With vivid memories of living in this region as a young child and again as a young woman I returned in 1992 in order that my growing daughter could experience the joy this environment we live in and its lifestyle had given me.

For the last 27 years I have owned and operated a small manufacturing business in Coffs Harbour and have thus far survived the introduction of cheap inferior products from overseas and the coming of online purchasing.

Over time I have watched business’ come and go and small retailers fall over against the growing number of large chain stores and increased competition for a share of our small economy.

I am grateful for the support of my many customers over the years. I have been blessed with work I enjoy which has enabled me to educate my daughter and send her off into the world (where she is very happy) and to enjoy the life I looked forward to during my 20 years in Sydney.

And no, definitely not 47. The remaining years have been spent in many places including Victoria, Sth Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory and three years in Yamba where I started school.

All this journeying left me with a deep appreciation for this region. As someone said to me when I visited Hawaii a few year ago “Ah… you live on the big island”. For me he captured it perfectly. Our island paradise.

I am not a doctor or a lawyer and have not been a public servant. I have been self employed for 35 years and have always had a keen interest in politics and social justice. Coming from a sole parent family in the sixties it’s a bit hard to be otherwise.

Finishing school at School Certificate level in the 70’s my first purchase was a large Oxford dictionary. In those days there was no “Google” and screens were not interactive. This was to be my first step to learning about the world. This and observation.

I am currently a member of the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club, Coffs Coast Outriggers, Bonville Creek Kayak Club and Sawtell SLSC. Over the years I have enjoyed a fair share of competitive paddling along with camping, cycling, walking and many visits to the arts and cultural precincts of Sydney and Brisbane.

In my business life and also in a voluntary capacity, I have worked with the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, the Bunker Cartoon Gallery and TAFE holding events and exhibitions to raise the profile of the Arts in our community, create opportunities for local artists to exhibit their work and to raise funds for art prizes and community groups.

For the last 18 months or so I have been President of the Coffs Harbour Arts Council. It has been my job over this time to put the Arts Council back on track after a difficult time. I am happy to say we are on our feet and doing the job we are here for. Auspicing community projects and supporting the Arts.

What would I hope to bring as a representative if I was fortunate enough to be elected? A lifelong love for this region, an open and honest approach, dedication and a willingness to see the Coffs Harbour electorate play to its strengths and be the best it can be.