What can you tell us about yourself? I grew up in Coonabarabran and made my way back to the Central West five years ago. Before that I spent four years on the Barkly Tablelands in the NT and another four at university in Armidale. I’m now living in Narromine.

What advice would you give your younger self? It’s okay to ask for help. People genuinely want to support you and accepting that help makes life lighter.

Are you involved with any local groups? As President of Narromine CWA, I’m incredibly proud to lead a branch that has been supporting the community for over 102 years!

We provide a welcoming space for women of all ages with regular coffee catchups and monthly meetings. Our branch is filled with very talented cooks and crafters who shine in dedicated CWA competitions and the local Show. We’re also passionate about supporting young people.

Each year we offer education grants for local school students and host a public speaking competition. Our annual Friendship Morning Tea in February is another highlight!

I also volunteer at the Narromine Aviation Museum, which also serves at this town’s visitor information centre. I love sharing the story of the aerodrome with visitors, so much of which is tied into broader Australian aviation and military history. My favourite exhibit is the locally built flying replica of the 1907 Wright Flyer which was launched by astronaut Buzz Aldrin in 2005.

I am also involved in the Narromine 25 Club, which has been raising funds for local community projects and groups for over 50 years. This year we are supporting Timbrebongie House aged care facility. You’ll often see us at Kierath’s Shopping Plaza selling raffle tickets or catering at the races.

What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy reading. This year marks the 250th anniversary of my favourite author Jane Austen’s birth so I have been happily revisiting her novels.

I also love walking my dog at the Narromine Wetlands, attending musicals, both national tours and local productions, and road tripping to local themed festivals – I usually have an outfit to match!

What do you love about our region? What’s not to love? Our region is filled with incredible people who are passionate about making our communities great places to live. From big initiatives to smaller, everyday acts, people consistently step up, support one another and rally together in both good times and bad.

We also punch well above our weight in many areas. The Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the WPCC is a perfect example of a world class experience available right here in our region, as is the Narromine Dolly Parton Festival!

If you could give one local business a shout out, who would it be and why? It’s very difficult to choose just one. Narromine is fortunate to have many incredible local businesses! I certainly look forward to my appointments at Ezmay’s Hair Bar. Erin is a highly skilled hairdresser, empathetic reiki practitioner and all-round radiant person who has created a lovely, welcoming oasis in the bustling main street where you always leave feeling beautiful, relaxed and nourished.