My father was a man of integrity and faith. He instilled in me a belief that, as a young woman, I was equal to any task to which I applied myself. Before he died, my family wanted for little. But afterwards, my mother had to support two daughters alone, demonstrating a strength and resilience that I aspired to. From that moment to this, I have worked to pay my own way, and help secure my family’s future.
After finishing school, I enrolled at the University of NSW to complete a degree in social work. I have spent my entire working life in Western Sydney and the Hawkesbury helping people.
My husband Jim and I have been blessed to have two beautiful children, Joshua and Hannah. Having a loving family around me only reinforces my view that family is the foundation stone of our society.
My previous career as the manager of a family counselling centre and supervisor of social workers in 14 regional offices across Western Sydney brought me in close contact with the community. It showed me that not everybody has it easy and reminded me that many people, through no fault of their own, get a tough deal in life and need a bit of help and understanding.
I know that working in collaboration and partnership with people is the way challenges can best be overcome or change can be achieved.
We have already made great progress locally in fighting crime and improving roads. But we need strong economic management to deliver the services local families need, and to make our nation secure.