By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
THIS Sunday is International Women’s Day and what a better way to celebrate than to acknowledge a few of our local gems. Each powerful, inspirational and ambitious in their own right, the following ladies are just a handful of women we are proud to have in our community.
ABBEY FEUTRILL:
She may only be 17 and fresh out of high school, but Abbey Feutrill is clearer than many adults on what she wants to do with her life.
“My dream job would be to teach in third world countries,” she said confidently.
“And help those less fortunate in any way possible.”
While Abbey knows that it may be a long road to achieving these ambitions, she is already well on her way.
The inspiring young lady will be heading off to Cambodia for two months at the end of April this year, where she will volunteer in a local school, La Valla.
The trip has been a long time in the planning; indeed it goes back 10 years.
“When I was in primary school at St Thomas More, our school’s charity was Caritas and La Vella was the focus school that we donated to,” Abbey said.
“We used to do odd jobs around the house to get pocket money which we would then put in the box in the classroom.
“I remember in Grade 5, I said, ’I’m going to visit this school one day,’ and now that the opportunity has come up, I am finally able to live out that dream.”
La Vella primary school is for those affected by landmines. As all the students and teachers are disabled, Abbey won’t be teaching classes directly, rather giving an extra helping hand where needed.
Gardening painting and maintenance will be the focus during the day, although before and after school hours will be one-on- one tutoring. This will however not be the first time Abbey has travelled overseas for volunteer work. In April 2014, she travelled with her school’s immersion group to Sri Lanka for two weeks, where she and fellow students taught English at two local schools, working with the local Marist brother and living in the local town of Kalpitiya.
It was this experience of working alongside students that did not have what we do over here, living their lifestyle which has further inspired her upcoming journey.
“These children may have had little, but they showed me that you don’t need the largest assets to be happy,” Abbey said.“Arriving home I knew I had found what I wanted to do.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher, but now teaching English in foreign countries is the only thing I can see myself doing.
“Seeing the children’s faces and knowing just how much difference you were making to their lives and how grateful they were for their education was incredible and something I want to continue to be a part of.”
While Abbey has managed to raise enough money for the trip, she is hoping to raise further funds in order to provide La Vella school with educational equipment and is looking out for local businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring or donating. Visit www.gofundme.com/AbbeysMission if you can help out.
Age: 17
Greatest passion: Helping those less fortunate in any way possible.
What do you see as your greatest personal achievement to date? World’s greatest shave 2013
Who inspires you?
The many women in my life, but particularly my mum and beautiful friend Moy Sweetman.
What is the biggest struggle faced by women in today’s society? The many expectations that we feel need to be met.
What do you love most about Noosa?
Our community and how we support each other, especially when things are tough.
If you could change one thing about Noosa what would it be?
Not a single thing!
Name one thing on your bucket list:
Live in a foreign country.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I love my cat (and everybody else’s)… a lot.
COUNCILLOR SANDY BOLTON:
Sandy has lived in Noosa for 21 years, and became a councillor in November 2013 after de-amalgamation.
In her ‘previous life’, she worked in management for community organisations and in a diverse range of business sectors. In her role as a councillor, Sandy is Chair of Infrastructure and Services, with focus areas being the diversification of the local economy including opportunities in rural Noosa, job creation and training for youth.
Age: 50
Greatest passion: Noosa, its people, and their passions. Recycling everything and anything.
Greatest personal achievement: Three gorgeous children and tackling obstacles, challenges and family hardships with a deep appreciation of ‘kodak’ moments.
Who inspires you?
The community around me, the volunteers I meet every day, and those that face immense difficulties through disabilities and/or health issues. They inspire, motivate and drive me to be the best person and representative that I can be for them.
What is the biggest struggle faced by women in today’s society?
I don’t believe there is a ‘biggest’ it is more about ‘multiple’ issues and that is for both men and women. Lack of extended family networks, financial stress, health issues, work/family balance, unrealistic expectations on self and others are all issues that contribute to the unacceptable statistics of physical and mental abuse.
Noosa has a higher than state average of male and female depression, and it is up to us as individuals and as a community to reach out and connect with those around us. A simple ‘hello’ and smile can make a world of a difference to someone’s day.
What do you love most about Noosa?
The diversity, passion, endless possibilities and capabilities. This community united can achieve anything and everything.
If you could change one thing about Noosa what would it be?
For conflict between neighbours, organisations and within sectors of the community to be resolved amicably and without personal attacks. Noosa is a wonderful place because of the diversity of thought, which makes for great debates. Respect and empathy for each other, an appreciation of different points of view, and the understanding that through good communication, flexibility and a willingness to accommodate different needs, solutions can always be found.
Please name one thing on your bucket list:
To be able to synchronize my children’s and their partners holidays, so we can undertake a volunteering project together in a disadvantaged community. Let me tell you it is like herding cats.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Gosh shouldn’t I keep something secret? Okay … I am pretty handy with tools, can whip up an NT meal for 60 without trauma and have no discipline when it comes to resisting any homemade sweets – but don’t tell anyone.
SUSAN EWINGTON:
Susan has lived in Noosa for 20 years and is most known for her work with Tourism Noosa as the publicist and events consultant. She also runs her marketing and public relations business, h2 media, which she started 13 years ago.
Age: 44
Greatest passion: Apart from my family (including Coco and Fred the pussycats) and friends, I think Noosa is right up there. I love its beauty, its history and its people – we live in an amazing place and I am grateful for this every day.
Greatest personal achievement:
Raising my beautiful boy Harrison – I am sure every parent says this about their kids, but I am truly proud to be his mum and to watch him grow up and become the incredible young man that he is.
Who inspires you?
I get inspired from lots of people and also seek inspiration from my surrounds. I am continually inspired by people I work with who challenge themselves to keep doing better, better, better! I am lucky that I work with a great team and have clients that are just amazing – I get inspired by their passion.
My mum has always inspired me – she is strong and has shown me that you should love life, keep smiling and never give up on your dreams.
I also get really inspired from natural beauty and visual images so social media is a great platform for inspiration- recently, Mister Weekender’s Life Hack series has inspired me to focus on that work / life balance.
What is the biggest struggle faced by women in today’s society?
Time! We are so busy racing around, I think we sometimes miss out on all the things we have achieved over the year, a month or even day to day. Maintaining the work / life balance is often a struggle for many women I know.
What do you love most about Noosa?
I’ve lived in Noosa for 20 years and truly believe it is one of the most special places on earth to live. In my role as publicist for Tourism Noosa, I am regularly asked what makes Noosa so unique and while our beaches, river, hinterland and villages all make up what I love about Noosa, it’s also the people that make Noosa so special. We are so passionate about where we live and love Noosa – I am reminded of this regularly and for me, seeing our river and the ocean on a daily basis just reminds me, to be grateful for where I live.
If you could change one thing about Noosa what would it be?
Mmm, this is a hard one, I love Noosa as it is – I do sometimes think it would be great to have daylight savings here though.
Name one thing on your bucket list:
To live in Italy for several months and to be totally immersed in the Italian culture.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Many, many years ago I danced with the Queensland Ballet for two seasons performing in the Nutcracker and Carmen. I’m a speed reader, and regularly have to tell myself to slow down, when reading a good book so I can enjoy it for longer.
GILLIAN TIMPANY:
Gill is the current president of the Noosa Daybreak Rotary club. The retired general manager of a 4 star 16th century hotel in the UK, she now dedicates her time to serving the community through her club.
Age: 70
Greatest passion:
Music and art
Greatest personal achievement:
Going from a part-time wages clerk to successfully running the hotel.
Who inspires you?
Nelson Mandela.
What is the biggest struggle faced by women in today’s society?
The glass ceiling.
What do you love most about Noosa?
The weather, scenery and the friendliness of the locals.
If you could change one thing about Noosa what would it be? Public transport.
Name one thing on your bucket list:
I would like a long visit to Japan.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I managed to write-off an Alfa Romeo on Goodwood race track during a practice day.
AMBER DODS:
Amber is one of the shire’s up and coming sports stars in the sporting arena. Having started to surf aged 9, she moved up to Noosa from Phillip Island (Vic) in 2007.
She is an ambitious young lady, who is not only exceptionally talented but who shows tremendous pride and great ambition in a sport which remains largely male dominated.
Age: 15
Greatest passion:
Surfing
Greatest personal achievement:
Placing 3rd in the U16 girls Australian Junior Surfing Titles At Yallingup WA (2014).
Who inspires you?
Surfer Bethany Hamilton and actress Jennifer Lawrence.
What is the biggest struggle faced by women in today’s society?
The largest struggle in my opinion for woman is they don’t get enough respect or get a big enough reputation in some sports and in the surf.
What do you love most about Noosa?
All the beaches, the climate, and the lifestyle.
If you could change one thing about Noosa what would it be? More parking around the Noosa national park area.
Name one thing on your bucket list:
Travel and surf at Bali and be in a movie even if I’m an extra or a stunt woman.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I refused to go in the water when I was little because I was afraid of the surf.
Where to go to celebrate in Noosa
– The International Women’s Day breakfast
When: Sunday 8 March from 9am
Where: Noosa Springs Spa and Golf Resort
Cost: Tickets $35 per person and are available from Carole Tretheway Design, Arcadia Walk, Noosa Junction or phone 5447 3255.
-Local Women Rock
When: Saturday 7 March from 6.30pm
Where: The House with No Steps, Charles Duke Drive, Doonan.
Cost: Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online. Phone 0410 573 629 for more information.This is a BYO event.
For general information on International Women’s Day www.internationalwomensday.com/.
