2024 International Women’s Day snapshots: celebrating country women leading the charge

Teigan Cummins.

Age: 27.

Occupation: Senior environmental officer.

Field: Environmental protection and STEM.

Who am I? A small town girl, growing up in a country town. I ventured to the big smoke to study, but found myself back out in the country. With a Bachelor of Science backing me, I have been in the environmental sector for five years and am all about protecting the environment. I enjoy the great outdoors, and competing in marathons all over regional NSW, from country to coast. You can also find me at the local gym being involved in our all-women’s class, called the ‘Spice Girls.’

Being a woman in my field: I am all about women in STEM education. I find being a woman in the environmental field comes naturally to me, as women are natural caregivers and advocate for what we care about. For me, my passion is sustainability of the environment. I’m here, proud of my achievements to date and ready to take my spot at the table to make sure that the environment has a voice, and that we can have the security of a thriving community that has a brighter future for the environment.

My definition of strength: I find strength in being ambitious and pursuing my goals, no matter how challenging they may seem. I have confidence in my capabilities and strengths which allows me to accomplish anything!

Women who have influenced me: The women who influence me are those who I surround myself with each day, both at work and in my personal life. I am a strong believer that you are the product of your environment.

My advice for the younger generation: My one piece of advice is, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” I live by this, because surrounding myself with people who inspire me and challenge me, motivate me to ‘level up.’

Esta Kalatzis.

Occupation: Nurse.

Field: Current rugby player for Narrabri Blue Boars Women’s 10s team.

Who am I? I am a Brisbane girl, mother of two, who loves playing rugby.

Being a woman in my field: Means being involved in something bigger; rugby has always been an inclusive game with a great sense of community.

My definition of strength: Being able to set and lead by a good example, positive mindset showing resilience and adaptability.

Women who have influenced me: Kirby Sefo.

A piece of advice for younger generation: Don’t hesitate to try something new and have fun.

International Women’s Day is today and the 2024 United Nations theme is ‘Invest in women – accelerate progress’. Third-generation farmer Clare Campbell

Age: 28.

Occupation: Third generation farmer.

Who am I? I love horses, animals, gardening, chocolate, and champagne. I am a partner in our family farm, which allows me to spend every day surrounded by both my family and my feathered and furred friends, and where I have learned so many skills and built the life I love. I am a member and club captain of Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club. I love to take my hack to the local ag shows and compete in the show ring as well. The tidy showgrounds are certainly a contrast to the dusty paddocks and polocrosse fields. Both, I love.

Being a woman in my field: While working in a male dominated industry, dad thinks that I, a woman in agriculture, have the advantage and ability to find new and improved ‘girl friendly’ ways to do things I would have otherwise struggled with. I’m starting to find as he gets older, he seems to benefit more and more from my ‘girl friendly’ ways as well.

My definition of strength: To me, strength is the willingness to have a go. To learn from your mistakes and have the courage to make them. It’s trying to conduct yourself with grace and kindness and it’s the stubbornness to fight for what you want. I have an aunt that often reminds me to ‘use this power for good and not evil.’ So, I feel the stubbornness trait could be strong in me.

Women who have influenced me: I am very privileged to have so many strong women influences in my life that challenge and encourage me and make me want to continually better myself so that I too can give back as much as I’ve been given. My family is filled with strong, successful women who excel in their respective fields and everyday life. I believe my mother to be the smartest person I’ve ever met. Her intelligence, compassion and wisdom have both taught me and gotten me through more than I’ll ever know. I must give credit to my father. He too has undeniably played a part in the woman I am. They have both raised me to believe I can do anything I put my mind to. My biggest influence is my sister. She is unwaveringly determined, compassionate, successful and the greatest support. She is both the force behind me and the goal I want to achieve.

My advice for the younger generation: enjoy life. Surround yourself with people that better you. Set goals and achieve them. I believe all stories finish with a happy ending. So if you’re not happy yet- your story isn’t over.

Kayla Nehrkorn.

Age: 27.

Occupation: Community engagement and communications officer at not-for-profit organisation Narrabri and District Community Aid Service Inc.

Field: Community service.

Who am I? I was born and bred here in Narrabri. Most people would describe me as someone who lights up a room, kind, caring and determined. I love being creative and I am a sucker for being organised.

Being a woman in my field: The community service sector is a female-dominated field and I am very lucky to work alongside such a supportive team. My definition of strength? I am an incredibly independent women and believe that is defined as my personal strength.

Women who have influenced me: I believe that who I am today has been shaped by my close circle of family and friends.

My advice for the younger generation: act confident, and no one will know. Who cares what other people think – “you do you, boo”. You only live once, so just do it!

Katie Broughton.

Occupation: Research scientist, CSIRO.

Field: STEM.

Who am I? According to my very generous teammates “loyal friend, wonderful aunty, loving daughter and amazingly talented research scientist”. Since moving to Narrabri, I also love to travel and play sport (I’m not actually very co-ordinated, but I give it a go).

My definition of strength: For me, strength is about overcoming challenges. The quote “you never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice” resonates with me.

Women who have influenced me: We are influenced by the people and circumstances that are around us. I’m fortunate to have incredible family, friends and colleagues who inspire, encourage, and support me, or call something out when I need it.

My advice for the younger generation: Have a great attitude. There are so many opportunities to learn from with the right perspective.

Emma Campbell.

Age: 29 .

Occupation: Transitional nurse practitioner.

Field: Healthcare. Who am I? I grew up on a grain farm in Narrabri near Edgeroi. I have one younger sister who is my absolute best friend. My parents and sister still live on the farm. We have so much fun and just try to live our best lives. I am known for my ability to over commit in every aspect of life, and I can never say no. I also water-ski and am the vice president of my Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club.

Being a woman in my field: I work within a female dominated field, however, traditionally men were appointed to the higher-level jobs. This has changed drastically over the years and in my time within the health system I felt I have been encouraged throughout my career with any avenue I have taken on. A lot of work has been done in the background over many years to enable nurse practitioners to be a part of rural medicine and I’d like to think we are the generation who is benefiting from that hard work.

My definition of strength: Always saying yes to every opportunity. Whether it is a new job or learning opportunity or even when my sister asks if I want to go skydiving. I believe we only get one life, and we never know when our time is up so we should make the most of everything that is thrown our way.

Women who have influenced me: I can honestly say seeing women doing things they are passionate about regardless of what it is influences me to some extent. If they can do it, so can I. My mum has always encouraged and supported me to grab every opportunity and I have the best girl-dad life could give you. He always taught us we can do anything. From driving headers at 12-years-old to coming to our netball games early to sweep to courts off before we played or travelling to play polocrosse. My sister is kind and such an all-rounder. She helps me fix fences and dig new waterlines and works my horses when I don’t have capacity to do it myself just so we can play more carnivals together. She always shows me that we can do anything.

My advice for the younger generation: Don’t be afraid to aim big. Follow your gut and trust it. Work hard but don’t forget to have fun and take the time to smell the roses along the way.

Noreen Boehm.

Age: 21 plus GST, freight, and insurance. (If you really need to know 72 years of age).

Occupation: Journalist, Jill of all trades, master of none, and a passionate community member.

Field: Community, media.

Who am I? Wife (50 years), mother of four beautiful children, grandmother (Ma) of five fantastic grandchildren. Boggabri’s correspondent for the The Courier and the Gunnedah Times. I came to Boggabri to work in the Bank of NSW on a six month contract in February 1, 1970, and I’m still here 54 years later. You could describe me as a Jill of all trades, master of none. I’ve worn many hats for my beautiful Boggabri community, to name a few; I’m a radio presenter, volunteer, secretary of the Boggabri Hospital Auxiliary, Women’s Shed member, life member of Central Northern Swimming Association 2009. I am also a two-time cancer survivor.

Being a woman in my field: Sometimes I need to put my ‘bossy boots’ on.

My definition of strength: When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender. If at first you don’t succeed try again, it is not always easy, (take baby steps) and it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

Women who have influenced me: My sister-in-law Sonia is fabulous, while nine years younger than me she is a powerhouse. Intelligent, super organised, sits on numerous boards, both local and state level, works on farm, looks after a very sick husband, and is a fabulous cook. My colleagues at The Courier, I work alongside the CPNSW Journalist of the Year, Ali, top sales lady Di, a lady who makes me look good when typesetting my work, Robyn, and the quirky journo doing this interview. Not a female but a big influence on my life was my dad. I always remember him saying, “If a job is worth doing, then it is worth doing properly”.

My advice for the younger generation: Two pieces of advice – there are many paths up the mountain, however, the view from the top is the same. A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is, not on the branch but on her own wings. Always believe in yourself.

Angel Stanford.

Age: 10.

Occupation: Year 6 student at Narrabri Public School.

Field: Cultural Ambassador.

Who am I? I play centre in netball, and I love sports. My birthday is in April, I love tacos and spicy food.

What is a cultural ambassador? When there are special occasions you do the acknowledgement of country and represent your school at different events. Through all my years of school I’ve done a lot of dancing with my Aunty Pattie, I do the acknowledgement to country at assemblies, and everyone just knows that I’m Aboriginal. My proudest event was dancing for the Santos Rugby Festival’s opening event.

My definition of strength: Being powerful, being like my mum, who works really hard, does a lot of important things for me and provides for her family. And representing my culture.

Women who have influenced me: I want to be a good mum like my mum. My aunties and my older sister, who does a lot of things for us. Nan June looks after everyone. My teachers and my netball coaches and my older cousins.

What I want to be when I finish school: I want to become a hairdresser.

My advice to younger girls: Just be yourself, because no matter who you are, we should all get treated the same.

Jane Lampe.

Age: 46.

Occupation: Florist with my own business in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

Who are you? I love everything in nature. I’m a country girl from Narrabri, living in the city. I love a chat on the phone when I’m driving (which is a lot). I love my family and friends. I’m currently not in any clubs, but now I’m thinking maybe I should be! Well, I am in a book club if that counts?

My definition of strength: Being able to get up very early in the morning, glass half full (which is sometimes also to my detriment), being resilient, parking my van in tight spots.

Women who have influenced me: My mum and her four sisters, who are all different in their own ways, but so confident in themselves and who they are. They are great role models.

My advice for the younger generation: Be confident in your own skin, and always treat people the way you’d like to be treated.

Jane Lampe was invited to speak as one of the panelists at the Narrabri Shire Council’s International Women’s Day event, held last night in collaboration with The Exchange. The Courier will have a report and photos from the event in a future edition. The panel included an impressive list of speakers with a local connection including professional golfer turned publican Bec Artis, chief executive officer of GrainGrowers Shona Gawel, and teenager sport superstar Mackenzie Knox, who is currently the highest badged umpire for Narrabri Netball.

Rebecca Tribe.

Age: 42.

Who am I? I describe myself as a mum, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunty, a fire fighter, a captain, and a mentor. I love reading, camping, fishing, and spending time with my family and close friends. I love helping the communities I am a part of, with a passion for assisting the community before, during and after an emergency.

Occupation: General hand for the NSW Rural Fire Service in the Namoi Gwydir district and the captain of Narrabri Rural Fire Brigade.

Field: Emergency service field, particularly the fire protection sector with the NSW Rural Fire Service, both as a volunteer for 24 years so far and recently as an employee.

Being a woman in my field: Being a woman in the emergency service field has it challenges from time to time. But I have found it is what you make it. Knowing my limitations and asking for assistance when required is my greatest strength in this field.

Women who have influenced me: The women who influence me are not famous women, they are the women who are a part of my life. My daughters, my mum, my sisters, my work colleagues, my fellow female fire fighters, my childhood friends, and the new friends made along the way. These ladies have seen me at my best and at my worst, they have raised and nurtured me, they have helped me when things were hard, they believe in me and in my capabilities, they challenge me to be a better version of myself every day and most of all, they love me warts, and all.

Advice for the younger generation: The world is going to judge you no matter what you do, so live your life the way you want to and remember to always look for something positive in every day, even if some days you have to look a little harder.

Eden Rozendaal.

Age: 25.

Occupation: Real estate agent. I also established my own home-staging business.

Field: Real estate.

Who am I? I have been a traveller since birth. Narrabri became the first place my family settled in long-term, making it truly feel like home. I am someone who enjoys fine foods, champagne, beautiful places, and spending time with my loved ones. I work hard so I can keep doing these things.

Being a woman in my field: As a female professional in the real estate field, one of my key strengths is my ability to see things as they truly are and set aside my personal feelings to accomplish tasks.

What do you define as strength? Having a support system and surrounding myself with individuals who recharge my energy is essential for remaining authentic and maintaining productivity and well-being in my personal and professional life.

Women who have influenced me: My biggest female influence in life is undoubtedly my mum, Kim. It may sound cliché, but witnessing her start her own business during the COVID-19 pandemic was nothing short of inspirational. She defied all odds, took a leap of faith, and emerged victorious. My mum’s passion for real estate is infectious, and her knowledge in the field is unparalleled. She has taught me everything I know about the industry and instilled in me the importance of perseverance and hard work. I am immensely proud to be a part of her journey and to witness her roar with determination and grace.

My advice for the younger generation: Embrace your individuality and always speak up to have your voice heard. In today’s ever changing business environment, diverse perspectives and thoughts are immensely valuable. Do not hesitate to share your unique ideas, viewpoints, and thoughts – they are what set you apart. Additionally, seeking mentors and supporters who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. Inevitably, you will become the teacher, repay the favour, and help the next one in line.

Tara Moriarty.

Occupation: Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Agriculture.

Field: Politics.

Being a woman in my field: It’s an exciting time to be a woman in politics, we are still having to make sure that women are part of the normal seats at the table, but I’m in a government that has 50 per cent women at the cabinet table and 50 per cent women in our caucus. Having an equal number of women is a very good thing because it helps the way we shape policy. I don’t want to just make sure it’s for right now, I want to make sure it’s like this forever.

Women who have influenced me: My grandmother – she’s Irish and she was the very first greyhound trainer in the country, so she was happy to push boundaries for things that she was passionate about. It’s the women in my personal life that do fantastic things every day that make me want to do better in my work.

My definition of strength: The job that I do isn’t about me, it’s about making sure that what I do is making it better for women, particularly across regional NSW, and I try to live that every single day. In this job, it’s about remembering that it’s not about you, it’s about delivering for the people, particularly those who don’t have a voice. That gives me strength.

My advice for the younger generation: Get in and have a go. Politics might sound daunting but get in and have a crack, just like the blokes do. Crash through if you’ve got some great ideas for your community. Stand for election, run for council, prosecute your ideas because they are just as worthwhile as everybody else’s.

The Courier interviewed the minister when she visited Narrabri for a regional development roundtable discussion last week, and extended her interview to include an IWD focus.