participant profiles 2018 - australian women in agriculture · agronomy from longerenong college...

Participant Profiles 2018

Jess Bargenquast

I’m Jess Bargenquast, 31 years old from Biggenden, Queensland, together withmy husband we operate a commercial beef production & backgroundingbusiness. I have two sons four and two who love life on the land together we allwork and help with all aspects of running the farm. I work off farm at BGAAgriservices in Sales and Administration.

I have worked in agriculture for the last fourteen years in a variety of sectors. Ienjoy being a farmer and also working with farmers on a daily basis, I get a lotof satisfaction seeing the whole process from planting through to harvest,calves growing into bullocks and helping the farmer achieve the most and bestthey can out of their business.

When I can I like to volunteer at the local show, our community hall and withthe local kindy. In our spare time we like to spend it as a family, a trip to thebeach, or to town to watch a movie and nice lunch. To keep fit and healthy Ienjoy running and where I can enter the odd event.

• Email: [email protected]

• Mobile: 0408 190 776

• Facebook Handle: Jess Bargenquast

Nickala Best

I am in my second year of a PhD at La Trobe University, which involves investigating the use of DNA based field assays in animal health diagnostics. Using footrot in sheep as a model, I have developed an on-farm test for the virulent bacteria that causes the disease. I am also researching how industry and government veterinary services would best like to use the technology.

Through my research I have become very interested in learning about policy in agriculture and can see room for improvement at the interface of policy, private business and research. I would like to gain the skills needed to get involved and make these improvements. I grew up in North East Victoria and like to keep active with martial arts and bike riding. I also love to sew!


• Mobile: 0437 751 969

• Facebook Handle: Nickala Best

• Twitter Handle: nickalabest

Annabel Blain

My name is Annabel Blain, and I live in Alice Springs. I am currently onmaternity leave from my Paralegal and Program Support role at theCentral Australian Women’s Legal Service. I have two children, Louis whois 8 months and Ada who is 3 years old. I grew up in South Gippsland andhave also lived in Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland, NZ.

I am involved in the community in Alice Springs as Chairperson of theCommittee of Members for the Central Australian Community ToyLibrary. I am new to this position and am excited about participating inthe AgendHER program to learn more about being an effective Boardleader. I am also part of the Sundowners Netball club and Women onWheels cycling club.

I enjoy catching up with friends, running, cycling, yoga and toddlerchasing.


• Mobile: 0433 655 050

• Twitter Handle: annabel.blain.9

Nicole BosHi I’m Nicole, I’m 22, I live in Cudgewa (located in north east Victoria) with my husband on a dairy farm. I grew up travelling between my parent’s rural beef and sheep farm, and the city where I was schooled. I always loved working with animals. As a child, with the experience of ‘both worlds’, I became increasingly aware of the perspective that the broader society has on agriculture, especially with regards to social, environmental, political and ethical debates and issues.

After graduating from high school, I decided to pursue an agricultural based career in a rural community, to get to know the people that embrace the farming lifestyle. I have come to value education as a necessity between both rural and city communities, and a personal hero of mine is Simone Kain with her “George the Farmer” initiative. I also have a keen interest in birdlife and the environment.


• Mobile: 0474 635 508

• Facebook facebook.com/nicole.vogel.79

Tara Craigie

I am originally from Quorn in the Flinders Ranges, SA but have called theNorthern Territory home for 7 years now. I was in the NT as a young Jillaroo,coming and going but I knew I would be back again.

Now 32 years old and married to my best friend Jason, a NT man. I feel luckythat I have been able to work along side Jason since the day we met. We nowmanage a Cattle Station together 150km South East of Mataranka. It amazesme how well we work together and can bounce ideas off each other...(mostdays!)

Seeing people succeed is my passion! I like to spark deep and meaningfulconversations to see where it takes us. The light bulb moments are myfavourites and it’s usually where the magic happens!

I love Rural people! The resilience it takes is something I continue to learnabout daily. If through this program I can have a positive impact on Ruralcommunities and people, I will be one happy girl!

For me... creativity is one of the vital parts of living!

• Email: [email protected] • Mobile: 0438 876 273• Phone: 08 8977 4119• Facebook Handle: Tara Craigie• Twitter Handle: @TaraFulwood

Tiffany Davey

I grew up on my families 5th generation prime lamb and broad acre property.After traveling around Australia over two and a half years I’ve recentlyreturned to WA. I now work between my family’s property and as an assistantevent coordinator. Throughout my time traveling around Australia I identifieda need to create leadership opportunity for young people in regional Australiaand look forward to establishing myself within the agriculture industry and myregion.


• Mobile: 0437 117 422

• Twitter Handle: @DaveyTiff

Emma Egan

Emma is a driven and enthusiastic individual, currently based in North-West ofTasmania with RM Consulting Group as an Agricultural Consultant. During hertime with RM Consulting Group, she has gained a broad range of skills andexperience in project work and consultancy, with a focus on agricultural andhorticultural industries. Her work has ranged from working on projects forMeat and Livestock Australia and Horticulture Innovation Australia, toundertaking bushfire loss assessments for class actions and waste watercustomer audits.

Emma graduated from an Advanced Diploma of Agriculture and Diploma ofAgronomy from Longerenong College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor ofAgricultural Business Management at CSU. As the current Secretary of therecently founded Young Agricultural Professionals Network (Tasmania), whichis supported by Tasmanian Women in Agriculture and Rural Youth, she hopesthe AGendHER+ program will allow her to continue fine-tuning her corporategovernance skills, and encourage board opportunities in the future.


• Mobile: 0448 214 745

• Twitter Handle: @egan_emma

Rosanne McInnes

I grew up involved in family farming (livestock) in south east South Australiaand my involvement continued while working off farm in courts and in anAboriginal community until a succession plan finalized. Separately, involved insmall scale orchards vines livestock in Mid-North SA for 20 years which isrecovering from bushfire and currently expanding. My husband is ill so livingnear a base hospital. I have two daughters, one a scientist with University ofQueensland and consultant, one co-owner and operator of city-basedbusiness providing regional services.

I am involved in Southern Flinders Taste & Tourism Inchttp://www.southernflindersranges.com.au/, Port Augusta Ratepayers Inc.and Red Cross.


• Mobile: 0447 445 660

• Facebook: facebook.com/anne.mci

Michelle Pryse JonesI live in Blayney, in the Central West of NSW, with my husband Angus, and have two

children, Emma (19) and Jock (17).

Angus and I have owned and operated our Rural Merchandise business, Hill & Crofts, in

Blayney for the past 20 years and have a strong involvement in and commitment to, our

local community. Hill & Crofts is a member of the CRT Group, Australia’s largest group of

independent rural retailers and the business was founded by two local families in 1923. I

hold a Bachelor of Business, Marketing degree and I am a licensed Real Estate Agent.

Some years ago I also held a Board position with A Start in Life, an education charity,

focussed on helping disadvantaged students to overcome their educational barriers.

More recently I was successful in becoming a recipient of the 2018 Community Directors

Award Program, supported by the Women’s Leadership Institute of Australia and the

Institute of Community Directors Australia, and I am looking forward to commencing the

Diploma of Governance in the coming months.


• Mobile: 0427 683 751

• Phone: 02 6368 2121

• Twitter Handle: @ChellePJ

Isabele Roberts

I am a farmer in the central west of NSW, where I am in a partnership with myMother, sister and brother. We run a Poll Dorset sheep stud, as well ascommercial prime lambs, merino sheep and Hereford cattle.

I am currently a director on the federal board of the Australian Poll DorsetAssociation, where I am able to involve myself in the greater lamb industry.

Mother of 4 children, wife of Peter, and have a constant battle with the desireto have a tidy house and the reality of a messy one!

I love running, gardening and reading a good book (or podcast – much easierto do while mustering stock!).


• Mobile: 0405 098 335

• Phone: 02 6364 2207

• Twitter Handle: @IsabeleRoberts

Jane Richter

Originally from the UK, I came to Australia in 2000 as a backpacker and neverwent back. Until a few years ago, my career had been spent as a marketingprofessional across a number of large and small companies, mainly in the food& beverage industry.

A tree-change move to the Glass House Mountains in 2013 opened our mindsto the possibilities that rural life provides and before I knew it my husbandand I had built a 4000 vine passionfruit farm from scratch. Although the farmis still in its infancy and we are learning horticulture the hard way, it has beenan immensely rewarding journey so far and given me a great sense ofadmiration for the hard-working farming families across Australia who growand raise our food.

• [email protected]

• Mobile: 0431 700 258

• Phone: 07 5438 7662

• Facebook Handle: www.facebook.com/vineswithaview

Aimee SnowdenAimee Snowden hails from an irrigation farm near Tocumwal in the Southern Riverinaof NSW. She has returned home to the family farm in 2014, after working in accountingand irrigation. Aimee graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Managementfrom Charles Sturt University (CSU) in 2016.

When Aimee returned home to the farm in 2014, she created a LEGO® farmerminifigure and now shares photos online under the name Little BRICK Pastoral. Thebusiness has since branched into agricultural education, and now career aspiration.Outside of her own business, Aimee works on the family farm and on-farmmanufacturing business, for CSU as a Casual Outreach Officer, and as a freelancer inagricultural PR and Communications. Aimee is the Treasurer of her local Rural FireBrigade, a committee member of two local show societies, and an elected member ofthe Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Youth Group.

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 0437 499 720

Facebook Handle: /aimeesnowden9 or Little BRICK Pastoral

Twitter Handle: @aksnowden or @LittleBrickPast

Instagram Handle: @aimeekcreative or @LittleBrickPast

Jan Stillard

I am an active partner in a mixed family farming business which ispredominantly cropping and beef cattle, near Barooga, southern NSW. Havingpreviously worked in MedTech, I am also studying Ag Health and Medicinewhich combines my interests in agriculture and health. Currently, I am servingon a school board as the parent representative and am also involved indifferent roles with various community groups.


• Mobile: 0417 709 189

• Facebook: jan.stillard

• Twitter Handle: @aingarthangus

Louise WintenI live on a Beef Cattle and Sheep Meat property, Angellala Downs, 50 km northof Morven in South West Qld with my husband, David and 3 children Angus, 18,Riley 16 and Ruby 13. Angus is starting a Carpentry Apprenticeship in Brisbanesoon and Riley and Ruby are there at Boarding School.

I have a great passion for Rural and Remote communities and am involved inmany local committees. We are involved in our local Agforce and Landcaregroups and I have been very involved in P&C’s and School groups. I amcurrently President of the Charleville Branch of ICPA (Isolated Children’s ParentsAssociation) and a State Councillor for ICPA Qld leading the Early ChildhoodPortfolio.

I am very excited to be chosen to participate in the 2018 AGendHER+ Remote,Regional and Ready for boards group as I have been wanting to move into boardpositions but felt that I did not have the necessary qualifications or confidenceto do so.


Mobile: 0428 549 562 (when in range)

Phone: 07 46 549 544

Facebook Handle: Louise Winten

Twitter Handle: @LouWinten

Alexandra Westlake

Since 2015, together with my husband, I have been establishing and learninghow to develop a beef cattle, sheep and cropping enterprise from scratch. Inthat time until now we have; purchased 30 acres of highland on the banks ofthe River Murray at Murray Bridge, started a breeding herd of Angus beefcattle, bought in over 200 Sheep for a lambing program and lease land togrow premium hay crops.

The intention behind establishing what we have now stems from my previousexperiences working in education, tourism & hospitality and recognising theshift in public perception about farming in Australia through the ‘paddock toplate’ movement. The opportunity to get back to basics to ensure asustainable and positive outcome for agribusiness in the Murraylands regionis something I am very passionate about.


• Mobile: 0400984432

• Facebook Handle: Alexandra Pfeiffer

• Instagram Handle: thechefandchief

Sarah Parker – AWiA PresidentRelocating from Brisbane to the Goulburn Valley, 10 years ago, to commence dairyfarming with her husband Raymond, opened up a world of opportunity for SarahParker. She is co-owner of an irrigated dairy farm “Glencliffe”, which runs a studregistered Illawarra and Holstein herd supplying milk to a boutique Italian CheeseCompany and has worked in a range of roles within the agricultural industry.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Leisure Management, Certificate IV in Work Place AssessmentTraining and a Masters in Agriculture and Rural Development. Her professionalrolesinclude Children’s Services Manager, YDDP Coordinator and CEO at Murray Dairy;Projects and Development Coordinator at Dookie College and Rural EntrepreneurDeveloper for Marcus Oldham College. She has worked as an agricultural industrytrainer and is currently employed as a milk supply manager.

Sarah is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Director’s Course. Boardpositions include: President, Australian Women in Agriculture; Company Secretary,National Rural Women’s Coalition; Primary Skills Victoria,; Victorian FarmersFederations’ Farm Business & Regional Development and Work Place RelationsCommittees.Sarah is a Victorian Rural Woman of Year Award Finalist. Raymond & Sarah werefinalists in 2014 Dairy Farmer of Year Awards.


Mobile: 0418 883 250

Twitter: @GlencliffeDairy

Charlotte (Charlie) Aves – AWiA Vice President

Charlotte (known as Charlie) has just successfully completed a PhDinvestigating glyphosate resistance in flaxleaf fleabane and its management inmixed systems as a remote student with the University of Adelaide. She is dueto start as the new EO for the Irrigated Cropping Council in the next fewweeks. Charlie is the current Vice President and Membership Coordinator forAustralian Women in Agriculture.

Originally from the UK she gained a BSc(Hons) in agriculture and had anagricultural career which has spanned three countries in research, financialand farm based roles. A common thread has been working closely with theagricultural community to provide information and options to help farmers besuccessful. Charlie is a previous committee member for the Riverine Plains Incand a 2017 graduate of the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program.

Charlotte is passionate about Australian agriculture and she feels a thrivingagricultural industry is the backbone of vibrant and sustainable ruralcommunities.


• Mobile: 0416 400 979

• Twitter Handle: CharlieAves

Aileen O’Sullivan – AWiA Company Secretary

Aileen lives and works on a farm near Goornong in central Victoria. She ismarried to Greg. Together with two of their five adult sons, they operate aPrimary Production and Hay contracting business. Her role is supporting theadministration and production of cereal crops, hay, lucerne, prime lambs andwool at their properties in Victoria and New South Wales.

She completed a Bachelor of Education and taught in Melbourne beforereturning to central Victoria. She has volunteered on Boards of CommunityGroups for over thirty years, whilst raising a family and working as theadministration officer for the family farming business. She has practicalexperience in Agriculture and a vested interest in the secure future ofAustralian Agriculture.


• Mobile: 0417 139 565

Rowan O’Hagan - Facilitator

I live in Wangaratta in north east Victoria with my husband, my three children having flown the coop. My background is in agricultural science and more recently economics and accounting. I have been an owner-operator of two mixed farms and an equine enterprise.

I have lectured in farm and financial management at university and I am currently on the board of Coliban Water in Bendigo and Charles Sturt University Council. I am a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a founding member of Australian Women in Agriculture Ltd.


• Mobile: 0427 331 598

• Phone: 03 5721 8231

• Facebook facebook.com/rowan.ohagan5

• Twitter @rowanrecds

Tammy Atkins – Content Designer

Tammy Atkins is a consultant at Tammy Atkins Consulting, with a careerinterest in regional policy and economic development and experience workingwith all three tiers of government. She is a graduate of the Australian RuralLeadership Program.

Community-minded, she is a member of a number of local organisations and aformer Councillor for the Rural City of Wangaratta. Tammy lives on a dairyfarm in Northeast Victoria and consults mainly in the grant writing, socialmedia and social enterprise space.

Her professional memberships include the Australian Institute of CompanyDirectors, the Institute of Community Directors Australia and the AustralianRural Leadership Foundation

Her current board positions include Wodonga Institute of TAFE, WintonWetlands Committee of Management and the Into our Hands CommunityFoundation.


• Mobile: 0419 751 651

• Twitter: @TammyLeeAtkins

participant profiles 2018 - australian women in agriculture · agronomy from longerenong college...

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