Shine Awards 2021: Dean farmer Courtney Righetti paving the way
Courtney Righetti’s later-in-life switch from classrooms to farming may have been the result of medical woes, but is inspirational to all.
Courtney Righetti’s career plans may have taken a turn when her dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but she transformed the challenging situation into an opportunity.
“I saw the opportunity to work alongside Dad (on the family farm) and learn from him,” said Courtney, who now runs cattle alongside her father on their property at Dean, northeast of Ballarat.
“Moving into the farming industry, initially part time and now full time, was a big change.
“My personal growth in this industry has been enormous over the past few years and I’ve been lucky enough to have Dad’s farming knowledge and wisdom right there beside me, supporting and believing in me every step of the way,” she said.
The switch into farming has put her days as a teacher at the local primary school on hold, but it hasn’t stopped her helping her community as much as she can.
“She gives so much back to the community,” her sister Daina McLeod said.
From being a committed netball coach and player to fundraising for Parkinson’s disease, she is a valuable part of her western Victorian community.
“She goes full steam ahead and will do everything possible to make it a success — a lot of people want her to be involved in everything,” Daina said.
Her determination has extended to changing the path of AusNet powerline towers in the area for her dad, with the electric magnetic field they create potentially interfering with the impulse generator battery that helps with his symptoms.
But perhaps her greatest achievement to date is how her career change has inspired her children.
“We have three beautiful daughters who have each shown a keen interest in farming. So if I can help pave the way to increase the normality of them, as females, considering a career in the farming industry, that would be amazing,” she said.
“I love the influence that it’s having on the next generation.”
Courtney is a nominee in The Weekly Times Shine Awards, supported by Harvey Norman.
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