I have lived in Forster – Tuncurry for over 25 years. I had never been to the area before my now husband asked us to marry him. By “Us”, I mean my two boys from a previous relationship. We packed our ourselves up and moved from the Blue Mountains to Forster where we were married at the beautiful Green Cathedral and started our life together as a family.  When we moved here, I didn’t know anyone. I had transferred my job to the local Kmart and was working but it wasn’t until I got involved with Forster Surf club as a Surf lifesaver volunteer, as well as joining the local YMCA, the place where I became friends with Melissa, that I felt like I finally belonged here. I had found my people.

Soon after I joined the YMCA as a member, I was encouraged to do my Cert 3 in fitness. I started to work at the YMCA as a qualified Gym, Group fitness and Aqua instructor. I had found my passion for health and fitness and wanted to share that with others. I competed in Body building, Triathlon, and adventure racing.  I did my Cert 4 in fitness so I could do some Personal Training and help others to achieve their health and fitness goals. It was around this time that my husband and I had a beautiful daughter together 16 years after the birth of my youngest son.

After 12 years in the fitness industry, I was looking for a new way to help others. I took a job as Activity Officer in age care, completing a Cert 4 in lifestyle and leisure. I worked in this industry for 11 years where I become the head of the activities department. I got great joy working with the older people and my respect and understanding of their life and life experiences, opened my eyes and heart to the physical and emotional support that is often overlooked by the wider community.  This was a rewarding time in my life, but very draining emotionally. I took time out for myself and family, study yoga. This is when my views on health and fitness, and life in general changed, making way for a more holistic approach to healthcare. I went back to my first love of fitness to work and share a different approach to fitness. I particularly focused on senior fitness to helping them achieve a better balance between health and wellbeing.

I have been a client at Banks and Dade for many years and was given the opportunity to work with people that have been like friends and family to me for many years.  To be part of this fabulous team of caring healthcare professionals has finally brought me to a place of happiness. Watching the holistic approach to wellness and seeing the changes we make in peoples lives makes coming to work a pleasure.