❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐Leonie holds the position of President on the National Rural Women's Coalition and Network board and is Immediate Past President of the WIN - Women's Industry Network in Seafood. Leonie is a born and raised Geraldtonian and is partner in a crayfishing business and former Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia - Mid West & Gascoyne Board. Leonie also chaired The Rural, Regional, Remote Women's Network of Western Australia, which feeds policy into the state government, for 5 years. Leonie sits on the National Fishing Advisory Council and is a past director of the Western Australia Fishing Industry Council. One of the first women inducted into the National Seafood Hall of Fame, Leonie was inducted into the Australian Financial Reviews Alumni for Australia’s 100 influential women 2019. Leonie works at community, state, federal and international levels to empower women’s voices ⭐
An interview with Leonie
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
Be Brave, dont automatically say no to opportunity until you have really thought it through because the more you say no the quicker opportunity dries up. Listen more and talk less, do your homework, you will not always automatically be right and the more you know the easier it is to stand up and back yourself.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
My Parents and grandmother, in the early days, their honest wisdom, patience and encouragement made a huge difference in how I approached life and work. In the later years it was the women (and some men lol) that had the same belief systems as I have and who worked so hard to ensure a place at the table for other women.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Inclusive, supportive and brave! At least thats what I have always tried to be.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
If a noisy girl from Geraldton can be accepted in the arenas that I have been able to wield some influence in and be given the opportunity to speak at the United Nations in New York on several occasions, there is nothing to stop anyone who has a burning passion to make a difference in what ever sphere they want to, it just takes hard work. Stop saying No to opportunity if it fits your belief system, the time commitment fits your lifestyle and you have a passion for the subject. Believe in yourselves, back your authentic self and get a mentor when you need one.
We thank you Leonie, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙