Full list: 25 of Maranoa’s most inspiring women celebrated on International Women’s Day
In honour of International Women’s Day, 25 of the region’s most inspiring women and girls have been recognised. Read their incredible stories here.
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From nurses and business owners to personal trainers and doctors, the Maranoa region is filled with women who are excelling in their fields and making life in the region a better place.
To celebrate International Women’s Day,The Western Star has compiled a list of the 25 most inspiring women and their stories from around the region.
In no particular order:
Serrin Dewar
After a 25 year tenure working in Melborune for multiple advertising agencies, Serin Dewar switched up the scenery after moving to Roma and purchasing the local McDonalds store.
Serrin said the most rewarding thing about being a business owner is the ability to give back to the community, especially young people.
“I don’t have kids, so giving kids in regional towns an opportunity to work here is the most rewarding thing of all. Kids can work here and learn how to be a team player, take feedback, and follow procedures as well as learn how to think on their feet and have responsibility.”
Sandra Allen
Amby resident and registered nurse and midwife Sandra Allen has worked tirelessly at Toowoomba Base Hospital and more recently for Blue Care in Roma, while also being a mum to four children and grandmother to a grandson.
Other than her children, Ms Allen said she was most proud of her academic achievements which include two degrees and a postgraduate diploma in rural and remote health.
On top of this, Ms Allen has advocated for her community and managed to secure more than $120,000 in grants and funding for community projects.
“I think self-awareness makes for a strong woman which includes being humble, reflective, kind to others and being able to adapt to whatever life throws at you,” she said.
“My mother is my greatest inspiration as she always was an advocate of children getting a good education and people seeking their dreams.
“My advice to the next generation of women is to be brave and bold. You can achieve anything that you set your mind to, but also be grateful and happy for the simple things in life.”
Niomie Corkett
Many readers may recognise the next woman on our list, Niomie Corkett, who was known for her role as senior pastor alongside her husband at Heartchurch Roma.
Niomie said being a senior pastor was what gave her the opportunity to contribute to the wonderful community, most notably through co-ordinating Mainly Music where she has connected with mums and families, organised women’s events and ladies nights, made food hampers for families and support women, mums and families in both the good times and the bad.
Additionally, Ms Corkett has also dedicated her time to Eva’s Place which provides free mentoring, counselling and support services as well as being the community and ministry manager for the Roma Salvation Army.
Ms Corkett said a strong woman was someone who wasn’t afraid to lead assertively by being “self-assured and confident without being aggressive”.
“I have always had a deep conviction for all women to know and fully understand their value and worth. It is my passion for all women and children to be treated with dignity, respect, and shown an unyielding love,” she said.
“No matter what your story holds, you have a significant purpose for such a time as this. Your story will inspire and empower other women in your world. Nothing you journey is ever wasted.”
Loretta Johnson
After spending several years working as an executive director for the Queensland Ambulance Service for all of Western Queensland, Loretta Johnson recently made the move to the Capricornia Coast where she has aspirations to run for the seat of Keppel in the next state election.
Ms Johnson has a long list of accomplishments, but she said her proudest achievement was being named the 2019 Queensland Regional, Rural, and Remote Woman of the Year for her leadership as the chair of the Western Queensland Mental Health Network where she assisted in the biggest drought in history.
“A strong woman needs courage. A school teacher I had in year 2, Mrs Margaret Shambler, said to me many years ago that ‘determination is what will make you succeed’,” she said.
“My mother Yvonne is the strongest, most determined woman I know. She nursed for 42 years at Injune Hospital and dedicated her life to helping others.”
Ms Johnson’s biggest piece of advice for young women was “when everyone else is ducking for cover, you stand up because that is when you can make your next move”.
Ruth D’Hennin
After purchasing her first Subway store on the Sunshine Coast fifteen years ago, Ruth D’Hennin is the proud owner of Subway Roma and offers some advice to younger women.
“Be proud to be a woman. We should all aspire to inspire future generations. And laugh, dance and love, that’s what makes every day easier,” she said.
Ms D’Hennin, whose proudest achievement was becoming an Ironman, believed all women were strong and shouldn’t shy away from that.
“Some of us just feel comfortable enough to allow ourselves to shine. Strength comes in many forms and we all have different qualities of strength,” she said.
“I have many amazing women in my life, family members, friends and others that inspire me from afar. Of course the Queen is one woman I truly admired, she always kept tradition while also moving with the times. Plus, we shared a love of corgis.”
Anita Crawford
Next up on the list is business owner, Anita Crawford who operates the Dunlop Super Dealer in Roma alongside her husband.
When she’s not running a business, Ms Crawford dedicates her time to her role as tuckshop convenor at St John’s Catholic School.
“It probably sounds a bit corny, but my proudest achievement would have to be my children. They have grown into such fine young men and I’m a strong believer that as parents we have the most influence on them,” she said.
“Oh and winning an award with Toowoomba Catholic Education for volunteer support last year was pretty cool.”
Anita’s biggest piece of advice to the next generation of women is to do whatever makes you happy.
“Back yourself, be confident in what you do and surround yourself with people that believe in you. Every woman deserves the right to happiness, both at work and at home, so if you want to stay at home and be a mum do that, if you want to climb that ladder at work it’s your right, just be happy.”
Angela Prenzler
Collection queen for Share The Dignity, a charity that fights against period poverty, Angelia Prenzler gathers women’s sanitary products to give to those in need.
Ms Prenzler also owns pet sitting and market business Petal and Poppet Pet Services, and alongside her dog Macy the duo are an accredited Story Dogs team.
She said a woman that especially inspires her is lead singer of Killing Heidi, Ella Hooper because she can write some fantastic songs and is a really lovely person.
“You can do things your own way in your own time. You don’t have to follow everyone else.”
Fiona Flanders
Personal trainer and children’s author Fiona Flanders has led an interesting and varied life, which includes competing internationally for Natural Bodybuilding and nationally for powerlifting.
After spending 30 years teaching commercial cookery, Ms Flanders traded the cooking utensils for pen and paper as she now works on her second literary project.
“I am the author of the children’s book Can you Whisk a Watermelon?, which introduces cookery terms and techniques to children in an entertainingly educational way,” she said.
“I initially penned this for my grandchildren. I’m working on my second literary project, Can you Roll a Rissole?, due for release by the end of the year.”
“I’ve just celebrated my 60th birthday, so I’ve accumulated lots of pieces of advice. Be the best you can be, your best is always good enough. Develop resilience, take responsibility for your mistakes and challenge yourself every day.
“Cherish your family and make your health a priority. Focus on good nutrition, sleep and exercise.”
Ms Flanders said athletes Sam Stosur and Ash Barty, bodybuilder Rachel McLish, former director of TAFE Roma Judy Harland, Gunggari elder Ethel Munn, her former home economics teachers Mrs Bubbers and Mrs Thompson as well as her mum were the list of women who have inspired her throughout her life.
Wendy Taylor
When Maranoa Regional councillor Wendy Taylor is not advocating for residents, she’s working alongside her husband maintaining their cattle operations in and around Roma.
After spending 30 years running their former business ‘Taylor Parts Centre’ in Roma and Charleville, Ms Taylor said her motivation to give back to the community as a thanks for supporting her business was what led her to pursue local politics.
“Women I believe are naturally strong. The one advantage we have is we know we can lean on each other,” she said.
Ms Taylor said she was most inspired every day by her three daughters.
“I want to be the mother they can be proud of; they give me the strength, love and support to meet the challenges that come with being a councillor,” she said.
“My advice to the next generation of women would be - you are the most intellectual, inspiring, and empowered women of the next generation. Let’s see what you can do with that.”
Johanne Hancock
After moving to Surat in 2001 where she began operating local business Surat Post & News, Johanne Hancock now advocates for her community as a sitting councillor.
Ms Hancock said after many years volunteering in the community and working as a local development officer for Maranoa Regional Council, she had built a strong foundation and passion for her community.
Other than her three children, Ms Hancock said some of her proudest achievements revolved around what she has delivered to the community as a councillor, including supporting CUC Maranoa which has kept 200 students enrolled in higher education within the community, and The Big Rig Tower and Tree walk which has brought tourists to the region.
“My Mum has been the most influential and inspiring woman to shape my life. The advice she gave me was that I could do anything I want if I was prepared to work for it,” she said.
“Life is not a sprint but a marathon, learn to embrace and enjoy each season of your life.”
Julie Guthrie
Formerly working in education for 37 years, Julie Guthrie continues advocating for her community, especially the youth, in her role as councillor.
During her stint in education, Ms Guthrie worked as a professional standards educational consultant in schools in Qatar as part of their educational reform initiative in 2008 and 2009.
“In this male dominated society, I mentored female school leadership teams and their teaching staff, many of whom came from diverse cultures from around the Middle East and North Africa,” she said.
Women who most inspire Julie are Dr Pamela Davenport and her Senior Ancient and Modern History teacher who inspired her to undertake teaching as a career pathway.
“Stand up for what you believe in and do not compromise on your values because your values underpin your thoughts, words, actions, personal habits and character.”
Ann Leahy
Before being elected as state member for Warrego, Ann Leahy was an avid volunteer with her community, most notably for Zonta where she was a member for ten years.
“I put my hand up to serve as a Member of Parliament because I enjoy doing community service for the people of the Electorate and I can make changes to improve their lives and family life,” she said.
Among Ms Leahy’s proudest achievements, she said becoming the first female Member of State Parliament for the seat of Warrego since Federation and learning to fly an aeroplane topped the list.
Two women Ms Leahy found most inspiring were Queen Elizabeth II for the way she dedicated her life to service as well as Deb Frecklington MP for her leadership and friendship.
“A person who sticks to their principles and is compassionate in the most difficult of circumstances is what makes you strong,” she said.
“Always remember in life that sugar catches a lot more flies than vinegar.”
Alanah Ladbrook
Fourth generation Roma Show member and competitor, Alanah Ladbrook has spent two years in the top job as president of the society.
Ms Ladbrook, who has spent most of her working life teaching, has worked in many schools across the state including Crestmead School Marsden in Brisbane and locally at Roma Junior Campus, Bymount School and Injune School.
“This is my second year as President. I have in the past served as Secretary of the Maranoa Branch of the Stockhorse Society and Chief Instructor, Treasurer and President at both Roma and Injune Pony Clubs,” she said.
“My greatest personal achievement is catching and marrying the elusive George Ladbrook and
delivering three wonderful young men into the world.
“I believe that a strong woman (or man) is one that can listen, communicate and be flexible but maintain an achievable pathway to get things done.
“My great aunt Flo Kilpatrick was my inspiration. She was a strong woman, small and light of stature. She could work with and direct men, but never lost her femininity. In her early twenties she took up the lease of Lonesome in the Arcadia Valley before roads were constructed and had to have her father in the lease as women were not allowed to own property on their own.”
Layla Heinemann
Meet one of Charleville’s youngest entrepreneurs, Layla Heinemann, who has already achieved major success in the business world after co-founding her clutch company Paila Designs.
When she’s not studying, 12-year-old Layla is at the table with her sewing machine pouring her heart and soul into creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind handmade clutches.
Paila Designs, a blend of the two business owners’ names Paisley and Layla, has grown so successful that they sold out of stock completely in the lead up to Christmas last year.
Robyn Brumpton
Robyn Brumpton is the nursing director for Community and Allied Health at St George Hospital and during the Covid-19 pandemic, she was the South West Hospital and Health Service Covid-19 vaccination co-ordinator who oversaw the entire vaccination program over two years.
During that time, the South West Hospital and Health achieved the second highest vaccination rate in Queensland, with 95.1 per cent for everyone aged 12 years and over having received two vaccinations.
Ms Brumpton, who has spent most of her 35 year tenure as a nurse working across Darling Downs and the South West, said her 102-year-old grandmother was the woman who inspired her every day.
“For me my grandmother is someone who demonstrates love and care of others, humility, grace and compassion,” she said.
“My grandmother has lived through a World War, lived through the Depression and her and my grandfather never had a bank loan. They saved and saved and only bought what they needed or wanted when they had saved the money.
“There is an image that as women we all need to be Superwoman all the time. We try to do it all, but feel we let others and ourselves down when we can’t.
“We do need to take the cape off sometimes, and just be. Be with those that we love and care for and who love and care for us in return.”
Jessica Townsend
Successful businesswoman Jessica Townsend turned her passion for capturing a rural lifestyle through the lens of a camera to now directing her own company The Dusty Group.
Ms Townsend impressively creates all of the designs for her products, runs her websites and marketing and operates two retail stores in Roma including her new business Fanceys Out West.
Ms Townsend said her proudest achievement has been creating financial freedom for herself and her daughter as well as staying genuine and real and being “a woman my daughter can be proud of”.
Her two grandmothers who were pioneering women raising families in the “wild lands” of the Northern Territory remain an inspiration for Ms Townsend.
“Both raised families in the bush and maintained dignity, class and nurturing of their children and legacies,” she said.
“The pioneering women who raise babies on a dirt floor kitchen, muster till dark, cook wholesome meals and feed the troops every day and be back up at the crack of dawn to load out is in my opinion an inspiration and I look to these women for strength daily in every challenge I face.”
Dr Debra Tennett
Dr Debra Tennett, the South West Hospital and Health Service executive director of medical services, is most passionate about improving health in rural communities.
When she’s not raising her two children, Dr Tennett is kicking goals in her personal life such as climbing Mt Kilimanjaro which she said was her proudest achievement.
Dr Tennett believes a strong woman is someone who listens to other people’s perspectives and identifies the strengths of diversity.
“I am trying to get better at listening more intentionally to other people’s perspectives as that often reveals new and interesting ways of understanding that can then lead to innovative solutions,” she said.
Some female leaders Dr Tennett said particularly inspire her are Cathy Freeman, Jacinda Ardern and state Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath.
Dr Tennett’s advice to younger women is to be kinder to ourselves and “slow down and celebrate the joy that each day brings”.
“That is a conscious choice. It is easy to rush around and be busy all the time but having a more focussed and mindful approach is something I continue to work towards.”
Julie Shaw
Owner of JS Grazing, Julie Shaw and her husband live on their property in Injune and were recently awarded Coles’ 2022 Beef Farmer of the Year.
“Like most women on the land, my role is varied. A jack of all trades really,” she said.
“I am still very involved in the day to day operation, which is my favourite part of the job.”
Ms Shaw spent her formative years living in Dirranbandi where her father was a cattle manager. Eventually, she studied agricultural science at university and worked for a few years as a cotton agronomist in the Balonne region.
Ms Shaw said a woman who truly inspired her was her nana, who at 91 still lives in Dirranbandi by herself.
“Some of the stories are heartbreaking but it was just life back then,” she said.
“Her generation knew sacrifice and loss intimately but they just got on with things and there is a real dignity in how they dealt and continue to deal with it.”
When it comes to her proudest achievements, Ms Shaw said she gets very emotional “when our weaner heifers go into sale in Roma and break records”.
“There is something about people paying a premium for our girls that is a real affirmation that we are doing things well and that makes me very proud,” she said.
Her best piece of advice to the next generation of women is that strength doesn’t come at the expense of vulnerability.
“In the pursuit of being strong and independent, don’t lose what makes us women, don’t lose our femininity.”
Meg Tucker
Aspiring dental technician and Mitchell resident, Meg Tucker works as a practice manager for Fare Denture Care in Roma.
Ms Tucker said she loved being a part of the sporting community and has served as secretary for the Roma Saints Junior Rugby League Club, which she has held for three years.
Ms Tucker said her proudest achievements would be being a mum to her two boys, Jacob and Will, and re-entering the workforce after having children.
“I believe a strong woman is not necessarily defined by well known achievements,” she said.
“I also know that I would not be able to pull off what I do without the support of my friends, Wallina Todd, Renae Brumby, Luanne Maslen and Paula Harrison. As well as the incredibly helpful group of other strong women within the Saints committee who I talk to on a daily basis, Morgann Edwards, Sam Eakin, Rachel Muir and Dee Sullivan.”
The two women who most inspire Ms Tucker were her mother Alison Turner, who raised four children, and her boss Connie Fare, who built a business all by herself as a single parent.
Lalitha Cooper
Year 12 student and Mitchell resident Lalitha is excelling as Xaverian leader and has plans to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Recently, Lalitha collaborated with the St John’s school choir and taught them how to sing an Indigenous song Ngarra Burra Ferra in the Yorta Yorta language which stemmed from her father’s side of the family.
Despite not singing herself, she guided the choir each step of the way as they performed the song at an eisteddfod and then again at the awards night last year.
Cadence Ogilvie
Not many year 12’s can say they’ve sailed along the east coast of Australia with a bunch of strangers while battling storms.
Meet Cadence who faced her fear of boats head on and signed up for a leadership sailing trip despite having no prior experience.
Now it’s back to the books for Cadence as she pursues an ATAR rank which will hopefully lead her to a career in engineering or teaching.
Hannah Coffey
Meet year 12 graduate and former Marian house leader Hannah Coffey who was awarded the St John’s top honour of 2022 school dux.
Hannah said all of her success came down to working hard. She’s been working as a junior assistant at a local vet clinic where she has been developing the skills and knowledge to become a vet.
Kayla Jackson
Roma Echidnas player Kayla Jackson has been playing rugby since the age of 12 and has no plans to stop.
After graduating from school where she played for the Downlands College team, Kayla has gone onto play for the Roma Echidnas in two grand finals and play in the Charlotte Caslick Cup.
She said playing footy is an important aspect of her life, however unfortunately rural girls don’t get as much higher representation in the game, something she hopes to change.
Courtney Jackson
Sister Courtney Jackson also started her rugby career in high school and has been playing for the Echidnas for two years.
Courtney’s favourite parts about the game are the skills you learn and the challenges you face.
She is passionate about getting more girls to play rugby, especially in Roma and surrounding areas with hopes a younger girls team can join the circuit in coming years.
Hannah Jakins
Fellow Roma Echidnas team mate Hannah Jakins was also first exposed to rugby in high school, which launched her career and not long after she was playing in Brisbane for the University of Queensland side.
“I made the Darling Downs 7’s team the same year in 2021 and then played my first game of 15s in 2022 where I was selected in the Downs team, South Queensland rep side and then the Queensland Country Orchids,” she said.
Her favourite part about playing rugby is meeting people and building lifelong friendships.
Hannah hopes one day rural teams will get that same number of coaching opportunities and support that metropolitan teams get.
“It’s difficult as we don’t have the opportunity to train together often like the city teams but we have a lot of naturally talented players.”
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Originally published as Full list: 25 of Maranoa’s most inspiring women celebrated on International Women’s Day
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