Core Committee Wider Committee
Wider Committee
Ashlee White
Stalls Coordinator
Cowrie Station, Birdsville Track
Ashlee has been apart of the Channel Country Committee since 2015. After attending the 2014 event at Betoota, “I was completely blown away by the event and the dynamic group of women who work so had to keep to going for the rest of us. I knew I had to somehow be involved with these ladies and this fantastic event! Especially as after attending , I was able to take so much away from it”
Having grown up in the channel country, Ashlee knows first hand how CCLD is such a blessing to the women in these remote areas.
“Women in general spend most of the year putting themselves second. Women who live remotely spend all year assisting in property management from day to day tasks as well as mountains of bookwork, we raise children, support husbands, brother and sister, put our HR hats on from time to time and also find time to cook, clean and be a part of our communities. Most women have a hard time taking off all those hats and spending time on themselves without feeling guilty.”
“Events like the Channel Country Ladies weekend, give them the chance to come together with other remote women and temporarily shrug off all those responsibilities and recharge themselves.”
Tracy Sargent
Mentor/Support Role
Eromanga, Queensland
Tracy and her family live on a property west of Eromanga. Over the years, as her children were growing up, many weekends were spent attending gymkhanas, camp drafts and other events across the Channel Country, and they always enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and generous hospitality that accompanied these events.
Tracy has attended Channel country ladies day since its founding and says “it’s hard to pick a favourite”.
“It’s hard to choose, each one has its own special highlights. Gatsby dress ups at Betoota in 2016 was a great laugh, though, I would have to say it is hard to go past the first event at Durham. It was such an adventure, not quite knowing what to expect; the slippery drive in after a storm, the anticipation and excitement of spending the weekend with an amazing bunch of women!”
Tracy loves being part of a team that creates such a meaningful annual event and is now mentoring others in the committee as they begin their new roles.
Elanor Urquhart
Merchandise and Raffle Coordinator
Toowoomba, Queensland
Eleanor’s connection to Channel Country Ladies Day has evolved from early beginnings, travelling to the Channel Country with her family, to attending the 2023 Bedourie event, to becoming an addition to the committee in 2024.
“My experience in the 2023 event out at Bedourie provided me with valuable insights into the goals, values and operations of the team and shaped my desire to play a more hands-on role in supporting the event moving forward.”
“Now as a member of the committee, my connection to the event has further deepened and I look forward to actively shaping the direction and execution of Channel Country Ladies day and its merchandise!”
Eleanor is joining the committee this year alongside her long-standing mentor, Tracy. We look forward to seeing what they develop together.
Monique Amadoro
Social Media Support
Wallumbilla, Queensland
Monique was introduced to Channel Country Ladies Day shortly after her move from the Southern Highlands of New South Wales to Outback Queensland.
“After moving to a small town in a new state I found it very hard to make connections and was feeling very alone which was something I had never experienced before. I was lucky enough to attend CCLD Bedourie in 2023 with another committee member and I knew this was something I wanted to become involved in.”
“The weekend is like nothing I can explain, you have to see it for yourself. All the women are so warm and welcoming, just thankful to be spending time among like minded people from rural communities.”
Monique has joined the committee as part of the social media and communications team and hopes to continue her role for many years to come, aspiring to help other young adults to reach out and network with other like minded women to overcome the feelings of isolation.
Heather Hahn
Goodies Bag Coordinator
Queensland
Rae Matheson
Bar Coordinator
Jundah, Queensland
Kristy McGregor
Founder/Support Role
Manakau, New Zealand
Kristy grew up in Camden, on the edge of Sydney, and spent a few years in the Channel Country as a governess. She now lives on a farm in New Zealand… but part of her heart will always be in the Channel Country!
“My role has changed over the past six years from leading the Committee to doing the media role, Grants Liaison and Evaluation Lead, and now in a support role,” she says. “With every role, it’s still as much about making the event continue year after year. It includes supporting the whole committee and thinking up artistic offerings, amongst many other things.”
“I’ve been involved in Channel Country Ladies Day since its inception. I remain committed to the event years on because when I see the smiles on women’s faces, when I hear the laughter, and when I feel the sense of togetherness that being together with 200 other women on the edge of the desert brings, I know this is a worthy, valuable thing. It’s worth every amount of the significant volunteer hours and financial support that goes into making it happen… even when turning up at a dusty racetrack a few days before the event one is met with an overwhelming sense of what have I got myself into?!”
Kylee Tindale-Smith
Decorations Coordinator
Morven, Queensland
Maree Tulley
Scholarship Program Coordinator
Roma, Queensland
Maree is no stranger to the channel country having been born, raised and working in and around the area her whole life. The 2023 Bedourie event holds a social place in Maree’s heart, after seeing the event come to life in her home town.
“Channel country ladies day is an amazing event to support and celebrate communities in regional’s and remote Australia and the wonderful ladies who call it their home.”
When asking Maree what she is most looking forward to in the 2024 event in Noccundra, she exclaimed “working with the scholarship ladies and the awesome committee members, seeing everybody’s big smiles and feeling the good vibes across over the weekend.”
Izzy Graham
Workshop Coordinator
Charleville, Queensland
Catherine Rothwell
Administrative Support
Toowoomba, Queensland
Georgie Ferguson
Health Services Coordinator
Jundah, Queensland
Are you keen to join our committee, or volunteer at an upcoming event? Get in touch with us! Email [email protected] and we’ll be in touch with further information.
