of all trades - Master of none!'. I will help out over the weekend, assisting the committee in anything that needs to be done.
On a personal career note - I run my own Tupperware business and juggle this with full time work and on the job studies.
I look forward to seeing everyone, old friends and new over the weekend for a memorable gathering - and I can assure you - from what I know the ladies are planning - ITS GONNA BE A BLAST!