❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ As President of Victoria Plains Shire and secretary of Mogumber Outback Club (MOC), Pauline is right at the beating heart of Mogumber, a tiny township of only 58 people located in the Wheatbelt region of Durack. MOC was established as a community social group and has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with members calling Pauline “A champion for our small rural town.” In 2022 Mogumber locals rallied together to buy the town’s historic tavern, saving their beloved pub from disrepair and transforming it into a community hub. The 130-year-old pub is undergoing an extensive renovation with money raised by the club and hours of labour from Pauline and a team of volunteers. The club’s major fundraiser is the Mogumber New Year’s Eve Rodeo, which has been running since 2013 and is now a sellout every year. Pauline has a background in hospitality, runs a Wheatbelt farm with her husband Dave and is well known for being highly dedicated to her community and to bettering the lives of those around her ⭐
An interview with Pauline
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
If plan A doesn’t work out, find plan B, or C or D. And I would probably tell my younger self to enjoy your time with family and friends more, the to do list can wait. Keep chipping away, but don’t work so hard that you leave your family life behind.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
My Great Grandmother Vera Hammer was part of my life until I was 15 and even at this early age, I absorbed her strength and commitment. I’ve since learnt more of her stories as the 11th woman to join local government in Western Australia. She joined the Coolgardie Road Board at age 40, giving to her community even when she ran a business and had 3 children, all while her husband was being held as a prisoner of war following the fall of Singapore in WW2. Her Daughter, Topsy, is another role model for me. She turned 99 this year and is so resilient and positive. My Grandmother still provides me with such wonderful advice. And of course, my Mother, Judy. She puts 100% effort into everything, has so much patience and has taught me to see the best in people. Outside of my own family, I’m really inspired by Michelle Payne, the first woman to win the Melbourne cup. I was lucky enough to meet her in person last year. She has true GRIT!
What word/s describe your leadership style?
I’m a hands-on leader. I like to lead from the trenches. It’s the best way to witness the strengths. Learn why this is important to your community. Everyone has a strength they can contribute and leadership is needed to harness that power for the benefit of the entire community. I believe in doing the right thing, which might not be the most popular thing at times, but popularity is not my goal.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
In the long run, grit and determination will mean more than money and talent.
We thank you Pauline, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙