What do you do for fun? I go to the races, and I do lots of crafts. I sew and I crotchet. I love to garden, and of course I have nine great-grandchildren which keeps me busy!

Who was your inspiration growing up? I wanted to be a dress designer. I have always sewn a lot, and used to make many wedding gowns. My dad taught me to sew. He was the oldest of seven, and he was the one to mend for all the children as his mother had glaucoma. He taught us that ‘we can do anything’. He was a mechanic later in life, and got his job because he had so many skills without necessarily holding a qualification. My mother ran the cake stall at the annual school bazaar. It went for three days, and I remember her cooking 50 sponges to be decorated and sold. She used to say, ‘There is no such word as can’t in the dictionary.’

What would you tell your teenage self? Live a good life!

What are you reading at the moment? I am reading ‘Stolen Sisters’ (by Louise Jensen) at the moment. I also enjoy Di Morrissey’s books.

Do you have any pets? At the moment I don’t. We’ve always had dogs though. All different kinds, and I remember so many funny stories about them all. They become a part of the family.

What’s your favourite thing to cook? My standard is Potato Bake, and I make a Wombok Salad as well.

What do you love about our region? I was born in Brewarrina, and I always loved the small towns. I’ve been in Dubbo for 40 years now, and I think our area is rich in everything. We are lucky to have so many things available here.

Where do you love to visit? I’ve always loved the water, and I think I’d have to say Coffs Harbour because of the sea, and now some of my family are there so it’s always wonderful to visit. I do enjoy Dubbo though. We have so many restaurants to choose from, and there’s always races or the trots. There is always something to do here.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’m looking forward to seeing the next generation!