Jan Smith - Team Leader
My name is Jan Smith and I am excited and proud to be leading the D9570 GSE Team to Indiana.
I have lived in Australia since 1975, when I moved from New Zealand with my husband Graeme who had secured a position as a mining engineer in the outback town of Cobar in western New South Wales. We lived in a total of 4 small mining/rural townships until we settled in Rockhampton, the regional capital of Central Queensland in 1998. Our town is known as the Beef Capital as testament to the dominance of cattle breeding and farming in our area.
During this time I was able to pursue my career in teaching – with a break to have and care for our 3 sons. Our sons are now grown men – Kristian,35, is married to Gemma and they have a baby daughter, Imogen who will be 1 in May. They live in Rockhampton, so we get to see lots of them. Nick,33, is married to Michelle – their little girl Isla is 21 months old. They live in Cairns which is 12 hours drive away. And Nathan, 30 is still single and lives in Brisbane which is 8 hours drive away, so we don’t get to see them so often. We are really enjoying having girls in our family!!
I began my teaching career as an infant teacher in NZ. Once my children were all at school I did a post graduate course to specialise in Early Childhood Education and have worked in this field since then – working with children from 3-7 years old. Since 2003 I have been working as an Advisory Teacher – supporting children from 0-6 years old who have special needs. This involves putting support and strategies in place so that when they start school at 6 they have the best chance to achieve their potential. It is extremely rewarding work which I thoroughly enjoy.
I have been a Rotarian for 9 and a half years, but I have been involved in Rotary since 1987 when Graeme joined. I belong to the Rotary Club of Rockhampton West and am a Past President. I have held chairs on the Service Projects, International and Youth committees and my club has awarded me a Paul Harris Fellow. At a District level I have served on the Youth Exchange committee and am about to start my 3 year as Assistant Governor for a group of 10 clubs in the Rockhampton area.
My hobbies are gardening, photography, travelling, reading and cooking (trying out new recipes!)
I am looking forward to familiarising myself with all that Indiana has to offer- to meet new people, make new friends and explore what appears to be a very beautiful state.
Vocationally, if able, I am very keen to learn anything I can in my area of educating – that is working with young children with special needs and seeing how these children are immersed into Early Education Programs in Indiana.
Tashka Renouf - Team Member
Hello there! My name is Tash Renouf and I’m a Social Worker from the Central Queensland District. Born in Maryborough, and currently residing in Mackay, I received my degrees (Bachelor of Community Welfare and Bachelor of Social Work) from Central Queensland University in 2010. As a result I feel I have a sound knowledge of the vast Central Queensland Region and everything that we have to offer.
While Central Queensland has a reputation for excellence in various fields such as cattle, farming, mining, engineering and sugar as well as being close in proximity to the ridiculously gorgeous Whitsundays. In addition to this I am however, passionate about also highlighting the other side of our region, which is fortunate enough to have hardworking and dedicated health professionals, public servants, and community based organisations that provide a high level of service delivery to our most vulnerable community members.
While I am relatively new to my industry, I am excited about the prospect of enhancing my professional development, confidence and leadership skills while also gaining invaluable knowledge of my profession from a different cultural lens.
While I have always had an interest in social work practice, in particular my area of interest is when the legal and social systems in our society collide. I have previously been employed by the Department of Corrections and Department of Communities – Youth Justice Service which has only heightened my interest in this speciality. As such I have recently been accepted to Monash University to pursue this interest by undertaking my Masters in Social Work (Forensic Studies) while working as one of the casemanagers with Queensland Health – Adult Continuing Care Team.
I’m very much looking forward to travelling to Indiana, meeting new friends and having the experience of a lifetime!
Tanya Vaughan - Team member
Let me introduce you into the World of Tanya Margaret Vaughan and my whirlwind journey to date!! Born into a loving family on the 13 January 1978 in NSW, I have a younger sibling Shane. Fantastic parents in Tony and Margaret and a gorgeous partner Darren. It is these wonderful people, along with the support of close friends (and my dog – Lucky) that have allowed me to reach where I am standing today!
Naomi Bath - Team member
Naomi Bath is a 26 year old from a small rural town in Central Queensland, Biloela. Naomi has been practicing as a pharmacist for four years and in the last 18 months has bought into a community pharmacy which has recently relocated and expanded. She has become an accredited pharmacist and is able to conduct medication reviews in community and nursing homes and is thinking about further study. Her involvement in the Biloela community includes Chairperson of the local Cancer Council volunteer branch and helping to organise the first annual Relay for Life in 2011. Other interests include tennis, touch football, running, triathalons and horseriding. Naomi enjoys living in a rural community and is passionate about rural health. She looks forward to sharing her experiences with the United States and learning from international Rotarians
Rebecca (Beck) Hunt - Team Member
Currently I am working within two positions both associated with the construction industry, my day position is as a full time Private Building Surveyor or Certifier and I also run my own business after hours which entails the Thermal Assessment of proposed residential construction. I consider myself to be a newcomer within the construction industry having started my Building Surveying Cadetship in 2007 and only recently completing my Associate Degree and applying for my Assistant Building Surveyors Licence. In October of 2010 I also branched out to start my own Thermal Energy Assessment business which has been doing well within the first twelve months. Along with working full time and running a small business I am working towards finishing my Bachelor Degree in Building Surveying and Certification through Central Queensland University, I currently have two subjects left to study and I should be finished just prior to the Group Study Exchange (GSE) to Indiana in April 2012. Although I have only been actively involved within the construction industry for four years I consider that I have learnt a vast amount during that time and within an ever-changing legislative environment I remain keen to continue my professional development at every opportunity.
Although my professional life keeps me busy I do like to spend as much time as possible with my family. I was born and bred in Bundaberg, a regional town centre of approximately 97,000 occupants, and although I have lived in both Brisbane (Capital of Queensland) and Melbourne (Capital of Victoria) at various times I continually find myself drawn to my home. All of my immediate family, being my Mother, Sister and Brother, are still based in the Bundaberg area as well as my beautiful three year old niece. Bundaberg is also the town in which I met my partner and where he also grew up. I consider it a privilege to live in the Bundaberg Region and enjoy being close to my family.
When I am not busy working or studying I enjoy a vast range of extracurricular activities including reading, gardening, snorkelling, motorcycle riding, horse riding, fishing, golf (I’m a very poor golfer) and walking my dog amongst many others but most of all I love to spend time with my family and loved ones.
Whilst on the GSE in Rotary District 6580 I would like to:
Visit construction industry professionals including Building Certifiers (Council/Private), Engineers, Architects, Developers, Builders and so forth to get a general idea of their roles and responsibilities;
Visit Local Authorities/Councils to view procedures and processes, regulatory works etc.;
Learn about the regulatory framework governing the construction industry within Indiana and the United States of America, i.e. regional/state/federal legislation, private/council certification, application processes;
Develop connections and networks within construction industry professionals within Indiana;
Learn about the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, sustainability requirements, disability access/egress requirements and response to natural disasters (all current/recent issues within the Australian construction industry) within the American construction industry;
Experience the United States culture and lifestyle from the unique perspective of residents;
Meet new people and experience their way of life;
Advise people of our culture, lifestyle and region in Central Queensland, Australia.
At this stage of my life I have never had the opportunity to travel overseas and I am looking forward visiting Indiana and learning from the many experiences I am sure I will have on the GSE trip in 2012.
Currently I am working within two positions both associated with the construction industry, my day position is as a full time Private Building Surveyor or Certifier and I also run my own business after hours which entails the Thermal Assessment of proposed residential construction. I consider myself to be a newcomer within the construction industry having started my Building Surveying Cadetship in 2007 and only recently completing my Associate Degree and applying for my Assistant Building Surveyors Licence. In October of 2010 I also branched out to start my own Thermal Energy Assessment business which has been doing well within the first twelve months. Along with working full time and running a small business I am working towards finishing my Bachelor Degree in Building Surveying and Certification through Central Queensland University, I currently have two subjects left to study and I should be finished just prior to the Group Study Exchange (GSE) to Indiana in April 2012. Although I have only been actively involved within the construction industry for four years I consider that I have learnt a vast amount during that time and within an ever-changing legislative environment I remain keen to continue my professional development at every opportunity.
Although my professional life keeps me busy I do like to spend as much time as possible with my family. I was born and bred in Bundaberg, a regional town centre of approximately 97,000 occupants, and although I have lived in both Brisbane (Capital of Queensland) and Melbourne (Capital of Victoria) at various times I continually find myself drawn to my home. All of my immediate family, being my Mother, Sister and Brother, are still based in the Bundaberg area as well as my beautiful three year old niece. Bundaberg is also the town in which I met my partner and where he also grew up. I consider it a privilege to live in the Bundaberg Region and enjoy being close to my family.
When I am not busy working or studying I enjoy a vast range of extracurricular activities including reading, gardening, snorkelling, motorcycle riding, horse riding, fishing, golf (I’m a very poor golfer) and walking my dog amongst many others but most of all I love to spend time with my family and loved ones.
Whilst on the GSE in Rotary District 6580 I would like to:
Visit construction industry professionals including Building Certifiers (Council/Private), Engineers, Architects, Developers, Builders and so forth to get a general idea of their roles and responsibilities;
Visit Local Authorities/Councils to view procedures and processes, regulatory works etc.;
Learn about the regulatory framework governing the construction industry within Indiana and the United States of America, i.e. regional/state/federal legislation, private/council certification, application processes;
Develop connections and networks within construction industry professionals within Indiana;
Learn about the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, sustainability requirements, disability access/egress requirements and response to natural disasters (all current/recent issues within the Australian construction industry) within the American construction industry;
Experience the United States culture and lifestyle from the unique perspective of residents;
Meet new people and experience their way of life;
Advise people of our culture, lifestyle and region in Central Queensland, Australia.
At this stage of my life I have never had the opportunity to travel overseas and I am looking forward visiting Indiana and learning from the many experiences I am sure I will have on the GSE trip in 2012.
I have lived in Australia since 1975, when I moved from New Zealand with my husband Graeme who had secured a position as a mining engineer in the outback town of Cobar in western New South Wales. We lived in a total of 4 small mining/rural townships until we settled in Rockhampton, the regional capital of Central Queensland in 1998. Our town is known as the Beef Capital as testament to the dominance of cattle breeding and farming in our area.
During this time I was able to pursue my career in teaching – with a break to have and care for our 3 sons. Our sons are now grown men – Kristian,35, is married to Gemma and they have a baby daughter, Imogen who will be 1 in May. They live in Rockhampton, so we get to see lots of them. Nick,33, is married to Michelle – their little girl Isla is 21 months old. They live in Cairns which is 12 hours drive away. And Nathan, 30 is still single and lives in Brisbane which is 8 hours drive away, so we don’t get to see them so often. We are really enjoying having girls in our family!!
I began my teaching career as an infant teacher in NZ. Once my children were all at school I did a post graduate course to specialise in Early Childhood Education and have worked in this field since then – working with children from 3-7 years old. Since 2003 I have been working as an Advisory Teacher – supporting children from 0-6 years old who have special needs. This involves putting support and strategies in place so that when they start school at 6 they have the best chance to achieve their potential. It is extremely rewarding work which I thoroughly enjoy.
I have been a Rotarian for 9 and a half years, but I have been involved in Rotary since 1987 when Graeme joined. I belong to the Rotary Club of Rockhampton West and am a Past President. I have held chairs on the Service Projects, International and Youth committees and my club has awarded me a Paul Harris Fellow. At a District level I have served on the Youth Exchange committee and am about to start my 3 year as Assistant Governor for a group of 10 clubs in the Rockhampton area.
My hobbies are gardening, photography, travelling, reading and cooking (trying out new recipes!)
I am looking forward to familiarising myself with all that Indiana has to offer- to meet new people, make new friends and explore what appears to be a very beautiful state.
Vocationally, if able, I am very keen to learn anything I can in my area of educating – that is working with young children with special needs and seeing how these children are immersed into Early Education Programs in Indiana.
Tashka Renouf - Team Member
While Central Queensland has a reputation for excellence in various fields such as cattle, farming, mining, engineering and sugar as well as being close in proximity to the ridiculously gorgeous Whitsundays. In addition to this I am however, passionate about also highlighting the other side of our region, which is fortunate enough to have hardworking and dedicated health professionals, public servants, and community based organisations that provide a high level of service delivery to our most vulnerable community members.
While I am relatively new to my industry, I am excited about the prospect of enhancing my professional development, confidence and leadership skills while also gaining invaluable knowledge of my profession from a different cultural lens.
While I have always had an interest in social work practice, in particular my area of interest is when the legal and social systems in our society collide. I have previously been employed by the Department of Corrections and Department of Communities – Youth Justice Service which has only heightened my interest in this speciality. As such I have recently been accepted to Monash University to pursue this interest by undertaking my Masters in Social Work (Forensic Studies) while working as one of the casemanagers with Queensland Health – Adult Continuing Care Team.
I’m very much looking forward to travelling to Indiana, meeting new friends and having the experience of a lifetime!
Tanya Vaughan - Team member
Let me introduce you into the World of Tanya Margaret Vaughan and my whirlwind journey to date!! Born into a loving family on the 13 January 1978 in NSW, I have a younger sibling Shane. Fantastic parents in Tony and Margaret and a gorgeous partner Darren. It is these wonderful people, along with the support of close friends (and my dog – Lucky) that have allowed me to reach where I am standing today!
Attending Primary School in NSW and then High School in Qld, I was fortunate to be heavily involved in various co-curricular activities; Rock Band, Jazz Band. Choir, Dancing, Drama and Netball. I particularly enjoyed my Professional Dancing as a youngster, performing to huge crowds at various functions and events. I was proud to achieve the Performing Arts Award for my High School when completing Year 12.
I have had the opportunity to work at some fantastic locations around Australia throughout my Work History to date which include South Stradbroke Island, Heron Island, Alice Springs and various small Mining Towns which boast fantastic Communities. I am delighted to say that my work passions lie within the Human Resources and Community Development sector. Working within the Hospitality, Tourism, Health Services and now Mining Industry, I have held some great roles which have developed my interpersonal skills and given me the motivation and commitment to achieve so many things I never thought I would.
I am very passionate about Volunteer work and supporting Community Events. I have a long term goal to be involved in a Drug and Alcohol or Mental Health Organisation. Working in this area is very rewarding and I like to make a difference.
In my personal time, I drive a crazy social setting!! I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My interests lie within Ballroom Dancing, Fitness, the Arts, Property Investment and Fundraising for local Community Organisations.
To highlight some of the achievements I have accomplished in my life so far I would say travelling throughout the UK and Europe for three months, undertaking Master of Ceremonies of the 2011 Moranbah Debutante Ball, host of my own Radio Show, my involvement in not for profit organisations, coordinating various successful Events and Weddings, successful Career and I can now add the highlight of being successful in a placement in the 2012 Rotary Group Study Exchange Team to Indiana – Yahoo!!!
I have had the opportunity to work at some fantastic locations around Australia throughout my Work History to date which include South Stradbroke Island, Heron Island, Alice Springs and various small Mining Towns which boast fantastic Communities. I am delighted to say that my work passions lie within the Human Resources and Community Development sector. Working within the Hospitality, Tourism, Health Services and now Mining Industry, I have held some great roles which have developed my interpersonal skills and given me the motivation and commitment to achieve so many things I never thought I would.
I am very passionate about Volunteer work and supporting Community Events. I have a long term goal to be involved in a Drug and Alcohol or Mental Health Organisation. Working in this area is very rewarding and I like to make a difference.
In my personal time, I drive a crazy social setting!! I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My interests lie within Ballroom Dancing, Fitness, the Arts, Property Investment and Fundraising for local Community Organisations.
To highlight some of the achievements I have accomplished in my life so far I would say travelling throughout the UK and Europe for three months, undertaking Master of Ceremonies of the 2011 Moranbah Debutante Ball, host of my own Radio Show, my involvement in not for profit organisations, coordinating various successful Events and Weddings, successful Career and I can now add the highlight of being successful in a placement in the 2012 Rotary Group Study Exchange Team to Indiana – Yahoo!!!
Always remember, you can achieve anything you focus your mind on….passion is your ticket to success!!
Naomi Bath - Team member
Naomi Bath is a 26 year old from a small rural town in Central Queensland, Biloela. Naomi has been practicing as a pharmacist for four years and in the last 18 months has bought into a community pharmacy which has recently relocated and expanded. She has become an accredited pharmacist and is able to conduct medication reviews in community and nursing homes and is thinking about further study. Her involvement in the Biloela community includes Chairperson of the local Cancer Council volunteer branch and helping to organise the first annual Relay for Life in 2011. Other interests include tennis, touch football, running, triathalons and horseriding. Naomi enjoys living in a rural community and is passionate about rural health. She looks forward to sharing her experiences with the United States and learning from international Rotarians
Rebecca (Beck) Hunt - Team Member
Currently I am working within two positions both associated with the construction industry, my day position is as a full time Private Building Surveyor or Certifier and I also run my own business after hours which entails the Thermal Assessment of proposed residential construction. I consider myself to be a newcomer within the construction industry having started my Building Surveying Cadetship in 2007 and only recently completing my Associate Degree and applying for my Assistant Building Surveyors Licence. In October of 2010 I also branched out to start my own Thermal Energy Assessment business which has been doing well within the first twelve months. Along with working full time and running a small business I am working towards finishing my Bachelor Degree in Building Surveying and Certification through Central Queensland University, I currently have two subjects left to study and I should be finished just prior to the Group Study Exchange (GSE) to Indiana in April 2012. Although I have only been actively involved within the construction industry for four years I consider that I have learnt a vast amount during that time and within an ever-changing legislative environment I remain keen to continue my professional development at every opportunity.Although my professional life keeps me busy I do like to spend as much time as possible with my family. I was born and bred in Bundaberg, a regional town centre of approximately 97,000 occupants, and although I have lived in both Brisbane (Capital of Queensland) and Melbourne (Capital of Victoria) at various times I continually find myself drawn to my home. All of my immediate family, being my Mother, Sister and Brother, are still based in the Bundaberg area as well as my beautiful three year old niece. Bundaberg is also the town in which I met my partner and where he also grew up. I consider it a privilege to live in the Bundaberg Region and enjoy being close to my family.
When I am not busy working or studying I enjoy a vast range of extracurricular activities including reading, gardening, snorkelling, motorcycle riding, horse riding, fishing, golf (I’m a very poor golfer) and walking my dog amongst many others but most of all I love to spend time with my family and loved ones.
Whilst on the GSE in Rotary District 6580 I would like to:
Visit construction industry professionals including Building Certifiers (Council/Private), Engineers, Architects, Developers, Builders and so forth to get a general idea of their roles and responsibilities;
Visit Local Authorities/Councils to view procedures and processes, regulatory works etc.;
Learn about the regulatory framework governing the construction industry within Indiana and the United States of America, i.e. regional/state/federal legislation, private/council certification, application processes;
Develop connections and networks within construction industry professionals within Indiana;
Learn about the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, sustainability requirements, disability access/egress requirements and response to natural disasters (all current/recent issues within the Australian construction industry) within the American construction industry;
Experience the United States culture and lifestyle from the unique perspective of residents;
Meet new people and experience their way of life;
Advise people of our culture, lifestyle and region in Central Queensland, Australia.
At this stage of my life I have never had the opportunity to travel overseas and I am looking forward visiting Indiana and learning from the many experiences I am sure I will have on the GSE trip in 2012.
Currently I am working within two positions both associated with the construction industry, my day position is as a full time Private Building Surveyor or Certifier and I also run my own business after hours which entails the Thermal Assessment of proposed residential construction. I consider myself to be a newcomer within the construction industry having started my Building Surveying Cadetship in 2007 and only recently completing my Associate Degree and applying for my Assistant Building Surveyors Licence. In October of 2010 I also branched out to start my own Thermal Energy Assessment business which has been doing well within the first twelve months. Along with working full time and running a small business I am working towards finishing my Bachelor Degree in Building Surveying and Certification through Central Queensland University, I currently have two subjects left to study and I should be finished just prior to the Group Study Exchange (GSE) to Indiana in April 2012. Although I have only been actively involved within the construction industry for four years I consider that I have learnt a vast amount during that time and within an ever-changing legislative environment I remain keen to continue my professional development at every opportunity.
Although my professional life keeps me busy I do like to spend as much time as possible with my family. I was born and bred in Bundaberg, a regional town centre of approximately 97,000 occupants, and although I have lived in both Brisbane (Capital of Queensland) and Melbourne (Capital of Victoria) at various times I continually find myself drawn to my home. All of my immediate family, being my Mother, Sister and Brother, are still based in the Bundaberg area as well as my beautiful three year old niece. Bundaberg is also the town in which I met my partner and where he also grew up. I consider it a privilege to live in the Bundaberg Region and enjoy being close to my family.
When I am not busy working or studying I enjoy a vast range of extracurricular activities including reading, gardening, snorkelling, motorcycle riding, horse riding, fishing, golf (I’m a very poor golfer) and walking my dog amongst many others but most of all I love to spend time with my family and loved ones.
Whilst on the GSE in Rotary District 6580 I would like to:
Visit construction industry professionals including Building Certifiers (Council/Private), Engineers, Architects, Developers, Builders and so forth to get a general idea of their roles and responsibilities;
Visit Local Authorities/Councils to view procedures and processes, regulatory works etc.;
Learn about the regulatory framework governing the construction industry within Indiana and the United States of America, i.e. regional/state/federal legislation, private/council certification, application processes;
Develop connections and networks within construction industry professionals within Indiana;
Learn about the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, sustainability requirements, disability access/egress requirements and response to natural disasters (all current/recent issues within the Australian construction industry) within the American construction industry;
Experience the United States culture and lifestyle from the unique perspective of residents;
Meet new people and experience their way of life;
Advise people of our culture, lifestyle and region in Central Queensland, Australia.
At this stage of my life I have never had the opportunity to travel overseas and I am looking forward visiting Indiana and learning from the many experiences I am sure I will have on the GSE trip in 2012.
