I have a PhD in Rural Sociology, degree in Applied Science (Agriculture), a Masters in International Studies (Peace and Conflict Resolution) and a Diploma in Professional Coaching. I have worked with and in rural and remote communities for several decades as a problem solver, leader, facilitator, knowledge broker and accredited mediator. Growing up in the far west of NSW, after graduation I worked for rural advocacy organisations including the Qld Farmers' Federation, then the Department of Natural Resources and later worked with numerous government, corporate and community organisations as a Queensland consultant. I have been working with the University of Southern Queensland and the Rural Economies Centre of Excellence since 2018.