IWD: Meet the 2023 women making Toowoomba a better place
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we sat down with a number of women who despite the hurdles and battle scars left behind, are fighting the good fight every single day. And they are united by strength. Read their inspiring stories here.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Fierce, kind, resilient, courageous, empowered. These are the words to describe the incredible women across all corners of the Darling Downs.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we sat down with a number of women with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
Whether they fled their war-torn countries, survived breast cancer, advocate for people living with disabilities or inspire the people around them, their ability to show up in spite of adversity is truly inspiring.
Despite the hurdles and the battle scars left behind, these women are fighting the good fight every single day.
And they are united by strength.
Alexis Wendt, 21
At only 21 years old, Alexis Wendt has been involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society for about four years and now volunteers as a senior leader for the Toowoomba Sense program and the Vinnies Community Sleepout initiative.
Studying education at the University of Southern Queensland, Miss Wendt has received awards for her volunteering and this World Youth Day will go with a Vinnies group to Portugal.
Miss Wendt said she believed to be a strong woman meant to always get back up when you’re pushed down.
“Never let anyone underestimate you,” she said.
“No matter where you come from, what you look like or what education or experience you have, do not allow someone to overlook you when you’re trying to achieve your goals.
“Be fierce, be strong, and advocate for what you want to do.”
Alyce Nelligan, 36
Born with minicore myopathy – a rare and complex muscle disease, Alyce Nelligan has dedicated her life to advocating for the disability community.
Inspired by Australian comedian and activist Stella Young, Ms Nelligan said she would not be the person she is today without the public figure’s influence.
Young was also one of the few people living with disabilities who was provided with a platform at the time.
“When I was younger we didn’t have role models like we do now like Carly Findlay and Dylan Alcott on the TV,” Ms Nelligan said.
“I was a shy, young person with a disability and then here came Stella who was proud and loud and I credit her for my personal growth.”
The social justice advocate said women and the disability community were still fighting for basic human rights with barriers surrounding abuse, healthcare and education still present.
Despite being doubted or told she will not achieve something by others throughout her life the inspiring Toowoomba woman has not allowed the negativity to bring her down.
“Don’t ever let someone put you in a box – take it from someone who has been put in a box their entire life,” Ms Nelligan said.
“As a woman who lives with a disability and who comes from a collective of people who are some of the most disadvantaged in society, I’m aware of how far we haven’t come.
“Find that inner strength and it will take you where you need to go … don’t give up.”
Bo Dangerfield, 17
Despite being told from a young age “cars are for boys” Bo Dangerfield never allowed the stereotypes to steer her into a different direction.
After graduating from the Australian Industry Trade College, the driven 17-year-old is now an apprentice mechanic at Toowoomba Automotive, specialising in Ford models.
Inspired most by her mum and big sister, Ms Dangerfield said her two family members were her biggest supporters and always reminded her to take everything one day at a time.
“They may seem like very simple words but have a lot of impact for me,” Ms Dangerfield said.
“Many people forget to focus on the present moment and are too caught up in what may happen in the future.”
The aspiring mechanic who is heading into the second year of her apprenticeship may be in a male-dominated industry but has only ever had positive experiences in the workplace.
She said she believed the biggest barrier women were facing today was the constantly evolving platform of social media.
“Women are so manipulated by how they need to present themselves on social media to meet society’s expectations,” Ms Dangerfield said.
“I have struggled with self-image myself but the women I surround myself with have encouraged me to be kind and love myself.
“You’re not born to fit in … you’re born to stand out.”
Ms Dangerfield’s advice for other women is to embrace their unique qualities, prove people wrong and do what they love.
Carmel Tulloch, 64
If anyone fits the depiction of a survivor in this world – it’s Carmel Tulloch.
The successful business woman, advocate and mum was thriving before a series of devastating events occurred in 2019.
For more than a decade Ms Tulloch employed people living with disabilities, new Australians and people struggling to find employment through her popular venture The Catering People.
But when bushfires and Covid-19 hit the country almost four years ago, several events were cancelled, leaving the future of her industry and main source of income in waves of uncertainty.
But the biggest hit came just four months later when doctors discovered she had cancer and Ms Tulloch decided to have a partial mastectomy.
“I think of myself as a breast cancer warrior more than a survivor,” she said.
“My mum had seven daughters – one of which who lived with severe mental and physical disabilities and did it really tough, but her mantra was to just get up and get on with it.”
The determined entrepreneur said all women should stand up strong, tall and loud and celebrate the successes of others.
“We could be quivering in our boots, but we have to stand up, speak out and absolutely call out injustices,” she said.
“(To the younger generations of women) we elders have got you.
“Go out, do it and realise falling down and failures really are not failures – they are actually what strengthen you to succeed and live your best life.”
Catherine English, 47
Dedicated to making an impact on the lives of families with disadvantaged backgrounds, Senior Constable Catherine English works with First Nations and Multicultural Australians.
As part of her role as the cross cultural liaison officer for the Queensland Police Service’s Darling Downs District, her responsibilities include building relationships with members of the community and helping to build positive outcomes for young people.
After serving in the Royal Australian Navy for more than a decade, the Senior Constable left to raise her family but wanted to continue assisting the community when she re-entered the workforce.
She has worked for QPS for the past 16 years in a variety of roles and while she admits some jobs are still difficult to talk about, she applauded the organisation for its support.
Inspired by authors Louise Hay and Janine Shepherd, Senior Constable English said she believed a strong woman was someone who practises positivity and gratitude.
“It’s not necessarily about being physically strong – it’s about showing respect to others and demanding others respect,” she said.
“Your words, your thoughts and your actions will all influence the outcome of your life.
“Negative thoughts and emotions can be really soul destroying, so empowerment is when we can truly understand none of us are perfect, forgive ourselves for our mistakes and accept ourselves for who we are.”
The Senior Constable said her advice for the next generation of women was to support other women, avoid casting judgment or tearing others down and to always share knowledge.
Chelsea Hartwig, 22
Growing up on a dairy farm, Chelsea Hartwig used to be terrified of the cattle and had dreams of becoming a midwife, until she met a special teacher.
Her agricultural teacher at Downlands College allowed Miss Hartwig, now 22, to explore every opportunity and find her love within the field.
Now, Miss Hartwig works at AgForce Queensland as a School to Industry Project Support Officer introducing the field to the next generation of farmers, and manages her family’s cattle property, Hartwig Pastorals.
“I don’t think there’s any barriers to female empowerment. I think women can feel empowered when and where they wish,” she said.
“Personally, why would I let someone or stuff make me less than what I am? It’s my life and I’ve got to own it.”
Growing up, her mum and sister were two of her biggest inspirations, with her sister determined to become a diesel fitter.
“I asked her why she would want to do that, and she said ‘Why not?’. That has really stayed with me,” she said.
“I think all women are strong. They can be strong physically, mentally and or emotionally.
“So why do we create a checklist of who can be strong and who cant? We’re all females, we need to bring each other up and not judge up or down on one another.
“Don’t give up, believe in yourself and back yourself. It’s your life and you need to own it.”
Cloe Terare, 26
From the moment singer songwriter Cloe Terare picked up a mic for the first time it was clear to everyone she belonged on the stage.
After taking a hiatus from music before resuming in 2019, Ms Terare was awarded the $10,000 Billy Thorpe Scholarship at the 2022 Queensland Music Awards and gained prominence as one of the country’s most promising musicians to watch.
The Indigenous woman was also named a Triple-J Unearthed artist for her single Cadillac and selected for the Triple-J Hottest 100’s voting shortlist.
Sadly the Toowoomba artist is well aware of the glass ceiling that plagues her industry as well as others.
“A strong woman is someone who is not just putting up with the patriarchal society we live in now but thriving in it,” she said.
“The biggest barrier to empowerment for women in 2023 is largely the culture we have and general lack of respect for women, especially in my field.”
Ms Terare said problematic behaviour included “locker room talk” and sayings justifications like “boys will be boys” for harmful behaviour.
“We need to hold people accountable and call out that behaviour when we see it,” she said.
“That culture holds women back, stops them from putting themselves out there and expressing themselves authentically, especially in the arts.”
Inspired by her mum who built a successful business from the ground up, Ms Terare said she loved watching her mum break through barriers to achieve her dreams.
Courtney Ruler, 30 and Dannielle Ruler, 61
For most of her life Dannielle Ruler felt constrained by the shackles of societal conformities but finally found freedom when she transitioned in 2011.
Dannielle, who was assigned male at birth, grew up with 10 siblings and was brought up with a hard work ethic, working as a road train driver and dozer driver, pushing scrub for starving sheep during the drought in Charleville.
Now semi-retired, Dannielle has inspired her daughter Courtney Ruler to advocate for the LGBTIQA+ community.
Moving into the social services sector, Courtney has been working in the child safety, disability and mental health fields for eight years.
Dannielle said the best advice she had received came from her father who told her to always be herself.
She said she hoped by sharing her personal experience, it would assist others going through similar challenges.
“From a moment of clarity that I had as a child in 1968 when I was eight years of age – I know that it sounds unbelievable to some – I knew that my brain was in the wrong body that had been assigned to me,” Dannielle said.
“To be chosen along with my daughter Courtney, to participate in this International Women’s Day project has indeed been an opening of the heart for me in a form of healing and cleansing.
Alongside Courtney’s mother Bernadette, the family of three often spend their time assisting with community theatre groups, listening to vinyl records and gardening.
In a highly emotionally charged moment, the trio stood in solidarity and waved to crowds at the 2022 Grand Central Floral Parade on top of the Pride Float which was supported by MOSAIC and Carers Queensland.
“The woman who has inspired me most is the mother of my daughter – she has a heart of gold and wants the best for everyone, inspired me to better myself and want better for myself” Dannielle said.
“I’m also inspired by my beautiful daughter who has decided to pay it forward and taken the mantle to advocate for others.”
Courtney said she wanted to remind members of the LGBTIQA+ community in Toowoomba that they were not alone in their struggle.
“(My proudest achievement is) standing by my father as she took the leap to transition genders, staying true to herself in the face of scrutiny, vivid discrimination and hatred,” Courtney said.
“Times have been truly awful in the past for my Dad and our family as we navigated significant vulnerability, amongst thoughtless and careless actions of others with outdated biases and beliefs.
“We have made great gains in visibility over these past few years in alignment with the many advancements across the planet for LGBTQIA+ rights, but as a notoriously conservative town, we have a long way to go in helping our fellow humans see that every individual has equal value, no matter their identity.
“Stay strong, stay connected and stay visible. Your identity is your own and more beautiful than you can imagine – don’t let anyone take that away from you.”
Danielle Tuite – 39
For the past two decades Danielle Tuite has volunteered with the Rural Fire Service to make a difference in the lives of the people who live in the small community of Thargomindah.
Located in the Shire of Bulloo, the rural town is 200km west of Cunnamulla and has an estimated population of about 270 people.
Starting out as a RFES member, the volunteer was appointed first officer in 2019 and is now responsible for developing a positive culture at the Thargomindah station and keeping the community safe.
While Ms Tuite loves her role, she admits it can be challenging in a small town where she personally knows many of the people involved in devastating situations including structure fires and traffic incidents.
She said the gratitude and support received from the community and regional management team over the years had been “second to none”.
“I probably know about 90 per cent of people in town (so it’s hard) when they’re in times of need or traumatic incidents,” Ms Tuite said.
“Even though you witness traumatic and overwhelming events, knowing you can be there to help your community in the worst moments gives a sense of achievement.”
Although Ms Tuite understands this is not the case for everyone, she said she had not personally encountered barriers as a woman due to living in a tight-knit and supportive town.
Her advice for the next generation of women was to treat others how they would like to be treated, remain strong and do what makes them happy.
Helen Gurney, 81
A long term member of the St Vincent de Paul Society community, Helen Gurney wears multiple volunteer hats within the organisation.
Mrs Gurney volunteers as a treasurer for a virtual conference in Cunnamulla helping to support the region by phone and the two shops. She also volunteers twice a week in an admin role to support those who call or attend the Vinnies Toowoomba office.
Throughout her life, Mrs Gurney’s mother and grandmother were a big influence and inspiration, through their selflessness, love for their families and watching them give back to others.
“The best piece of life advice I was given was by my mother and it was to always do your best – doesn’t matter if you aren’t “the best” so long as you have tried,” she said.
For the incoming generation of women, Mrs Gurney said it was important to believe in what you say and do, and stand by any decisions you make.
“Love yourselves and this will follow on to those around you,” she said.
“Stay strong and stand up for what you believe is right and if you say no mean it.”
Indea Weisfelt, 35
After learning first-hand about the devastating consequences which can occur when you do not prioritise your health and wellbeing, Indea Weisfelt has a clear message for the next generation of women – and men.
“Be bold, be brave, be unashamedly yourself, set boundaries and prioritise yourself,” she said.
The mother-of-three who opened The Farm Shop Toowoomba – a popular produce delivery business based at her family farm in Westbrook, had a scary experience with cancer last year when doctors found a lump in her breast.
After undergoing treatment and a double mastectomy, Ms Weisfelt is relieved to be in remission and passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally.
When she became a mum for the first time, she had to step away from her radiographer occupation – a huge sacrifice to her career progression, financial independence and security.
“It’s the age-old story of balancing your lifestyle, career, finances and motherhood,” Ms Weisfelt said.
“I’m so lucky to have a partner where we are a team but I am a fiercely independent woman so stepping away from those things really filled me with a sense of abandonment and anxiety.”
Inspired by her partner Damon Atkinson and relatable social media mums who bare it all, Ms Weisfelt said the courageous act of Jacinda Ardern was particularly aspirational when the former New Zealand Prime Minister stepped down from her leadership role.
“She’s come out on a global scale and told women and men that it’s okay to say no, set your boundaries and stick to them,” Ms Weisfelt said.
“It was so powerful and refreshing to hear that in a society that places so much importance on pushing yourself.”
Janine Hegarty, 58
She has worked on the frontline of major flood disasters in Maryborough and NSW but courage, strength and a stoic attitude runs in SES volunteer Janine Hegarty’s genes.
Ms Hegarty has been assisting the community in their biggest times of need, through the SES since 2009 and now volunteers as group leader of the Warwick branch.
Formerly a nurse, the active volunteer now works at a training organisation where she passes her knowledge about the disability, aged care and health sectors on to others.
“As a nurse I dealt with trauma a lot in my professional life so over the years I have developed the coping skills needed (for the SES),” Ms Hegarty said.
“It is quite traumatic seeing people’s lives destroyed and the emotional responses of others in those situations but I’m glad I can help people in need.
“We get a lot of young volunteers who come in very shy and it’s so lovely to see them learn new skills and grow.”
Ms Hegarty said she lived by the saying ‘what doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger’ – a notion her Sicilian grandmother instilled in her.
“My grandmother married by proxy and came to Australia to start a life with a man she had never met,” Ms Hegarty said.
“That took a lot of courage to move to a foreign country and she never really knew much English, but she went on to live a very happy life.”
Josephine Mardini, 50
As a woman who chose to stay with her elderly parents while ISIS invaded her beloved town of Damascas, Syria, Josephine Mardini has seen the best and worst of humanity.
Trained as a civil engineer, Ms Mardini was eventually able to escape her war-torn homeland with her brother after her parents passed away, and in 2019, relocated to Australia.
Now, she volunteers with St Vincent de Paul Society helping other refugees and migrants settle in Toowoomba, has gained a certificate in interpretation and works at the Toowoomba Hospital, and became a member of City Women/Sisters and the choir Women in Harmony.
“No matter how high you are, be humble, generous and realistic. This is what I learnt from my parents,” she said.
Now at 50 years old, Ms Mardini said women should not be afraid of changes and to take new steps in their lives.
“Throughout the ages, women have gone through harsh conditions and struggled to survive and continue with life,” she said.
“I do not think there are severe obstacles this year that limit women from enabling them to achieve what they want as long as they believe in the unique talent that they have, which is adaptation.”
Kylie Meagher, 52
For the last 12 years, Kylie Meagher has volunteered with Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland and in the last 15 months, has also signed up to support Pyjama Angels.
For four days a week, she also works at Geham State School and said the biggest piece of advice she ever received was to be mindful that everyone is fighting their own battle.
“To be a strong woman means to be independent, resilient, confident and persistent,” she said.
“Some of the biggest barriers to female empowerment are traditional stereotypes and a woman’s own limitations including a lack of self confidence and courage.
“Be honest, brave, generous and respectful. Stay true to your beliefs.”
Mahsa Nabizada, 19
She may be young but Mahsa Nabizada has already achieved as much as some people strive to accomplish in a lifetime.
After fleeing her war-torn home in Afghanistan in 2014 with her family, the former Fairholme College student went on to serve as youth leader at the Toowoomba Regional Council.
She also volunteered at a community radio station and received Toowoomba’s Young Australian of the Year award in 2023.
“Whenever there is an opportunity to help others but I start to doubt myself I ask ‘if not me then who?’,” Ms Nabizada said.
Ms Nabizada said the woman who inspired her most was her mum for showing courage when she had to flee her home country and for making sacrifices for her children to have the best possible opportunities.
“She left her home, she left her career and she left so much behind so us – her daughters could have the opportunities we have had here in Toowoomba,” she said.
Ms Nabizada said societal expectations and pressures placed on women were some of the biggest obstacles in the western world.
“Women are expected to have a successful career and be at home with the family but there is no perfect formula and we need to understand those challenges do exist” she said.
“This International Women’s Day, it’s also important to recognise women around the world who are facing many challenges and still do not have the basic human rights they deserve.”
Last month the 19-year-old student commenced a Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematical physics, at the University of Melbourne.
Sharon Boyce, 52
The three magic words Sharon Boyce has continued to carry throughout her life are ‘don’t give up’.
By the time she was 11-years-old, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis and has used an electric wheelchair since her young adulthood.
“My mum was a very strong person and she always looked at the big picture and taught me to never give up,” Dr Boyce said.
“Within our society there are a lot of different levels where women don’t have the same choices or chances as men and that’s in employment as well as general life.
“We really need to think about how we can showcase what women can achieve in those areas and we need to aim for the stars.”
In addition to her mum, Dr Boyce said her sisters, educators and community leaders had inspired her continually move forward when life has presented challenges.
Through life experience and education, she has devoted her life to advocating for people living with disabilities, accessibility and equality.
The award-winning researcher is chairperson of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council and Queenslanders with Disability Network and is a board member for several initiatives including the 2032 Olympics Legacy Committee.
“There are things in life that are a struggle but many women have inspired me to not give up,” she said.
“As my disability has become worse, I try to think outside the box and help educate others to improve access and inclusion.
“They are not just words to me but lived experience.”
Dr Boyce said she would like to pass the same three words she has lived by on to the next generation of women and hoped to continue being part of creating proactive change in the community.
Shenae Ciesolka, 25
Former Oakey resident turned professional Rugby League player, Shenae Ciesolka is a leading talent for women’s sport in Australia.
At only 25 years old, Ms Ciesolka has represented Australia at the Rugby League World Cup, and is now playing with the Brisbane Broncos.
Growing up in a ‘female-dominated family’, Ms Ciesolka was surrounded by ‘beautiful, strong and powerful’ women who continue to inspire her every day.
Through her mum, sisters, nana and aunties, Ms Ciesolka has learnt to always back herself and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
“Women don’t have to be and look physically strong, they can also be mentally strong, and I think vulnerability plays an important role in that,” she said.
“In the sporting world, we are always taking risks knowing we could get hurt or injured, but it is about being resilient and knowing how to bounce back.
“Everybody makes mistakes, but I believe a strong woman knows how to learn from them, they don’t let other people’s judgment affect them and they know how to deal and cope with criticism.”
For Ms Ciesolka, the biggest barrier to female empowerment is gender equality and women not supporting each other.
“The more we stick together, support each other and keep promoting each other’s achievements the more quickly we will break down barriers,” she said.
“If women can stand and fight together, they’ll always be stronger.”
The biggest advice Ms Ciesolka can give to the next generation of women is to have a crack and back yourself.
Stacey Trindall, 46
As an Aboriginal woman, mum of three sons, a community education counsellor at a local high school and a business owner, Stacey Trindall understands how powerful a woman can be.
Owner of Baru Maranga Art, Mrs Trindall began painting Indigenous works about five months ago to combat anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Through her work, her pride and love for her family and culture continue to shine through.
“For me as an aboriginal woman, my culture makes me strong. My family makes me strong and my beliefs make me strong,” she said.
“I’ve come from the oldest living culture within the world and I’m very proud of that.”
Inspired by the lifelong lessons by her mother and grandmother, Mrs Trindall, 46, wants to be a positive role model for other Indigenous youths.
“My mother was an incredibly strong woman, my grandmother even stronger as she grew up around the times of the stolen generation and everything that was happening,” she said.
“She was a hard worker who raised 10 kids of her own, homeschooled them … looked after two nephews and fostered over 20 children during her time.”
For young women, particularly young Aboriginal women, Mrs Trindall encouraged them to grow into that powerful woman who can ‘carry a torch for our people’.
Stephanie Andrews, 54
It’s been a challenging journey for Stephanie Andrews who has faced adversity for her entire life.
Born with an intellectual disability in a time when there was limited understanding, Ms Andrews often felt judged and underestimated by teachers during her time at school.
“I’ve had a rough life from birth – (the doctors) didn’t think I was going to live but I did,” she said.
“I couldn’t understand why I was different and couldn’t do what the other kids could do – I didn’t learn like them.
“My teachers wouldn’t listen to me and thought I was making it up for attention, but I actually had an intellectual disability that I didn’t even know I had.”
Ms Andrews also has severe anxiety and Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures – attacks which are non-epileptic and often caused by psychological factors.
In late 2022, she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in her leg which has since spread to her lungs.
After undergoing 25 sessions of radiation in the past three months, medical professionals were able to remove the tumour in her leg and she is now waiting on further treatment for her lungs.
“Life is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you’re going to get,” Ms Andrews said.
“For someone like me who (lives with a) disability life is a hurdle, life is a challenge and life is tough, but whatever happens, you can’t give up.”
One of Carlton Football Club’s biggest fans, the Toowoomba woman tries to attend as many AFL games as she can, but also loves to paint, listen to music and watch movies.
The single mum also raised two adult daughters who she is tremendously proud of.
“I took my girls right through to grade 12 and they’re lovely ladies now,” Ms Andrews said.
“They inspire me, I’m grateful to have them and I love them to death.
Yamamah Mito, 21
In 2018, Yamamah Mito arrived in Australia with her parents and three siblings as refugees after fleeing Iraq.
The 21-year-old said her father’s wise advice of never giving up on her dreams as always stayed close to her heart.
After seeing how hard her family continually works for her, she hopes that one day she can be ‘successful in the future to be able to do the same thing for (her) family and give them happiness as they did’ for her.
For Miss Mito, the biggest barrier for a woman can be the fear of the unknown.
“Fear of doing something she wants to do but doesn’t do it,” she said.
“Shyness, feeling shy to ask for support. Hesitation about achieving something because of the fear of falling.
“Don’t be shy. Always be a strong woman and believe in yourself.”
Crying, trembling dad misses Elizabeth, ‘but she’ll wake, God promised’
The emotional father of Elizabeth Struhs, on trial for her murder, says his biggest regret was forcing her daughter to take insulin for her type 1 diabetes.
Gallery: Huge crowd turns out for Toowoomba junior league finals
FINALS FEVER: Toowoomba Sports Ground was packed to the rafters on Saturday with a huge crowd turning out for the TJRL finals. Find out if we snapped you on grand final day here.
Teen’s ‘breathtaking’ 100-offence spree, as youth court’s grim reality revealed
A 16-year-old’s “almost frenetic” crime spree is just one of the many eye-opening cases exposing the gravity of the state’s juvenile crime crisis, after the Queensland Children’s Court opened its doors under new laws.
Justice needs to be seen in Queensland, and soon
The maxim that ‘justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done’’ has never had more resonance than it did this week in Queensland. Even after a law change allowing media access to children’s courts, we still saw censored proceedings, writes the editor.
Inside the new Darling Downs rustic luxury glampsite
With a pool boasting some of the most spectacular views in the region, this glamping site may just be one of the region’s best.
Not guilty: Jury delivers verdict on ‘dog punching’ GBH trial
A jury has ruled that a young Toowoomba man was not guilty of the accusation of “dog punching” a man at a small backyard party.