As a child, I wandered through fields of wildflowers in the outskirts of Perth, sensing an energy that connected deeply with my soul and sense of purpose.
As a teenager, science drew me in, leading me to a traineeship with CSIRO, where I bred introduced insects to help control so-called “weeds” like yellow dock and red clover in the potato fields across South West WA.
And interestingly… years later on beautiful Larrakia land, I now use those very same “weeds” as herbal medicine to support skin health and menopause symptoms for women across regional and remote communities.
Twelve months ago, I could never have imagined the impact of bringing this work to a small country town like Katherine. A thriving regional hub for stations and indigenous communities—a place that had a butcher, a baker and even a candlestick maker… but no herbalist could be found.
Over the past year, that impact has become even clearer.
During the recent Katherine floods, I reached out to my patients—not to book appointments or sell anything—but simply to check in. To offer support, presence, and care. And what I was reminded of in those moments is that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can give is to let someone know they’re thought of… that they’re not alone.
I recently spoke to over 260 women at the NT Cattlemen’s Association Ladies Lunch on “Building Resilience & Understanding Stress, Hormones & How to Thrive.”
Katherine and NT women are the definition of resilience—but even the strongest women need support. Taking time for self-care and asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s part of truly thriving.
This Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award journey has given me the space to reflect on that impact—and to truly recognise the value of sharing practical, holistic health knowledge across rural and regional communities.
My project, Women’s Business: Nurture and Thrive, grew from a simple but important idea—that women, no matter where they live, deserve access to tools that support their health and wellbeing… while strengthening the communities around them.
Because rural women are often the glue that holds communities together.
They lead, they support, they adapt.
And when women invest in their own wellbeing, the ripple effect is powerful.
I see it in every workshop. One woman asks a question… and others lean in, because they’ve been wondering the same thing. And when she learns something new, that knowledge flows into her family and her community—touching more lives than we often realise.
Over the past year, I’ve prioritised delivering my workshops on-Country, working alongside local practitioners and communities. This approach is built on trust, connection, and listening—ensuring the work is shaped by what communities actually want and need.
I was honoured to be invited to host a Nurture and Thrive through Menopause workshop with the Banatjarl Wumins Grup—>20 Indigenous women sitting together with a cup of herbal tea and healthy snacks, sharing real stories and traditional ways, learning what’s happening, and simply talking women’s business. Everyone leaves with a self-care wellness pack.
And from that, they’ve asked for more – I’m back down there in June hosting x2 more culturally aware workshops.
Conversations with younger women and importance of self-care. Not because I suggested it—but because they see the need within their own community.
That’s what meaningful work looks like.
It takes time. Time to build trust. Time to connect. Time to ensure it truly fits.
And being invited back on-Country—to sit, to listen, to yarn—is something I deeply value.
Recently, I also had the privilege of spending a day with the Waterlily Healing Indigenous Corporation and a group of incredible women. We shared stories, conversations, and moments of connection and healing.
It felt especially meaningful celebrating International Women’s Day—a reminder of the strength and support that exists when women come together. And I’m really looking forward to continuing those conversations and deepening those connections throughout the year.
Through connections within the Rural Women’s Award Alumni, I’ve also been talking with the Galiwinku Women’s Space, to support women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.
This is not easy work—but it’s important work.
And it’s work that requires collaboration—creating safe spaces where women feel supported as they rebuild their lives.
Of course, this year hasn’t come without its challenges…especially access to remote communities with the Wet season we’ve had!
But instead of standing still, I used that time to build capacity.
I undertook additional training in remote community access, grant writing, and rural business networks—and I’ve also been completing national mentorship training through the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation to further strengthen how I show up in this work.
Because these opportunities aren’t just about learning—they’re about building connections, and learning from others who’ve walked this path before.
This year has also been one of growth—personally and professionally.
From delivering workplace menopause workshops —the first of their kind in Alice Springs—to stepping into new spaces and conversations with smaller communities.
And of course, always navigating the juggle.
Being an RWA National Finalist isn’t just showing up on judging day. There are training sessions, interviews, photoshoots—and fitting that around business and life isn’t always easy. I just checked out my calendar from last year…man it’s packed?!
I do remember my husband asking, “Do you get paid for this?”
No..But what I’ve gained is far greater.
A network of women who support, uplift, and open doors for each other. Women who, even while technically competing, choose collaboration.
And that is something truly special. Thank you for supporting me….especially chief nudger Donna, & Eileen, Bec & Tanya.
In terms of direct impact, over the past year I’ve reached more than 180 women through about a dozen women’s business and herbal workshops, and another 500 1:1 consults across Katherine, Alice Springs and the Darwin region. The real impact is much bigger due to the ripple effect out to the community. Over the next few months, I intend to support another 80 women in remote community workshops.
The Westpac bursary has enabled me to develop culturally safe menopause resources in collaboration with local Indigenous artist T’ara Cole, and I’m currently finalising a Worry Less booklet to provide women with practical, everyday support.
The development of online resources and updating the Nurture & Thrive project online —has made it easier for communities to access and request these services.
Alongside this, I continue to advocate at a national level for preventative health and naturopathy.
We’re seeing important progress, including the return of private health rebates, and ongoing work toward statutory registration.
And globally, there’s growing recognition of the role traditional and complementary medicine can play.
Through the World Health Organisation’s ‘Traditional Medicine Strategy’, there is a clear movement toward integrating traditional knowledge with modern healthcare systems.
And for me, this reinforces something I’ve always believed—
That the future of healthcare lies in integration.
In bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science.
In creating spaces where both can sit side by side – like red clover sitting in those potato fields in south west WA.
Looking ahead, I’m refining the expansion of my remote program to ensure it’s sustainable and truly aligned with community needs. Conversations with ALPA are promising, and I’m also seeking corporate sponsorship to support the next phase.
At the same time, I’m working towards evolving Nurture and Thrive into a social enterprise later this year.
This will allow the work to grow in a way that is both impactful and sustainable.
And ultimately, this is all leading toward a bigger vision.
A true holistic healthcare centre.
A place where everyone is welcome for healing— where naturopaths, GPs, psychologists, massage therapists and most importantly, Traditional Indigenous Healers working side by side.
A space where bush medicines sit alongside herbs from around the world.
Where there are yarning circles, a fire pit, a community garden.
A place for connection, for healing, for community.
A place where whole-person, whole-community, and whole-Country healing can truly begin.
And while that vision is still unfolding…
This past year has been a powerful step towards it.
This week, I was truly inspired by each and every one of our 2026 NT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award finalists – Adriana, Claire, Kelly and Anita. Thank you for all that you do to support, strengthen, and grow our communities.
I look forward to following all of the new projects and maybe even the chance of collaborating with some of these lovely ladies.
Thank you to all my lovely patients and supporters for joining me on this wild and rewarding Agrifutures RWA journey.
