Hello!

I grew up in Cremorne, Sydney, NSW, but always loved the country life.  My family had a small farm in Oberon, NSW, and I always loved escaping the city to find my inner calm in the bush. I studied Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney and majored in Soil Science, and completed a PhD in Soil Physics.

 

I finally fled to the bush and fell in love with all the opportunities that a rural lifestyle offered. I have worked in Condobolin, NSW, as a research scientist and pasture agronomist for NSW DPI. I have loved being a soil scientist, a native seed collector, and a project coordinator. I have worked for Landcare as the Local Coordinator and held various research, leadership, and communications roles for both the Government and Farming Systems organisations.

 

Along with my husband, we purchased and developed an irrigated farm and ran merino sheep and dryland winter crops for over 12 years. We also produced quality irrigated lucerne and oaten hay, and other summer irrigated crops. We built and developed a successful horse-spelling complex and cared for local and regional race-horses.

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I have more than 20 years experience in agricultural positions, including farming, natural resource management, rural research, and communications. Over this time, I developed a passion for regenerative agricultural systems, and I worked hard to advance these practices on our farm and in our community.

 

In addition to this, I have experience with stakeholder engagement, events management, grant writing, and sponsorship. I’ve taught business administration and bookkeeping at TAFE NSW, and I have provided support in graphic design, spreadsheets, and data analysis. I love analysing data, designing efficient systems, and creating dashboards to understand research and business metrics.  I enjoy learning new skills and helping organisations with their business needs.

 

I have supported numerous community organisations in the bush, including the local Preschool and School P&F, the Pipe Band, Karate Club, Arts Council, and the Little Athletics Club. I’ve also provided committee support to Condobolin & Districts Landcare and Central West Farming Systems. I’ve been in positions of president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, as well as coordinator, and committee member. I have facilitated many meetings and provided governance and secretarial support. 

 

I became an online Specialist as I have always wanted to use my skills for a wider purpose and be able to travel freely.  In November 2020, we took to the road with our family and decided to have a "sea change" to Hervey Bay, QLD. Technology has enabled 'working from anywhere' to be real for me. As long as I have an internet connection, I am able to be online, providing my services to anyone wherever I go.

 

I enjoy helping rural organisations and business owners whenever they need help. I am passionate about supporting rural women and regional communities. I am excited that we can bring 'The Virtual Cooee' opportunity to rural and regional women in Australia. 

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Libby x