This week in the House I spoke about Labor's decision to phase out the live sheep trade. This has already had a disastrous impact, with confidence in the industry being destroyed. As a result, local markets have been overwhelmed and prices have dropped significantly. Farmers are struggling to sell their sheep above the price of freight and, in some cases, have had to make the tragic decision to sell their sheep at a loss or kill and bury them on their own farms.
Lang Coppin, Shire of East Pilbara
Today I paid tribute to the amazing Lang Coppin for his 46-year-long service as a councillor for the Shire of East Pilbara. Lang was a strong leader for the northern part of the East Pilbara district for nearly half a century and I understand holds the title of longest current period of service of an elected member to any council, parliament or assembly in Australia. Congratulations Lang, I look forward to celebrating with you in Marble Bar early next month.
WA Deserves Better!
Last night in the House I spoke about Labor's concentrated and dangerous attack on regional WA. This planned ambush, coming from all directions with State and Federal Labor, threatens to destroy the values we hold dear in the bush. I am determined to fight back and preserve our way of life in regional Durack.
Services Australia Delays
Today in the House I spoke about Services Australia's unacceptable delays in regard to processing claims for financial assistance. These delays come at a time when help is urgently needed for Australians during Labor's cost of living crisis.
Labor's absurd Biosecurity Protection Levy
Labor will introduce their new Biosecurity Protection Levy from 1 July 2024. This absurd levy will charge Australian primary producers $50 million per year to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers. Under this legislation farmers and fishers from my electorate of Durack will be forced to cover the risks imposed by their foreign competitors. This is just another stab in the guts for struggling producers and will no doubt adversely affect regional Western Australia.
The future of Australian agriculture is NOT in safe hands.
Yesterday in Parliament I spoke about how Labor have forgotten the fundamental importance of agriculture to our nation's prosperity. The agricultural industry sustains not only our national economy but also our very way of life in the regions. Yet, in their misguided pursuit of urban interests and placating to activists, the Albanese Labor Government are forsaking the very essence of our Australian identity.
Tralee Cable - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Tralee is an extremely competent and energetic business professional who is currently CEO of the Shire of Mount Magnet. Tralee has held a wide variety of positions in many career sectors, including being a marriage celebrant and a funeral director. Formerly the Community and Development Services Manager at the Shire of Meekatharra and the Regional Manager of the WA Primary Health Alliance, Tralee is knowledgeable, innovative and resourceful. She is an invaluable asset to any organisation and highly dedicated to regional Durack. As Tralee has said herself, her career has been a pleasure rather than a duty and I applaud her on her commitment to her community ⭐
An interview with Tralee
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
I would advise myself to not loose the gentle kindness of your soul trying to compete in a mens world. Embrace the person you are and allow your kindness to lead the way. Its very easy to let yourself become hard in the fight that women have in their desire to contribute and its vital our inner steel allows the compassion and empathy to shine. This is our uniqueness and value as a woman in leadership. Also, listen to your mother.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
Absolutely my mother, my grandmothers and their mothers. They were such strong pioneering women who lived in harsh environments and kept their soft core, and their caring reputations. If I could ever be a fraction of the great leaders and contributors those ladies were I’d be very pleased with my life – the difference they made for their communities and those around them is enduring. My mother was such a strong willed and minded feminist well before her time and if only I had paid closer attention to her lessons…..
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Its an interesting question because self reflection and description is usually flawed. The type of leader I try to be is a consistent and thoughtful leader who allows my team the space to be engaged and to achieve. I see my role as clearing any obstacles that might impede my experts from doing what they do best of all, and helping them to collaborate, through vision and goal setting. Communicating those goals and visions is always a challenge for me, but its worth the work to grow those areas that need the little extra attention in ourselves.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
The biggest is that you are not alone, we are not alone, we are strong and agile and supportive. Our networks are enduring and vast. Come and join us out here, the region desperately needs more women prepared to stand up for and support our communities.
We thank you Tralee, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙
Catherine Milliner - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Catherine has over 25 years of experience working in the WA health and resources sectors, starting as a registered nurse in Perth and then Kambalda, before joined Kambalda nickel mines as an occupational health nurse. Now the CEO of the Wheatbelt Health Network, a not-for-profit organisation that provides multidisciplinary primary care services across the Wheatbelt, Catherine adds a wealth of experience in the areas of strategy, governance and business continuity. Catherine holds a multitude of knowledge in human resources, business development and management of health services. Along with running a consulting and small retail business, Catherine is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was previously the Chair for the board of Miners Promise. A senior manager with an impeccable understanding of corporate governance compliance, Catherine has a 'can do' attitude with a high level of integrity and professionalism. ⭐
An interview with Catherine
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
Practice being brave so you can stand up for yourself. It gets easier each time you are confident in your abilities. Behind every bully is a person looking to feel powerful by taking power from you. They often lack true self-confidence and trust in the world. Find out what is important to them as an individual, win their trust and take your power back. People may not remember WHAT you have done, but they will remember how you made them FEEL – be kind, find a way to help others around you rise to be their best because of you.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
The women who surround me every day inspire me to be better. They are not famous. My nursing buddies who hung in there for more than 30years giving the best care to their patients despite the difficulties in the health care system. My sister who pushed through the challenges of being a very young mother in the goldfields to educate herself and be an amazing mother, piano teacher , school educator and my friend. My mother who rose from her childhood poverty determined to educate herself and be the best wife/mother/piano teacher she could be.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Always wanting to do better. ( I will never be perfect).
Curious to know more.
Clear about my integrity boundaries.
Transparent with information.
Enjoy enabling my team to be their best.
Happy!
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
The rural/regional areas often offer interesting opportunities the cities will never do.
Be brave! Take the adventure.
We thank you Catherine, for what you achieve for your community and regional and rural Durack 💙
Meegan Taylor - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Meegan is a positive, engaging and dedicated leader with in-depth understanding of human resources, general business management and specialist experience in Senior Executive HR Management roles. As Business Services Manager for Desert Blue Connect and Co-ordinator of the Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge in Geraldton, Meegan is a godsend to women and children in need. Chrysalis House provides safe accommodation for women and children who are escaping family violence or are at risk of being homeless as a result of crisis. I am always so very impressed with the lengths Meegan and her staff go to in order to protect those who need their help, with the refuge being staffed 24/7. Meegan prides herself on being an extremely good communicator who enjoys new challenges, her ability to always go above and beyond to achieve positive outcomes is an inspiration ⭐
An interview with Meegan
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
Believe in myself – nobody was born an expert. Learn and absorb and be authentic – don’t change who I am and embrace my difference. Surround myself with people who will bring out the best in me, use my voice and don’t be afraid to speak up. Lastly, find a mentor – a woman who inspires, encourages and believes in me.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
Bev Jowle – My former CEO at South Coastal Women’s Health Services. Bev taught me all there is to know about feminism and in turn, I passed this knowledge on to my daughter and have watched her grow into an incredible woman. Also my late mum Lyn Cunningham. Her strength and resilience was inspirational. She encouraged me and believed in me.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Approachable, hands-on, transparent, authentic, kind and compassionate.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
Women from regional, rural, and remote areas of Western Australia, you stand as the cornerstone of your communities, illuminating paths for future generations. Embrace the tight-knit bonds you share, and harness their profound strength and resilience. Dare to venture forward, embracing new experiences, welcoming change, and staying true to yourselves.
We thank you Meegan, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙
Pauline Bantock - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ As President of Victoria Plains Shire and secretary of Mogumber Outback Club (MOC), Pauline is right at the beating heart of Mogumber, a tiny township of only 58 people located in the Wheatbelt region of Durack. MOC was established as a community social group and has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with members calling Pauline “A champion for our small rural town.” In 2022 Mogumber locals rallied together to buy the town’s historic tavern, saving their beloved pub from disrepair and transforming it into a community hub. The 130-year-old pub is undergoing an extensive renovation with money raised by the club and hours of labour from Pauline and a team of volunteers. The club’s major fundraiser is the Mogumber New Year’s Eve Rodeo, which has been running since 2013 and is now a sellout every year. Pauline has a background in hospitality, runs a Wheatbelt farm with her husband Dave and is well known for being highly dedicated to her community and to bettering the lives of those around her ⭐
An interview with Pauline
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
If plan A doesn’t work out, find plan B, or C or D. And I would probably tell my younger self to enjoy your time with family and friends more, the to do list can wait. Keep chipping away, but don’t work so hard that you leave your family life behind.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
My Great Grandmother Vera Hammer was part of my life until I was 15 and even at this early age, I absorbed her strength and commitment. I’ve since learnt more of her stories as the 11th woman to join local government in Western Australia. She joined the Coolgardie Road Board at age 40, giving to her community even when she ran a business and had 3 children, all while her husband was being held as a prisoner of war following the fall of Singapore in WW2. Her Daughter, Topsy, is another role model for me. She turned 99 this year and is so resilient and positive. My Grandmother still provides me with such wonderful advice. And of course, my Mother, Judy. She puts 100% effort into everything, has so much patience and has taught me to see the best in people. Outside of my own family, I’m really inspired by Michelle Payne, the first woman to win the Melbourne cup. I was lucky enough to meet her in person last year. She has true GRIT!
What word/s describe your leadership style?
I’m a hands-on leader. I like to lead from the trenches. It’s the best way to witness the strengths. Learn why this is important to your community. Everyone has a strength they can contribute and leadership is needed to harness that power for the benefit of the entire community. I believe in doing the right thing, which might not be the most popular thing at times, but popularity is not my goal.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
In the long run, grit and determination will mean more than money and talent.
We thank you Pauline, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙
Dee Van Beek - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Dee has worked in the community service industry for over 20 years. During this time, she has supported clients in numerous areas, including disabilities, mental health, palliative care, dementia, domestic violence and bereavement. While Dee is still passionate about these areas, her main focus now, is to empower and support women through the Karratha Women’s Place (KWP). Dee moved to Karratha in 2009 and quickly realised just how socially isolating it could be for women living there, as they are often alone while partners work long shifts. As a result, Dee made the decision to actively make a positive change for the community and fill a gap that effected women, by establishing KWP. Although she lacked funding and organisational backing, Dee was determined to make her dream a reality, so that women now, as well as in the future, are supported in Karratha. After many years of Dee’s hard work, in 2019, KWP opened its doors to women of all ages, cultural backgrounds, religions and sexual orientations. Since then, KWP has continued to grow with the service supporting numerous women and offering a range of free monthly programs ⭐
An interview with Dee
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
With enough determination and hard work, anything is possible. If something doesn’t work the first time, don’t give up, try again taking into account what worked and what didn’t work, think outside the square, be inventive and be resilient.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
While there are many inspiring women I have met over the years and I am inspired by other women who, like me have been through traumatic times in life, I haven’t really had any specific role models. Instead, when I think back to starting my journey and career in the community services, as a single mum of 3 daughters, I wanted to set a good example, be a role model to them and show that they could achieve whatever they wanted to in life. So, following my divorce and, up until then being a stay-at-home mum for nearly 20 years, I started a new chapter of life in my 40s and enrolled in TAFE, then studied at Uni all while working full time and continuing to raise my daughters. In addition, I drew strength from the song “I am Woman” by Helen Reddy, I always feel very empowered after listening to the song and it’s a great one to have playing in the car on the way to work, to help get me get into the right mindset for the day.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Inclusive, creative, passionate, supportive, caring and democratic. I always endeavour to make sure that all members of my team feel equally important and are given an opportunity to participate and share ideas. While Managers may have the final say in decision making, all team members should be encouraged to have a voice.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
I think it is really vital to keep in mind that things in regional, rural and remote WA work very differently compared to how things work in metro areas. As a result, it is extremely important to be resilient, believe in yourself and don’t give up when something might not work the first time. It took me around 10 years to make the Karratha Women’s Place not just a dream, but a reality. During this time, I faced multiple hurdles, but I never gave up and now we’re getting ready to celebrate our 5th birthday.
We thank you Dee, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙
May Doncon - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ May has worked in the crucial and ever-growing mental health sector for over 20 years. Now the proud manager of headspace Geraldton, May has been an early intervention worker, a social worker with WA Country Health Service and a manager of mental health programs with WA Centre for Rural Health and 360 Health. May is a proud advocate for women’s rights internationally and arrived in Australia as a child after spending time as a refugee after her family fled their home country of Iran. May is also a volunteer firefighter at Cape Burney Brigade and is passionate about fitness and health, with martial arts being just one of her varied interests. I applaud the work that May does in developing mental health and community development programs and am so pleased to have her spearheading the Geraldton headspace centre. As May has said herself, she is passionate about the delivery of high-quality health care to rural, remote and regional areas of Australia ⭐
An interview with May
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
You are stronger and more resilient than you think. Trust in yourself and believe inyour abilities. Challenges will come and go but you will overcome them with time, perseverance and patience.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
The people who have inspired me the most are not famous or in the public life but every day people who have overcome adverse life circumstances, demonstrated courage in difficult situations and have used their experiences to help others. I’m also inspired by community volunteers who give so much of their time and personal resources to local community organisations
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Supportive and empowering. People can only grow and improve with encouragement, support and opportunities.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
Never underestimate your power to create positive change in your life and your community.
We thank you May, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙
Durack Housing Shortages
We are facing a housing crisis nation wide and all throughout my electorate of Durack. The Albanese Labor Government is bringing more people into the country than ever before and at the same time, fewer houses are being built. More people, fewer houses; fewer houses, more people. Why can't Labor understand that their strategy is driving up housing prices? It is simple economics.
Sophie Cooke - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Sophie is a Kimberley star from Kununurra who has a very diverse career and background, including the achievement of her master’s degree in education, focusing on special education. Sophie’s multi-faceted career includes being the Chair of her family’s agricultural venture, the Cooke Agricultural Group, her role as a Small Business Advisory Consultant for the Kimberley Small Business Support program and being a Thrive Support Teacher at Scotch Global. Her leadership extends to Ord Valley Events, where significant achievements, such as securing a gold win at the WA Tourism Awards for the Ord Valley Muster, highlight her strategic planning acumen. Initiatives like launching the Taste of the Kimberley event and transforming a local rodeo association into one of the country's largest showcase her diverse skill set, including successful marketing campaigns like the Jabiru Mangoes ⭐
An interview with Sophie
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
Keep your focus and determination strong and don’t waver. I would also say, you can’t be 100% at everything at once, life is long and you have time to do ALL the things you want to, they don’t have to be done in one decade. I would also tell her, the children don’t stay little forever, kiss their heads and dance in the kitchen because one day you’ll have PLENTY of time to do all the other things.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
Brene Brown, Kemi Nekvapil, Rosa Storelli (my high school Principal), My Mum and without sounding super sucky, Melissa. I think she’s been an incredible advocate for Durack and I thoroughly enjoy her leadership and intelligence every time we interact.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Inclusive empowerment. I believe in bringing people into my team with the qualities and strengths that are needed and then mentoring them in their roles to ensure they are achieving the best for themselves as an individual and the best for the organisation as a whole.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
Keep doing what you do, and make it loud. We are some of the most resilient, capable, adaptable and innovative women on the planet. Our voices have great value. Lets keep using them.
We thank you Sophie, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙
Charlene Senior - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Charlene is the Pilbara Manager for Anglicare WA, operating our vital headspace centres across the Pilbara and providing crucial early intervention mental health services to young people with mental health challenges affecting their wellbeing. Charlene has also worked to implement various programs across the Pilbara in primary healthcare, mental health, disability services, suicide prevention and chronic disease and has been instrumental in setting up the Pilbara headspaces, with the new Karratha facility, opened last year, being the 150th centre in Australia. Charlene is committed and dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of her community and lives by the motto of ‘Supporting Pilbara People to Thrive’.⭐
An interview with Charlene
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
No, you’re not imagining it! You are being underestimated. But knowing this empowers you to approach, create and develop opportunities to grow your career. There will be strong women who see your potential, who don’t underestimate you and reflect back the best of you; listen to them, follow their lead and they will take you to amazing new places. Remember how at the end of a training session, when you were so exhausted you couldn’t lift your arms and your state netball coach would tell you to go and post up and practice shooting? Getting accuracy for the tired shots, the ones that will make or break a tight game, was an important life lesson. It taught the importance of creating good habits which have a powerful impact on life because these good practices become an unconscious part of your routine, like brushing your teeth. The key habits to develop for leadership are sleep, eat for health, regular exercise, learn mindfulness, have gratitude, be compassionate to yourself and others and always learn new things. If these are all part of your routine, you’ve got a really strong foundation to build on. My last bit of advice for my younger self is that leadership is a difficult metric to self-measure. You can’t determine whether you are a good leader or not, only your team can. Listen to those around you and be guided by them.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
I am inspired by so many people! My mum invested so much of herself to build my self-confidence and resilience in my younger years. Both my parents taught me that success isn’t anything particularly glamorous, it’s about not giving up on your goals, but also knowing when changing up your approach is the right thing to do. At Anglicare WA, I work with remarkable women who model strength, resilience, compassion, intelligence, ask great questions and simultaneously consider the big picture while being attentive to the small details. I am incredibly grateful for these inspiring women whose leadership inspires me to lift my expectations of myself and to achieve more for this region. When I am looking for inspiring words to help me frame a situation, Maya Angelou is my go-to, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Is the quote that I use to guide my actions in leadership.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Democratic. I’m working to create psychological safety across our widely dispersed teams in the Pilbara and can only achieve that by getting input from the people on the ground. Our staff are incredible people! They are literally some of the best humans I’ve ever known, and the work they do across our Pilbara communities is changing people’s lives. Their input is gold. It is a privilege to work with these amazing people and I am incredibly grateful that when I do make an error, the team will tell me so that we can discuss it as a group, make any changes needed and move forward together.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
Women in the regions are strong, resilient, adaptable and we don’t sweat the small stuff. We prioritise authentic connections, we find ways to laugh when things are tough, and we care for our communities. Our resilience and authenticity are a highly valuable skillset that we all have because without it, we don’t stay here long. Whatever you want to achieve, you’ve got this!
We thank you Charlene, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙
Leonie Noble - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐Leonie holds the position of President on the National Rural Women's Coalition and Network board and is Immediate Past President of the WIN - Women's Industry Network in Seafood. Leonie is a born and raised Geraldtonian and is partner in a crayfishing business and former Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia - Mid West & Gascoyne Board. Leonie also chaired The Rural, Regional, Remote Women's Network of Western Australia, which feeds policy into the state government, for 5 years. Leonie sits on the National Fishing Advisory Council and is a past director of the Western Australia Fishing Industry Council. One of the first women inducted into the National Seafood Hall of Fame, Leonie was inducted into the Australian Financial Reviews Alumni for Australia’s 100 influential women 2019. Leonie works at community, state, federal and international levels to empower women’s voices ⭐
An interview with Leonie
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
Be Brave, dont automatically say no to opportunity until you have really thought it through because the more you say no the quicker opportunity dries up. Listen more and talk less, do your homework, you will not always automatically be right and the more you know the easier it is to stand up and back yourself.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
My Parents and grandmother, in the early days, their honest wisdom, patience and encouragement made a huge difference in how I approached life and work. In the later years it was the women (and some men lol) that had the same belief systems as I have and who worked so hard to ensure a place at the table for other women.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Inclusive, supportive and brave! At least thats what I have always tried to be.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
If a noisy girl from Geraldton can be accepted in the arenas that I have been able to wield some influence in and be given the opportunity to speak at the United Nations in New York on several occasions, there is nothing to stop anyone who has a burning passion to make a difference in what ever sphere they want to, it just takes hard work. Stop saying No to opportunity if it fits your belief system, the time commitment fits your lifestyle and you have a passion for the subject. Believe in yourselves, back your authentic self and get a mentor when you need one.
We thank you Leonie, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙
Geraldton Emergency Rescue Helicopter request REJECTED
Today in the House I spoke on the recent careless decision by the WA State Labor Government to reject the establishment of an emergency rescue helicopter based in Geraldton, Durack’s largest population base.
The Voice. Where is Labor's Plan B?
The Albanese Government promised everything with The Voice. Yet it’s been more than four months now since the referendum, and we are still waiting on the Government to announce their Plan B. Today in the House I spoke on my recommendations with Indigenous Affairs moving forward.
Sylvia Kelly - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Founder and stalwart of the Gingin Care Group, Sylvia is renowned for being a caring and deeply involved member of her community. The Gingin Care Group have a unique blueprint to provide holistic care to the members of the Gingin community. Among other services, the Group provides transport to and from medical appointments, and a variety of in-home support. Sylvia is always very humble about the amazing work she does in supporting her fellow residents, I would like her to know that she is an inspiration to many and I admire and respect her dedication to others ⭐
An interview with Sylvia
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
All my life, young and older, I have got involved in many varied ways when I saw a need.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Inspiring other people to explore needs and be focussed on meeting them. Never giving up no matter how many leads go into a blank wall. Inspiring others to find their caring selves.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
Always be open to any input from group members...never have a need to be in control. Don’t have fixed ideas and be open to any suggestions or observations. Make sure you allow people the freedom to give as much or as little as they can.
We thank you Sylvia, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙
Susan Grylls - Inspirational Women of Durack
❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Director of the Pilbara and Kimberley University Centres and general all round community superstar, Susan is well renowned in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions for being a leader and a forward thinker. Susan has been recognised for her outstanding efforts in the business and education sector and was awarded Businesswoman of the Year at the Karratha District Chamber Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards in 2022. Susan is highly dedicated and involved in her community and has an admirable vision for the future of Durack constituents in our north. ⭐
An interview with Susan
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
Always keep your moral and ethical compass – no matter the consequences. In the end it is always turns out to have been the right pathway. Be yourself and enjoy the battle. Fight and never give up! Never be afraid to start at the bottle and make mistakes. Don’t take yourself too seriously but take your job and your passions as seriously as you can. And don’t forget to laugh.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
My mother, Michelle Obama, Margot Fonteyn, Leanne Benjamin, Amal Clooney, Marie Curie
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Gosh I have to laugh at this one. I think my leadership style has evolved over the years (as I have observed my mistakes and learned from them). I think nowadays it is mixture of a number of styles that are relevant to the situation and I think you have to be like that now – you have to be flexible, you have to be reactive to changing scenarios and the people around you. I try to lead by example and bring people around me on the journey so it’s a team play rather than it being an autocratic, egotistical experience for others involved.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
Living in regional, rural and remote WA has been the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. I grew up in Perth and planned to settle in San Francisco as a corporate lawyer. However life took me down a different path and I could not be happier! Regional, rural and remote WA offers incredible opportunities for everyone - to make friends, to explore, to challenge yourself, to be big, bold and visionary! It is not always easy and you have to be flexible, resilience and innovative. However it is worth it. Nothing and I mean nothing beats living in regional, rural and remote WA!
We thank you Susan, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙