Tell us a little bit about yourself – who you are and what you do:
I come from Cooma NSW (Yes a Blue) A great town to grow up in and the gateway to the Snowy Mts. I moved to Brisbane from Canberra in 1988 for the start of Expo as my Dad worked on the construction of Expo 88.
What are you most proud of in life?
I am most proud that I have stayed working in the Media including Radio, TV and Press for over 40 years.
Which person inspires you to be the best person you can be?
Many people have inspired me over the years. I was inspired in radio by Margaret Throsby and Sandy Aloisi who were both on air when I left school.
What has been a life-changing moment for you in your life?
A life changing moment was when I decided to leave my first job out of school after 12 months. A Public Accountants office, and getting into radio which I had always wanted however Dad insisted I work in an office first.
The highlight of the office was answering the phone…..”Freeburn FARNHAM Bowd and Associates” (yes a Farnham fan back then)
What drives you as a woman in the media?
I‘ve never really been driven in the media as a woman. I just always had a passion for it. I always got into trouble off the Nuns at school for talking too much. Well at least I ended up getting paid for it.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt (in life or career)?
One of many lessons I have learnt is treat everyone like you want to be treated and you find out who your real friends are at the end of a job.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given and by whom?
The best piece of advice I have been given is to be yourself, don’t be fake (too many of those) and strive to go above and beyond.
What quote do you live by in your everyday life?
One of my favourite sayings is …….Let’s do it, make it happen as you could get run over tomorrow.
Talk us through a typical day in your life…
No such thing as a typical day for me as my work days vary with chores (I am a bit of a clean freak) working on air at Breeze FM on the Gold Coast to working at Ashmore City Shopping Centre in PR and planning and hosting events in and around Brisbane.
I have stuck to going to a gym regularly the last few years. I haven’t lost weight but it has helped in so many other ways.
Of course catching up with friends is a must and I am blessed to have some crackers.
What has been the highlight of your media career to date?
I am lucky to have so many highlights in my career including finally getting into radio at 2XL, first female/male Breakfast show at 2CC Canberra.
Of course fun times with the B105 Morning Crew including the Boys tirelessly trying to marry Colin and I off (We’re still together after 30 years and still not married) the inaugural Channel 9 Footy Show in Brisbane was also exciting and fun.
4BC also offered heaps in the way of wonderful Promotions including the Opening of BeeGees Way at Redcliffe with Barry Gibb. I had to keep that a secret for so long it nearly killed me. Great times.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I always wanted to be a Radio Announcer. From a small child I would use the garden hose as a microphone. I spent most of my school days organising and taking part in Concerts and Plays. Even then getting donations for the Missions.
What are your top 3 bucket list items?
I have been lucky to check off a few things on the bucket list especially with travel.
I would like to continue to live a full life like Nanna Lynch who lived to just short of 104.
Watch over and guide my wonderful niece Lucy through life and of course continue to enjoy my wonderful friends.
What attracted you to your career?
Music and entertainment attracted me to my career. It has always been a part of who I am.
What do you think the key to success is?
I think the key to success is try and figure out what you want, work hard and go for it and be adaptable which is rare these days.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life?
My Grandparents made a big impact on my life. I admired them greatly. Their unconditional love, their fun and how they treated others.
Many in my work life have also played a part including Mr Brisbane Radio John Knox. I also have a close circle of girlfriends who I couldn’t be without.
We know you support many causes outside of work, tell us a bit about these.
I get great joy out of Charity work. I help organise, run and host various Charity events including The Cancer Foundation. I run the annual Mardi Jackson Ladies Lunch which has been an annual event for more than 15 years. We remember a special girl Mardi Jackson who said please never forget me. It’s a day like no other. Hide the photos girls.
Smart Pups at the Paddo is also a favourite helping kids with Autism. We present a child each year at Lunch with a Smart Pup. An amazing organisation that gets no Government funding. Think Pink at the Glen Hotel is always the prettiest and emotional event of the year.
What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the media?
I try to offer advice to all, not just women who want to succeed in the workplace. Work hard, accept advice, help your teammates. It will happen if you want it to.
How can we encourage and support more females in the media in Australia?
I think if women are keen to do something they will do it. No one should feel entitled. I chose to do work experience to get a foot in the door. Believe in yourself and back yourself.
From a girl in the Snowy Mountains town of Cooma who played Radio Announcer with the garden hose it’s been a GREAT GREAT GREAT ride and I hope to continue for some time.
SheSociety is a site for the women of Australia to share our stories, our experiences, shared learnings and opportunities to connect.
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