❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Catherine has over 25 years of experience working in the WA health and resources sectors, starting as a registered nurse in Perth and then Kambalda, before joined Kambalda nickel mines as an occupational health nurse. Now the CEO of the Wheatbelt Health Network, a not-for-profit organisation that provides multidisciplinary primary care services across the Wheatbelt, Catherine adds a wealth of experience in the areas of strategy, governance and business continuity. Catherine holds a multitude of knowledge in human resources, business development and management of health services. Along with running a consulting and small retail business, Catherine is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was previously the Chair for the board of Miners Promise. A senior manager with an impeccable understanding of corporate governance compliance, Catherine has a 'can do' attitude with a high level of integrity and professionalism. ⭐
An interview with Catherine
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
Practice being brave so you can stand up for yourself. It gets easier each time you are confident in your abilities. Behind every bully is a person looking to feel powerful by taking power from you. They often lack true self-confidence and trust in the world. Find out what is important to them as an individual, win their trust and take your power back. People may not remember WHAT you have done, but they will remember how you made them FEEL – be kind, find a way to help others around you rise to be their best because of you.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
The women who surround me every day inspire me to be better. They are not famous. My nursing buddies who hung in there for more than 30years giving the best care to their patients despite the difficulties in the health care system. My sister who pushed through the challenges of being a very young mother in the goldfields to educate herself and be an amazing mother, piano teacher , school educator and my friend. My mother who rose from her childhood poverty determined to educate herself and be the best wife/mother/piano teacher she could be.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Always wanting to do better. ( I will never be perfect).
Curious to know more.
Clear about my integrity boundaries.
Transparent with information.
Enjoy enabling my team to be their best.
Happy!
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
The rural/regional areas often offer interesting opportunities the cities will never do.
Be brave! Take the adventure.
We thank you Catherine, for what you achieve for your community and regional and rural Durack 💙