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Jane Garrett: Operations Manager, Euroa Health
What has been your proudest moment, professionally or personally?
Personally, it would be raising a family of my own and encouraging them to achieve their goals and dreams. Professionally, it's receiving state recognition for my commitment to practice management in healthcare.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
If you get knocked down, get back up, and keep trying and life is hard, but there is a lesson in every mistake.
How far do you think women have come over the years, and what would you like to see for the future, particularly in rural and regional areas?
I am pleased to see many more women be confident to progress their chosen careers, sports, and other interests since I commenced in the workforce. In the future, I would like to continue to see all women strive and chase their dreams in whatever field or chosen profession and I emphasis this to the next generation who I mentor/coach to be the best they can be.
Who is a woman you look up to and why?
My grandmother who has lived through war, depression, moving to Australia, raised a family while working, and at 93, is still going strong today
What is a social cause you are passionate about and why?
I am passionate about the provision of healthcare within regional communities and am a member of the Happy Healthy Kids Euroa and Murray PHN Advisory Committee, which are such important opportunities to develop way to connect people of all ages in our community to healthcare.
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Jenny Houghton: Winemaker, Maygars Hill
What has been your proudest moment, professionally or personally?
My proudest moment is in the distant past when during my flying training I flew my first solo. More recently it was when we tool out the Trophy for the Wine of Show at the Victorian Wine Show.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Hang in there!
How far do you think women have come over the years, and what would you like to see for the future, particularly in rural and regional areas?
Women have made exponential progress over the years that now needs to be consolidated. More of the same and accelerated. Regional and rural women have many advantages that we sometimes fail to recognise and act upon. Cost of living at the moment is I believe felt more in regional areas and effects everyone equally, not just women.
Who is a woman you look up to and why?
There are many women I look up too, too many to mention. However, a great support over the decades has been my membership of the Australian Women Pilots Association.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I like it that there’s lots of things people don’t know about me!
What is a social cause you are passionate about and why?
As an educator I am very aware of the disparity of opportunity for many students and particularly aware of the need for early intervention. That’s why my charity of choice is one that actively look after kids of a young age and their schooling needs.
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Jackie Laughlin: Principal trainer, Ladies in Livestock
What has been your proudest moment, professionally or personally?
My proudest moment was my achieving qualifications and winning a Rural Womens Scholarship whilst studying at Melbourne University for Applied Science in Agriculture and Farm Management I was forty years old, working and supporting two children.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
I would tell my 16 year old self to be more confident and chase my dreams, because you can do anything you want to if you want it enough.
How far do you think women have come over the years, and what would you like to see for the future, particularly in rural and regional areas?
It’s wonderful to see more women involved on Agricultural boards and committees. Although, there is still some way for women to be at the helm in regional areas.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Most people did not know (but now do) I help elderly people outside their family sphere.
What is the biggest misconception about people living in rural and regional areas?
I believe, and still see it, is the biggest misconception about people living in rural areas, is that they are not as clever or as well educated as those in the cities.
What is a social cause you are passionate about and why?
I’m passionate about helping children (usually foster), to show them that not all people are bad and there is a great life somewhere else.
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Tamara Smith: Midfielder, Hawthorn Football Club (AFLW)
What has been your proudest moment, professionally or personally?
Playing my debut game at Marvel Stadium. That's probably my proudest moment where it all came to fruition, like all my hard work paid off.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it.
How far do you think women have come over the years, and what would you like to see for the future, particularly in rural and regional areas?
So far. I think when I first started, playing sport as a girl wasn't really a thing, especially not playing professionally, and to think that now I am in a professional league and I'm getting paid to play sport is absolutely incredible. I can't wait to see that go further, with girls now being offered opportunities that the boys have, and the development of those pathways, whether it be sport, STEM, or anything. I think we're about to see a real boom of “girls can do anything” and that girls will do anything, so it's really exciting.
Who is a woman you look up to and why?
My sister Kelsey. She's always been my rock. I go to her for every problem, any solutions I need, I go to her. She's always been so empowering for me. She's never told me that I can't do anything and she always encourages me to work hard for my dreams. She's my number one supporter.
Favourite local café or restaurant?
I love Mely & Me, when I was in the town that was my go-to.
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Annabelle Cleeland: Member for Euroa
What has been your proudest moment, professionally or personally?
My proudest moments in life revolve around being a mother to my beautiful children, Arthur and Quinn. This is truly the greatest privilege in life.
Through my role as MP for this incredible region, something I am also incredibly proud of, I am excited to be a role model for my kids and show them how rewarding life can be when you are working for your community.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
It might sound cliché, but that it is okay to make mistakes. Those mistakes have led to essential life lessons and provided me with so many opportunities to learn and grow. I also believe that not being afraid to put your hand up and get involved has created so many opportunities in my life, as well as taken me out of my comfort zone.
How far do you think women have come over the years, and what would you like to see for the future, particularly in rural and regional areas?
I’ve always had strong female role models in my life that showed me the possibilities available to women, and they have been incredibly empowering. With that being said, there are still barriers for women, particularly in rural and regional areas.
Extreme childcare shortages are keeping women in more traditional roles, with women often having to sacrifice employment opportunities to be a full-time caregiver. Maternal health is another challenging area for women in our communities. Everyone deserves safe healthcare close to their home but sadly this is not always an option.
Who is a woman you look up to and why?
My mum has always been an inspiration and powerful role model for me. Her ability to strike a balance between being a nurturer within my family and being a successful, career-driven woman has been something I am trying to replicate. Finding the proper work-life balance is never easy, so when in doubt bring your kids everywhere with you!
What is something most people don’t know about you?
When I was younger, I desperately wanted to be an Olympic showjumper. It was such a thrilling sport that I loved but it was around this same time that I found my passion for journalism and being an advocate for my local community. Maybe in another life!
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Delma Broughton: President, Filipino Australians and Friends Association (FAFA)
What has been your proudest moment, professionally or personally?
In my personal side, the proudest moment in my life is when I became president of FAFA in Shepparton from July 2022 up to the present. However, there was a person who tried to ruin my life. I received all kinds of toxic words from her, but I ignored them because they were not true. I proved to her that I have the capacity to make the club with the support of the committee, the members and all who knew me. I am proud to myself because I am a woman with strong determination, dignity, and show respect to everyone. I truly am.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Start to make change of what you have now. Take care of your physical and mental well-being. It is significant to every individual. Believe in yourself. You can do a lot and more than you think or expect .Don't be afraid to try new things. Set yourself free by realising that your potential is not in your past. Anytime we try and fail, we learn something that can benefit us in the future if we won't give up.
How far do you think women have come over the years, and what would you like to see for the future, particularly in rural and regional areas?
In the future I would like to see more housing for less fortunate people and less violence in rural and regional areas. Also, more respect between men and women.
Who is a woman you look up to and why?
The woman I look up to is my mother. She is everything to me. Without her I am not here today. My life is worthless without her. She taught me good values such us honesty, loyalty, love and respect to others, and above all to have faith in God.
Another woman is Kerrie Stackhouse. She was the first woman who gave me work in Teson Trims, Euroa from 1995 till the factory closed in 2008.
Also, Pam Vaughan for teaching us line dancing for many years, and Di Mackrell for teaching us ukelele. I have high respect to these three women of their talents and kindness in teaching.
Do we need an International Women’s Day? Why or why not?
Yes. It reviews how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development.
Favourite local cafe or restaurant?
Mawson's Bakery and Café, and Euroa Hotel.
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Annette Walton: Owner, Bush Gatherings Gallery in Violet Town; Youth Development Officer, Strathbogie Shire Council
What has been your proudest moment, professionally or personally?
My proudest moment professionally is hard to descibe as there are so many individual moments, but every time the young people I work with acheive something. In recent years Bad Ibis, The Viceroys, YNot, Inversion and Ungraded being recognised in different state and national competitions. I was also super proud to present Strathbogie Shire VicHealth local government partnerships programs at a VicHealth Conference in Melbourne and to be a keynote speaker with Joan Kirner at a WHGNE seminar in Wangaratta.
Personally my proudest moments include my children's, grandchildren’s and husband’s journeys and successes.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Don't sweat the small stuff. Life is amazing. Follow your heart, keep it open and just keep believing in and being true to you.
How far do you think women have come over the years, and what would you like to see for the future, particularly in rural and regional areas?
I grew up in a family with four brothers. We were all equally treated and it was only when I left home I realised there was a difference between how men and women were treated in the workforce. When I entered my first job there was no room for promotion, no room to follow my dreams. In fact, it was like that until I moved into more acceptable female based jobs, i.e., teaching, social work, youth work and the arts.
I hope that the work I do now encourages young women to follow their dreams, sharing the skills and other attributes they need to be whoever they want to be. I believe there are some amazing young women farmers, academics and big thinkers who are really making a difference as well as older female leaders who are holding space for them.
Who is a woman you look up to and why?
Helena Gibson inspires me no end. She is everything I wish to be when I am older. She is a leader, a creative, a carer, a volunteer, passionate about her community, the arts, performance and travelling. She is quirky and has the best sense of humour. Every day she makes our town better, more beautiful and more reflective of who we are.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I drove a tour bus in the outback for a circus.
Favourite local café or restaurant?
Jackson's Cafe and the Seven Creeks Hotel.
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Vanessa Hawkins: Owner, Euroa Horse Park
What has been your proudest moment, professionally or personally?
Despite my parents’ disapproval, I left the security of my career as a Registered Nurse and spent two years studying at ag college with the aim of breeding international quality event horses. I studied hard to complete the course as dux, with several awards and a scholarship to travel overseas and study the Irish horses that were an endangered breed. Starting with one purebred Irish mare, I bred over 400 amazing horses including the sire of Irish Jester who won the Silver Medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, only missing out on the gold by one show jumping rail!
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
To love yourself unconditionally, warts and all. To stand proud, recognise your strengths and work on your weaknesses before others take advantage of them. Explore the world, experience different communities and take a genuine interest in others. Then find your passion and commit to it. If you love what you do, you will be good at it. Be genuine, truthful and compassionate.
How far do you think women have come over the years, and what would you like to see for the future, particularly in rural and regional areas?
Our roles in society have changed dramatically and we are still evolving with the times to become more independent and appreciated. I would like to see more kindness, encouragement and genuine support from other women so that we can help to build each other’s strengths, be more united, and be valued for our contributions and who we are.
Who is a woman you look up to and why?
HRH Queen Elizabeth because amidst the challenges and turmoil’s she faced, both personally and professionally, she has always maintained her femininity, dignity, loyalty, kindness and composure.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Wouldn’t you like to know! Ok, I was born in Cyprus; my first cousin is Sigourney Weaver; I mapped and complied the first database of the Australian Horse industry (before we had the internet); and I was the first Event Director of Equitana Asia Pacific.
What is the biggest misconception about people living in rural and regional areas?
That if you are a landowner, you are considered “rich”, when in most cases landowners have worked extremely hard, usually seven days a week and often against massive climatic, economic and environmental odds, to earn what they own.
Favourite local café or restaurant?
I think they are all fantastic.
