30+ Influential Cairns women share their passions, inspirations to celebrate International Women’s Day
From leading the Cairns community and keeping our borders safe to empowering women and young people in the region and across the globe, here are some of the region’s inspiring female leaders.
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From leading the Cairns community and keeping our borders safe to empowering women and young people in the region and across the globe, Cairns is home to a number of inspiring women.
Whether it’s mentoring the next generation, pioneering research, developing the arts space or changing laws and policies, the current generation of Cairns’ female leaders share one important goal.
Making the world a better and brighter place for generations to come.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we have asked 30 influential women in our city about the role they play in our region, why they are passionate about what they do and the legacy they hope to leave.
Senator Nita Green, Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef
Leaving the future a better and brighter place for the next generation is the legacy Queensland Senator Nita Green hopes to achieve.
“My daughter is a huge inspiration for me – to make the world a better place for her and for her generation – I want her to be able to swim with turtles, study close to home, and get a good secure job,” Ms Green said.
“Building Australia’s future means building a future she can be proud of.”
Ms Green said she hoped to make Queensland a great place to live and raise a family
“I want the Great Barrier Reef to be protected for generations to come, and I want all Australians no matter where they live to have the same access to quality healthcare and education,” she said.
Ms Green, said representing regional Queensland in Federal parliament was ‘a real privilege.’
“I love my job because I love the people I represent,” she said.
“Whether it is a Master Reef Guide, a healthcare worker, a teacher or a truckie, I enjoy being able to listen, learn from Queenslanders and deliver a better future for them.”
Amy Eden, Mayor of Cairns
Amy Eden has been the Mayor of Cairns since March 2024 and is the second woman to hold the position since 1885.
Ms Eden said her biggest passion is seeing Cairns thrive, and that she is constantly inspired by the “strength and spirit” of the Cairns community.
“Witnessing individuals and groups come together to overcome challenges, support one another, and celebrate our unique culture motivates me daily,” Eden said.
Her focus as Mayor is strengthening what makes Cairns unique – ‘our ‘Cairnsness’.
“That includes promoting Cairns as Australia’s leading destination for women’s sport, working with the State Government on community safety, (and) celebrating our arts, heritage, and diversity.”
Ms Eden said engaging directly with our diverse community (and) listening to residents’ aspirations and concerns was the most rewarding part of her role.
“Conversely, the most challenging part is balancing the varied and sometimes conflicting interests within our community, ensuring that decisions made benefit the greater good,” Ms Eden said.
“My focus is on laying strong foundations for our shared future.
“My priority is to lead with transparency (and) ensure every voice helps to shape our city’s direction.
“My hope is that the work we do today will support a vibrant and thriving Cairns for generations to come.”
Jacinta Reddan, chief executive officer Advance Cairns
Constantly looking to advance change, Ms Reddan has always has always been driven to get involved in shaping the future.
The Advance Cairns chief executive said her desire to better the world was instilled in her from a young age.
“I was never brought up to be merely a bystander in life,” Ms Reddan said.
“I was always taught that it is not enough to criticise or have an opinion: you need to be prepared to put that into action.”
Ms Reddan said her work in Advance Cairns, the city’s leading advocacy and economic development member organisation, provided a strong voice for the region, working with key partners to advocate on policy matters, infrastructure initiatives, economic diversity and build a stronger, more resilient future for the region.
“I am genuinely committed to the belief that we can achieve more through collaboration, so if we work together, the sky’s the limit,” she said.
Ms Reddan said she was inspired by a number of people she had met and worked with including a Catholic priest who fought tyranny in South America, a former supervisor who resigned rather than compromise his integrity, business and political leaders, her family and men and women who fought against the odds, against poverty, disability or disadvantage to succeed.
“(From) my grandmother who, as the oldest of 11, was forced to leave school as a 14-year-old to help care for her family when her father died, to my older daughter who faced major spinal surgery at only 12 and was incapacitated for months at a critical time of her pre-teen years,” she said.
“The list is endless (and) I have been blessed to have met and been inspired by so many men and women, and I carry their imprint with me every day.”
Bree James MP, Member for Barron River, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Early Learning, Creative Industries and Far North Queensland
From lifesaving medical staff and volunteers to members of the next generation, Member for Barron River Bree James said her biggest inspiration for change was her Far North community.
“My biggest inspiration is those that use their skills and talents to make our world a better place,” Ms James said.
“From those who volunteer their time at a soccer game every Saturday, to the child that picks up rubbish instead of walking by, to the nurses and doctors saving lives.
“It’s seeing those people in our community that make our city better by their advocacy, actions, and attitude.”
Ms James said the best part of her job was advocating for the region with the community for better outcomes for everyone.
“The hardest part of my job is the people, businesses and industries that are suffering, hurting, angry, frustrated, or afraid.
“Every day I am privileged to help people and our region. I want our region to be the best it can be for future generations and that drives me every day.”
Leena Singh, Chief Executive of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
Achieving positive health outcomes and innovative solutions for the Cairns community are some of the driving passions behind CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh.
“It always makes my day to see people focused on solutions, and open to trying new initiatives to deliver the best care possible,” Ms Singh said.
“The hardest part is balancing the competing needs of the whole organisation to ensure a fair distribution of attention is given to all health conditions, to ensure our community can access healthcare whenever they need it.
“Everyone has a good case to argue, unfortunately there are only so many resources available to distribute.
Ms Singh said her biggest inspiration to fight for change were the ‘brilliant’ people she had worked with throughout her career.
“They have shaped me and influenced my thinking and reaction to different situations,” she said.
“The common keys to success demonstrated by those people were integrity, resilience, never accepting the status quo, and partnerships, accepting you cannot do everything yourself and finding partners/people who bring equal but different strengths to the table will always lead to a better outcome.”
Ms Singh said she hoped to leave strong foundations for the Health Service, setting it on a trajectory of growth and quality of service to deliver good quality and more efficient services to the Far North.
“I want to significantly reduce the inequity of healthcare felt by the rural, remote and First Nations communities, and to have a strong research and education presence that encourages our community and skilled workforce, to create the healthcare solutions of the future,” she said.
Patricia O’Neill, chief executive officer of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce
What is the best or hardest part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my role is having the ability to listen, inform and connect our business community to opportunities that will assist them in surviving and thriving into the future to build a strong and resilient regional city. I also enjoy constructively negotiating and advocating with all three levels of Government and opposition leaders, on behalf of our members to ensure policy decisions are “business friendly” and then share the wins! The most challenging part of my role is constantly having to justify to Government the challenges of running a business of any size in a regional town versus that of a metro market – one size does not fit all when it comes to policy making.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
What excites me about my role is being able to turn passion into action and seeing that action lead to improvements and progress for businesses across our region. In small and family business, the ripple effect of positive change can improve the financial stability of families. I don’t go in much for “politics,” however amplifying the voices of those business owners who may not be heard is a privilege.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Having joined the Chamber on the eve of a pandemic – arguably the most challenging time for our business community – I am proud to have led the Cairns Chamber of Commerce to become the largest regional Chamber in Queensland. In my short time as CEO I have created a team who share and demonstrate my values of respect and passion for the businesses across our region.
Gina Hogan, chief executive officer of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF)
As chief effective officer of the FNQHF, Ms Hogan leads the organisation’s vision to support and improve health care services across FNQ through funding health facilities, equipment and training.
“Health care touches everyone’s life at some point,” Ms Hogan said.
“I’m passionate about ensuring people in Far North Queensland have access to the best possible care, no matter where they live.”
Ms Hogan said the best part of her position is observing the ‘real difference’ the foundation’s work makes for the community.
She said the hardest part was ‘balancing the growing needs of our health services with limited resources.’
“There are always more worthy projects that we can support,” she said.
Hogan said she is constantly inspired by the people she encounters in her role, which fuels her motivation.
“Our one-thousand plus volunteers, are a constant reminder of the power of community,” she said.
“I’m also deeply inspired by the patients and families who, despite facing health challenges, still find ways to give back and support others. Their resilience and generosity are humbling.”
Melissa Northam, Detective Superintendent of the Australian Federal Police, Airport Police Commander Cairns
From protecting the nation from cybercrime and terrorism to leading police teams throughout the Far North, Superintendent Melissa Northam is on the front lines keeping people safe.
“The hardest part of my role is managing the balance between operational demands and organisational challenges in an ever-changing environment which responds to the intense global pressures communities are facing,” Superintendent Northam said.
“Technology and national security are evolving so quickly that staying ahead of the threats is a constant challenge.”
Despite the challenges, Superintendent Northam said the job had so many rewards, including working with foreign law agencies around the world.
“My greatest passion of recent times is working with Pacific Island policewomen introducing welfare strategies and support that was sustainable in times of a pandemic and natural disasters,” she said.
“Watching women in those countries grow with confidence, move into leadership roles, and have a voice within their communities is so rewarding.”
Superintendent Northam said she was inspired by her grandmother’s example.
“She took barriers as challenges, something that she instilled into me from a young age,” she said.
“Her words of wisdom and stories gave me the strength to realise that I could achieve anything that I set my mind to.”
Peace Mitchell, co-founder of Women Changing the World Awards and Summit, WCW Press, the Women’s Business School and AusMumpreneur
Shining a light on the struggles women face at nationally and internationally is what keeps Women Changing the World Awards co-founders Peace Mitchell and sister Katy Garner reaching for new heights.
From empowering Aussie mothers through their AusMumpreneur Awards, to showcasing women’s stories through their Women Changing the World Press company, Ms Mitchell said the initiatives connected her with women all around the globe.
“The work we do connects me with women in every corner of the world, women striving to create change in rural Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and everywhere in between,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Women are not free. Women are still facing digital poverty, the gender pay gap, less access to education, domestic violence and so much more.
“It can be overwhelming to be confronted by so many challenges but what I admire most is the many women I work with who are facing these challenges head on and making a difference through their work.”
Ms Mitchell said she was passionate about celebrating, investing and empowering women.
“I believe when we invest in women, when we appreciate, support and celebrate them and their efforts and provide opportunities for them to show up and shine we can change the world,” she said.
“I want to make a difference in the lives of women all over the world. I want to provide platforms for them to be acknowledged, celebrated and recognised through awards.”
Nicola Baker, Moyamoya Australia founder, advocate
Founder of Moyamoya Australia and children’s author Nicola Baker has used her voice to advocate for children living with chronic illness.
Inspired by her son Jed’s journey with rare disease Moyamoya, which causes strokes in young people, Ms Baker has been raising awareness for many years.
“This is a rare disease, causing stroke and is only diagnosed for one in every 100,000 (people),” Ms Baker said.
Ms Baker said she hoped her advocacy would let other families living with Moyamoya know that they were not alone in their journey.
“Our experience in the early days was very lonely, we didn’t have anyone who understood … until we met another family, after Jed’s first brain surgeries, at the Sydney Children’s Hospital,” she said.
Inspiring her every step of the way has been her son, Jed.
“We were told that he would not survive to make it to primary school, however late last year, we celebrated his 21st birthday,” she said.
“He has defied the odds, and continues to surprise and amaze us with his developments.”
In terms of a legacy, Ms Baker said she wanted to remembered for her advocacy in finding out the cause of Moyamoya.
“I want to find the answer to why Jed has Moyamoya Disease,” she said.
“I want to be able to tell other families going through this journey the reason why their loved one is afflicted with this disease.”
Jules Steer, Committee President and Festival Director of the Cairns Tropical Writers’ Festival
Embracing the diverse range of stories and storytellers across Far North Queensland Cairns Tropical Writer’s Festival president Jules Steer has been a passionate advocate for Far North writers.
“In a regional community that is as diverse as the Far North, the Writers Festival does more than just provide a platform for local and emerging storytellers to shine and for audiences to be entertained,” Ms Steer said.
“It fosters a culture that helps to strengthen our identity and encourages creative expression.”
Ms Steer said the power of words and stories were important to the fabric of society and provided hope, guidance and a way for people to connect.
“Seeing the impact that storytelling has — whether it’s through literature, the spoken word, music, film, visual art or community engagement — that’s what makes my heart sing,” she said.
Ms Steer said she hoped her work would inspire people to share their stories.
“I hope my legacy is one of stories — stories that might have otherwise gone untold, because storytelling is more than just words on a page — it’s the thread that ties us together, across time, across experiences, and across generations,” she said.
“If, years from now, someone who once hesitated to speak finds confidence or comfort or belonging in their words because of the spaces the Writers Festival built, then I’ll know my work has meant something.”
Kesa Strieby, president, Far North Queensland Diverse Communities Council Inc
A passionate advocate for multiculturalism in the region, Kesa Strieby is driven to make sure every member of the Cairns community can feel like part of the societal fabric.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
I am passionate about creating meaningful change and empowering individuals within the community. Being able to unite people, amplify their voices, and drive collective action for a better future is deeply fulfilling.
Who (or what) is your biggest inspiration?
My parents were my biggest inspirations – they were so driven, hard workers and family-oriented, they had the caring hearts and support of so many vulnerable people, families, and children in Fiji.
My daughter Ashleigh and five sisters are also my biggest inspirations. They work hard and are family family-oriented.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Stronger Communities building connected, inclusive, and sage spaces where people feel supported and valued fostering a sense of belonging for generations to come.
Empowered Women – creating platforms and programs that uplift women and young women and enable them to achieve their full potential, leaving a lasting impact on gender equality
Social Change is a catalyst for progress, challenging social norms and inspiring others to take action toward positive change.
Leadership by examples demonstrating what it means to be a compassionate driven and impactful leader who advocates for the wellbeing of others.
Jo Piggott, founder, Your Tribe Australia
Connecting women to their local communities has been the drive behind Your Tribe Australia founder Jo Piggott’s success.
The former Cairns Citizen of the Year winner founded Your Tribe in 2019 to create a healthy, supportive community for women through walking and exercising together.
“Since then, we’ve grown to over 2000 members, offering multiple free weekly walks led by volunteer walk leaders,” Ms Piggott said.
Ms Piggott said her work revolved around creating safe, supportive spaces where women can ‘connect, heal and grow’ through community work, support, movement, or social connection.
“The hardest part of my work is knowing that many women in North Queensland still face significant challenges, from domestic violence to isolation,” she said.
“But I believe in creating a safer, more supportive North Queensland for women and their children, and I’m committed to driving that change through every role I take on.”
Her biggest inspirations have been her mother, sisters and daughters, however her passion has been to watch women grow in confidence.
“Watching women grow, stepping into new friendships, challenging themselves in ways they never thought possible, and even taking on leadership roles, fills my heart – the ripple effect of this growth is incredible,” she said.
“When one woman finds confidence, strength, and belonging, it spreads to those around her, her family, friends, and her community. Seeing that impact unfold is what drives me everyday.”
Professor Henrietta Marrie, academic and human rights advocate
Henrietta Marrie is a professor at UQ and an academic with over 70 papers published on issues relating to the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage, intellectual property, philanthropy, economic development, eco-tourism and more.
First and foremost however, she considers herself ‘an advocate for First Nations people.’
“Rising above a backdrop of racism and social exclusion, I dedicated my life to preserving the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples, both in my home community, around Australia and internationally,” Ms Marrie said.
Ms Marrie has a number of accolades to her name.
She was the first Aboriginal Australian to be appointed in a professional position with the United Nations, and her work on intellectual property forms part of the core curriculum for Indigenous students in Australia.
“I fought for the repatriation of cultural artefacts, drafted international guidelines to protect sacred sites, have been instrumental in setting up an international institution for traditional knowledge in Australia, and established an environment and culture foundation for northern Australia,” she said.
Ms Marrie said she is passionate about herculture and identity as a Yidinji woman and an Australian, and ‘seeing change for a better future.’
Her biggest inspirations are her parents and grandparents.
“I admire them for the way they dealt with the challenges against the struggle and gave me hope,” Ms Marrie said.
Pip Miller, public relations consultant
Pip Miller has run Pip Miller PR since 1994, specialising in arts, culture and events around Cairns. “When I came to Cairns, no one had heard of PR,” Ms Miller said.
“I will never forget someone telling me when I first arrived, ‘You’ll never work in this town!’ Well, I think I turned that on its head,” she said.
“I consider myself a pioneer, or at least one of them, in my industry here in the Far North. Miller said she loves how her job enabled her to be creative.
“It is great to workshop ideas and bring them to life; for me, the fruits of my labour manifest themselves in publicity – in print, on the air or on screen.”
After more than 30 years in business, Ms Miller said she is still just as passionate about her work.
“Every day is different, and I get to meet and work with some genuinely talented and fabulous people. Immersing myself in the art and cultural landscape of this city has had its pinch-me moments, and for that, I am grateful,” she said.
“I love news, what makes news, and the media in general. Local news is the heartbeat of our communities, and it matters.”
She said she wanted to leave a legacy of helping others.
“I suppose the legacy of helping others is about using my knowledge and expertise to assist them – helping local organisations and people share their news, tell their stories or assist a charitable cause.”
Danae Jones, managing director of Danae Jones Consulting Pty Ltd and CityLife Media Ltd
After 25 years in the media industry, Danae Jones has been passionate about helping people and businesses in PR, marketing and media and mentoring the next generation.
“There is a certain something that arrives in people when they know they have people in their corner who will back them every step of the way. I get a real kick out of seeing other people achieve their dreams,” Ms Jones said.
“That is what I aim to bring to the young women who will one day follow in my footsteps. I tell them, if they lead with integrity, a good heart, compassion for others and a strong work ethic, they will always have me in their corner.”
Ms Jones said her father was one of her biggest inspirations, and noted the importance of strong men in the lives of women.
“From a young age, little girls take their lead from the men in their orbit, and if they are given the right messages of unconditional support and guidance, the positive impact that can have is enormous,” she said.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by men who have always lifted me up, from my husband, my father, my brother, our grandfathers and our uncles, I have always received their unflinching support for all I have wanted to be and achieve in this world.”
She said her father inspired her to be a great leader.
“My Dad was one of the strongest men I have ever known.
“He always said to me from a very early age that I could be anything I wanted to be if I wanted it bad enough, so I have walked through life truly believing that – my gender has never entered the equation.”
Natalie Cross, team leader of the Far North Queensland Detector Dog Unit, Australian Border Force
What is the best or hardest part of your job?
The best is the bond you form with your work dog and seeing that dog increase in its ability to detect target odours.
The hardest part is working in situations you know could have been avoided had the person made better choices for themselves.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
Although small, my role plays a part in safeguarding the Australian public and protecting our country.
Who (or what) is your biggest inspiration?
I love a good podcast or book about people who have fought the fight and led the way, despite criticism they have focused on what they believe and this has resulted in a change for the better.
Most recently I learnt about Kathrine Switzer who was the first officially registered female competitor in the Boston Marathon.
Her determination made a change that impacted so many other people.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Ultimately I hope I have done enough to leave my three children as decent human beings, contributing to society, making good choices and finding the time to enjoy the awe that life presents.
Crystal Leonardi, founder and chief executive officer of Bowerbird Publishing
Crystal Leonardi is a multi-award-winning author, publisher, and keynote speaker based in the Tablelands.
Ms Leonardi said the best part of her job is seeing an author hold their published book for the first time.
“It’s such a moment of pride and achievement. The hardest part is navigating the emotional depth of the stories we publish, particularly when working with authors who share deeply personal experiences,” Ms Leonardi said.
When asked why she was so passionate about her work, Ms Leonardi said it was because ‘everyone has a story to tell.’
“I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and connect people. Publishing changed my life, and I want to help others experience the same transformation,” she said.
“I’m inspired by the generations of authors before me who have spent their lives sharing stories that enrich us, thrill us, scare us, make us laugh, and make us feel.
“I want to be remembered as someone who used storytelling to uplift others.
“Through my work, I hope to inspire people to embrace their stories, find their voice, and pursue their dreams.”
Jacqui Backhouse, teacher aide and 2024 Cairns Citizen of the year
Jacqui Backhouse has been a teacher aide across Cairns for 32 years.
She said the best part of her job, was working with children requiring extra support to thrive, and the hardest part, ‘hearing the traumatic experiences some of them have had and sometimes still have to deal with.’
“I love people, especially children,” Ms Backhouse said.
“Everyone needs to have someone they can share their worries and excitement with.”
Ms Backhouse said her measurement of success was if she made one child or person’s day ‘joyful.’
As a wife, mother aunty, grandmother and proud First Nation’s Elder, Ms Backhouse said her family was her biggest inspiration, and she hoped to inspire future generations through her teaching.
“It takes a village to raise a child and through the “The Talk Sense to Yourself” program, I hope it inspires my students to stay positive through their actions and words, knowing that through self belief, they can aspire to be anything,” she said.
“Through my actions of love and kindness, I hope that my students will always remember that I was their safe haven, someone trustworthy and caring.
“In the words of an inspirational educator, Rita Pierson, ‘Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be. That is my legacy.”
Tyla Harrington, editor of The Cairns Post
Jodie Duignan-George, Associate Vice President North and Far North Queensland for CQUniversity
A passionate leader and advocate for tertiary education, Ms Duignan-George is the head of the CQUniversity’s Cairns and Townsville campuses.
She also sits on a number of Cairns economic, development and workforce development committees.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
Education is a powerful tool that transform lives. Over the years I’ve watched many students’ blossom. I love watching people who are filled with self-doubt overcome obstacles to achieve things they never believed they could. It gives me such a strong sense of satisfaction that I can be party to making a difference is a way that helps people to thrive.
What is the best/hardest part of your job?
Diversity. It is at once the best and most difficulty aspect of my role. Every day is different with new and interesting challenges and opportunities emerging. Sometimes I feel like a juggler, but the sense of pride I take in being able to wrangle tangible outcomes is worth it.
Who (or what) is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration are the students who go on to achieve things they never thought were possible. It takes a lot of courage to step out of one’s comfort zone and a lot of strength to see things through, especial things that are daunting and/or time consuming.
Francoise Lane, artist
Francoise Lane is an artist, designer and curator and former artistic director of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
Ms Lane’s artistic work focuses on textile and surface pattern design, and she regularly recycles and repurposed materials to create “functional, long-lasting” pieces.
Ms Lane is passionate about giving a voice to Indigenous peoples and their relationship with Country, and said the best part of her jobs is ‘sharing visual narratives’ to celebrate those relationships.
“A visual narrative gives way to spoken and written means of incorporating Indigenous understanding of Country, in not only art but environment design to strengthen a ‘sense of place,” she said.
Ms Lane said she drew inspiration from her family and Country – the Country of Kerriri (Hammond Island), Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait) and Yidinji Country (Cairns).
Ms Lane said the legacy she wants to leave centres on an appreciation of natural beauty. “I want (my children and grandchildren) to appreciate and acknowledge the God-given beauty around them and in them. It is worth caring for and nurturing.”
Sky Rixon, co-owner of Elixir Music House
Elixir Music House is a dedicated live music venue in Cairns, and one part of the newly formed 4 Hearts Creative Collective – a not-for-profit community organisation which promotes the arts, including live music.
“I’ve always loved what music does for people,” owner, Sky Rixon said.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what you do, how much you earn, when you’re under that roof and in that moment and experience, it unifies; especially live music, it provokes such a range of emotions.”
She said the most challenging part of her job was convincing people of the ‘incredible’ musical talent in Cairns and of independent touring artists.
But, giving a platform to this emerging talent is also her favourite part.
“Knowing (they’re) an integral part of some people’s journey and sometimes career,” she said.
These musicians were also a big source for her inspiration.
“Especially first timers that thank us for creating a space and stage where they feel comfortable enough to get up and do their original songs,” she said.
“My mum told me from a very young age to always do something you love and that I could do anything I wanted!
“I’m sure it’s something mums tell their kids all the time, but I really believed her. I’ve had my moments of lapses but I always get back up.”
Angela Freeman, businesswoman
Angela Freeman is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda.
She also runs the North Queensland Wildlife Trust and owns two other companies with her husband, Peter.
Ms Freeman said she was proud of the part she had played in contributing to the tourism sector in FNQ, and is passionate about wildlife rehabilitation, habitat restoration and the broader holistic process of “caring for country.”
“Unless the whole ‘body’ of nature is healthy and vibrant then the system fails and ceases to have the ability to function for itself and the beings which rely upon it,” she said.
“So I’ve dedicated a great deal of my life, together with my husband Peter to this process.”
Ms Freeman said she was inspired by her ‘lineage of very independent, forthright women,’ including her aunt Elvala.
“These women, got things done,” she said, “irrespective of any barriers put before them.”
Ms Freeman has a few legacies she’d like to leave.
These include supporting her ‘wonderful’ team of employees, contributing to the improvement of ‘as many threatened species as (she) can humanly influence,’ and leaving the environment in a ‘far better state’ than what she found it.
“Your time may be tomorrow, so every day is important to work on these goals,” she said.
Donna Corrie, owner and director of Dee’s Deportment, Grooming and Self Care
Helping young women, Indigenous and migrant youth find confidence and build skills to achieve their dreams has been the motivating force behind Ms Corrie’s etiquette and deportment business.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is changing lives – seeing women of all ages smile as I help make a difference in their life, introducing new initiatives, supporting them with new business ideas, introducing them to influential people, initiatives and projects, providing women with new experiences, and providing them with new opportunities for them to shine and to be new and improved versions of themselves.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
I am passionate about what I do because I know that I can make a difference in someone’s life. I have a genuine interest to support women of all ages and backgrounds. I can relate to their circumstances, their struggles, their concerns and their desire to strive, develop new skills, move forward from difficult situations, bring up a child on their own, lift themselves when they feel down and not to be afraid of trying something new.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
My legacy is to have women from disadvantaged backgrounds, women of culture and women in business to walk tall with their head high, not be afraid to make changes or try new things, follow their dreams even if they have to do it solo, know that they matter and know that they will succeed because they have remained focused on reaching their goals no matter how big or small.
Megan McKay, proprietor of Splash Seafood Restaurant
Megan McKay is the owner of Splash Seafood Restaurant, which she opened in 2002 alongside her husband, Malcolm, on the Cairns Esplanade where it still stands today.
As a third generation Cairns local, Ms McKay said she takes ‘huge pride’ in showcasing the region and local produce to visiting guests.
“I couldn’t be more proud or passionate to represent our city,” she said.”
Ms Mckay said the best part of running Splash was working with her ‘amazing’ team.
“We’ve had some fantastic staff members join the Splash family,” McKay said.
“The hardest part is to say goodbye when it’s their time to move on, and the best part is years later when they decide to return.”
McKay said she draws inspiration from other local Cairns businesses, and her family.
“They are my biggest cheer squad, and my toughest critiques but they keep me focused.”
Samantha Martin, director of Tribal Voice Connections
Samantha Martin is the director of cultural consultancy business Tribal Voice Connections, author of the book ‘Bush Tukka Guide’ and host of the documentary “My Bush Tukka Adventures.”
Ms Martin said the best part of her job was travelling around Cape York delivering her ‘Bush Tukka’ programs, including delivering food programs at schools, health and wellbeing initiatives and small business mentoring.
“I am passionate about what I do, because education is key,” Ms Martin said.
“I enjoy teaching (people) about our amazing native bush foods and being a voice and positive representative for our cultures.”
Ms Martin said she hoped her legacy is having been a positive role model for women to ‘thrive’ in whatever they choose to do, and having been an important advocate for communities, people and cultures.
She said she draws inspiration for her work from her ancestors.
“My ancestors are my biggest inspiration, being their voice to teach the next generation about the richness of our amazing Aboriginal culture.”
Michelle Champion, founder and director of Champions in Real Estate
Michelle Champion is the founder and director of local real estate agency Champions in Real Estate.
Ms Champion’s day-to-day involves leading her team and driving company growth, and she said her favourite part of her job is helping people, whether it’s finding their dream home, selling ‘stress-free’, or mentoring other women in business.
Ms Champion said while being a mum and a leader was a challenge, her amazing team and ‘clear’ company vision ‘(made) all the difference’.
“Real estate is all about people,” Ms Champion said.
“I love solving challenges, creating opportunities, and helping clients reach their goals. I’m also big on innovation and staying ahead in marketing.
Ms Champions said giving back to her community was also important to her.
“Beyond that, giving back is important to me – whether it’s supporting women in the industry or sponsoring local initiatives,” she said.
“I want to empower women in real estate and business to step up, take risks, and support each other.
“More than anything, I’m driven to use my platform to create real impact.”
Kym McPhee-Smith, sports volunteer
Kym McPhee-Smith is more than just a sports volunteer and coach.
She divides her time volunteering on five Cairns sports boards, including the Leprechauns Netball Club and FNQ Ruby League, and coaches multiple youth netball teams.
McPhee-Smith said she was passionate about community sport and how it brings people, especially children, together.
“Community sports organisations are the backbone of sports,” Ms McPhee-Smith said.
“Sport has helped me meet so many of my friends and help me to connect with so many amazing people … I do it for the kids.”
Ms McPhee-Smith said she also admired the dedication of community volunteers, the ‘unsung heroes’ who kept community organisations afloat.
“My inspiration comes from everyday people who sacrifice their time to give to others. They are the sports volunteers, coaches, and teachers,” she said.
“Their time and effort is invaluable and it is voluntary. I strongly believe I am the person I am today thanks to those many volunteers that have supported me growing up.”
Ms McPhee-Smith also praised the efforts of female volunteers in particular, who ‘lead the way’ in sports volunteering, and shared her hopes for the future of female sport.
“Women deserve equal playing opportunities,” she said.
“I am proud of the sports organisations I am associated with, who are working hard to provide equitable opportunities for girls and women. We do have a way to go but we are on the way.”
Originally published as 30+ Influential Cairns women share their passions, inspirations to celebrate International Women’s Day
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