Originally from Warrnambool and after teaching in Lake Bolac and Maryborough, Andrea and her husband, Bruce, are dairyfarmers at Nirranda in Southwest Victoria. As lifetime learners with little experience in dairy but a healthy respect for seeking advice, discussion groups and mentors, they increased their herd from 135 cows to the present 800 cows on a 286 ha milking platform.
Andrea is the Coordinator of the Timboon Agriculture Project (TAP), an innovative, award winning collaboration between Timboon P-12 School and the surrounding industries and community. This community of educators is a partnership that results in significant improvements in student learning outcomes by inspiring teachers and engaging students with real world, hands-on learning opportunities.
A great believer in volunteerism in communities, Andrea is a member of the Nullawarre Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a Timboon Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) with Ambulance Victoria.
Whilst wearing these three hats, she is in a unique position to understand the complexities of families living and working in a workplace and combines these roles to try to help keep children and their families safe.
Andrea is also on the Nurture Food and Fibre Great South Coast Committee and the Neil Porter Legacy Industry Sub Committee.