I grew up at Burren Junction on a grazing property 25km from the town. At age 6 I became the youngest boarder at Calrossy. I finished year 12 there in 1969. In 1968-69 I went to the US on an AFS scholarship. I came back in August 1969 and sat for my HSC. Luckily I won an all-expenses-paid scholarship to study teaching at UNE. I have taught in NSW, SA and the NT, generally at high schools but also at the NT Rural College and at a remote Indigenous community in Arnhem Land. I have held positions from classroom teacher through to Principal.
A highlight of my teaching was the successful introduction of Small Business Management as a year 12 subject in 1986. This involved students planning, setting up and running a small business.
I have enjoyed extensive travel overseas in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and North America.
Whilst teaching (and on leave), I have actively owned a mixed farm near Tamworth, a cattle station near Katherine and 3 mango farms near Katherine. The latter involved growing, packing and marketing mangoes.
In 2008 I won the NT Rural Woman of the Year and in 2010 I won the NT Local Hero in the Australia Day Awards for volunteer work completed in the local community of Katherine.
I retired in 2018 as my job was outsourced. I had been on the job since 2013 and was responsible for all things VET in the Armidale Catholic Schools Diocese. I completed a paper application then a long face-to-face interview with 4 members of the executive of the CSO. I gained the position because of my extensive experience in the successful introduction of VET subjects at Katherine High School and also my work at the NT Rural College. I worked with the teachers at 5 high schools where VET subjects were taught so I regularly travelled to the schools. I also represented the CSO at VET meetings in Sydney and elsewhere.
I am a huge fan of VET and strongly believe that most students should complete at least one VET qualification. The beauty of VET is that it is hands-on learning which suits many students. It can count towards university entrance in a number of ways; it can lead directly to a trade or enhance the knowledge gained in studying for some degrees. Some VET qualifications can lead to part-time work whilst studying or travelling. It is a way to keep your options open and explore interests or possible career options.
My biggest advice for current Calrossy students is to keep your options open, don’t get fixated on the university (although I know that your parents may be), choose a career path that interests you. Remember that often the income of tradies is higher than that of university graduates!!
One last word of advice – treat superannuation seriously!! Not only can it enable early retirement for some but it can lead to a comfortable retirement for all.