NT ladies share their struggles, achievements and advice

MEET some of the Territory’s most inspiring ladies and hear their words of wisdom on International Women’s Day.

Superintendent Janelle Tonkin, Sharon Millar, Kira Vanderkley and Rebekah Stapleton celebrated International Women’s Day. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

WOMEN across six different industries have come together to share their tales of resilience in the face of adversity, their achievements and pass on wisdom to the next generation.

One of the biggest challenges NT Police Superintendent Janelle Tonkin and NT Chief Judge Elizabeth Morris experienced in their careers was balancing life and work, and maintaining a healthy body and mind.

“Policing is a really diverse role so there are always challenges,” Supt Tonkin said.

“There’s the challenges of working shiftwork, managing that in your life as you progress in the ranks.

“There’s always a lot of positive things about policing but there are a lot of negative things that you’re exposed to, so learning how to cope with those challenges is important.”

“Work is just one part of the many things, both responsibilities and things that give you your own sense of identity but if you ignore all of the other parts of your life it ends up being quite unhealthy,” Ms Morris said.

Chief Judge Elizabeth Morris in her office in the Darwin Local Court. Picture: Che Chorley

“So you need to make sure that you have life balance which includes looking after your own personal health, looking after your family whether that be young children or old parent. It includes looking after your relationships with your friends and your partner, and making sure all of those things are balanced as well as the intellectual stimulation.”

For Kira Vanderkley, she said turning her lifelong car obsession into a career wouldn’t have been possible without her family.

She was the only woman in her Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology at Taminmin College but didn’t let it deter her, and became the VET Automotive Student of the Year at the Motor Trade Association Apprentice of the Year Awards.

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“I did have a couple people saying I wont be able to do it but I just blocked them out because my family members, partner and friends believed in me,” she said.

“It’s very confronting to begin with but at the end of the day if it’s something you want to pursue in life then do it, don’t let anything hold you back.”

Businesswoman Darlene Chin often advised others to turn to their family and friends for support.

“Get a lot of advice, ask people for advice, and don’t be afraid to reach out and ask someone for help,” she said.

“And don’t be afraid to cry if you need to cry. There’s no shame in being emotional. It doesn’t mean you’re less than a man is in business. We just have to, it’s just in our nature.

Business woman Darlene Chin with her pooches Jim and Billy. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

“Have a cry, talk to your friends, never forget your girlfriends. They’re a natural resource that’s free. Get together with your mates, have a laugh, have a cry and have a beverage and that’s great therapy.

“I’ve been lucky, even going up in a half Asian family, I’ve never been less than my brothers. They call me the number one son,” she laughed.

Gray Primary School principal Rebekah Stapleton said one of the most rewarding parts about her job was helping students aim high, realise their goals and achieve them.

“I see that education is the central component to students being able to have a choice,” she said.

“It gives them that choice, that grounding to do whatever they want to do and achieve.

“As a principal is where you can really make a difference … you can make a diff at that whole school level and that’s what I’m really enjoying.”

Gray Primary School principal Rebekah Stapleton. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

Nightcliff Tigers Women’s Premier League head coach and Men’s Premier League midfield coach Shannon Millar felt similarly with coaching.

“A big part of why I coach is to see people come out and do something they didn’t think they could do,” she said.

“Kick a football straight, win a grand final, whatever it might be I really enjoy developing people in that way.

“I’ve been extremely lucky, I’ve been surrounded by people who are supportive of women’s footy, supportive of me and believe in my coaching and coaching abilities.”

All of the women encouraged others to not hesitate, and take a leap of faith into a new profession, endeavour or adventure.

“Something that we (NTPFES) do now is really heavily focus on, one diversity and not just diversity of gender but diversity of thought,” Supt Tonkin said.

“So really your age, your life experience, your family situation, anything is now no longer a barrier to joining the police.”

“If you were thinking about (law), talk to someone who’s in the industry and they’ll be able to give you an idea and hopefully some encouragement to explore further,” Ms Morris said.

“Everybody that I know would be open to being contacted and asked questions about how they got into it … and would be encouraging of whether they are younger women or women looking for a career divergence or a career change.”