Before I was a mother of 6...

For as long as I can remember I have always loved babies.
Probably played with dolls way longer than I should have.
I loved pretending, acting and performing my heart out to anyone who’d listen.

My family endured many ‘ABBA’ concerts sung into an extension cord or hair brush. And yet... I was not a socially confident child around my peers. I was definitely always the bossy leader, not a quality for making friends.

But, I could make connections with children. They didn’t judge me. I could make them laugh and enjoy playing silly games.

As I grew up, the stage became for the more confident & talented, and I found joy in putting my leadership skills to use in production, organising and direction.

When I was 15 I directed my first production of the Wizard of Oz for Beaconsfield Primary School for my Duke of Edinburgh Award Community Service project. Golly... to think the school gave me that opportunity!

I spent some years ‘annoying’ the committee of what was then Westernport Theatre Company, to become Windmill Theatre Company. My dedication was acknowledged with the then prestigious ‘Beryl Award’ the youngest member to have received it.

CLOC Musical Theatre & PLOS Musical Theatre are probably still recovering from an ‘enthusiastic’ teenager running around backstage. Dear departed DLOC, if only you could see me now.

At 18, thinking I was a woman of the world. I wrote, directed and organised a play/musical ‘The Big 200’ kicked off with $200 of funding from the City of Casey. Sorta like WTC’s Next Big Thing now.
Many of those kids have their own kids now.

The Berwick Performing Arts theatre/hall was new back then. Bless Bruce McBrian the founder of the Victorian Guild Awards come out to see it. I felt so special to be asked to be a presenter at the Awards. I was supported by many... or watched for any liability.  

Years ago, youth theatre was practically non-existent in the City of Casey. Local schools offered very little performing arts for the passionate performer. Sports dominated Casey.

Forever grateful to a school friend who had a local dancing school that allowed me to develop a drama program that produced youth Musical Theatre. We staged some awesome big shows when there was no internet or $2 shops & sets were either cardboard or built for a hurricane. We were supported by many parents and theatre peeps.

A change of winds saw the dancing school sell to other long-time friends of local theatre. Our parents had performed together, painted sets and made costumes just to name a few things they did. My gratitude continues to them. They allowed the drama program to be its own entity and take it on as a separate adventure.  

It’s certainly been a journey, but allowed me to combine my strengths and passions to enjoy watching, developing and nurturing young people on their own adventures... from audition to the stage and just as awesome... school to adulthood.

Youth theatre is now thriving throughout the City of Casey and wider regions including some fabulous school performing arts programs. I have loved nurturing, loving and growing with my own children. They are my pride and greatest joy.

I continued my compassion for children through foster care, which lead me to advocate for children and encourage inclusive programs to meet the needs of all children in schools and after-school activities. Supported by my wonderful husband, parents, my sister and brother and their families. I am grateful to each and every person who contributed/supported all of these adventures.

I am forever grateful to my ‘partner in crime’ Megan, who has travelled this road with me for many years. She has made challenging times still fun and a shoulder to dramatically cry on. It truly is a labour of love.

I’m still that girl that likes to play with children. I’m still bossy. I’m still loud but I work to always be kind.