We recognise that WA’s regions have unique sets of challenges from the North West to the Great Southern and therefore, different conversations and solutions need to be considered and appropriately applied. To overcome the size of WA and its great diversity, we seek the strategic assistance from Regional Ambassadors to ensure we are positively and accurately advocating for challenges and issues that are relevant. The RRR Network Ambassador program is also about developing the skills of key women across WA who can network and advocate alongside the RRR Board and Staff. RRR Ambassadors are seen as a unique leadership group of the Network who are licensed to engage with their regions on behalf of the RRR Network.
The 2023 program currently has five Regional Ambassadors. There are three vacancies and in Perth we are considering a “Patron”. The RRR Network invites RRR women from other regions to express their interest of becoming an ambassador by contacting Kendall at ceo@rrrnetwork.com.au.
Simmone Van Burele – Gascoyne Region
Simmone has over 30 years of management and leadership experience with a focus on relationship building, negotiation and collaboration. Her history as a successful entrepreneur and small business owner underlies her belief in the important role that SMEs have in building resilience in regional economies. Simmone has worked in RRR communities throughout Western Australia in Local Government roles with a focus on asset-based community development. Simmone is a passionate advocate for the Gascoyne region with its unique natural environment, climate, and friendly communities. She joined the Gascoyne Development Commission in 2019 to help drive social and economic development through building community and the quality of life.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the RRR Network Regional Ambassador program as the Network is an important way for women in the regions to be able to connect, collaborate and support one another. I hope that my involvement will show young women that there are many pathways to leadership and that a diverse career is possible in the regions” said Simmone.
Enrika Grogan – Wheatbelt Region
Enrika Grogan is the owner and founder of Mind Your Money, a successful small business which supports female led businesses in regional WA to be both profitable and sustainable. Enrika emigrated from Ireland in 2005 making the switch from a career in Engineering to bookkeeping and business advisory to settle in the Wheatbelt with her husband Eamon in 2008. Enrika is passionate about small business and the impact that well run businesses have on the community. She enjoys helping her clients create the life they want and believes that educating and empowering business owners in relation to their finances is key to their success. To this end, she’s an active contributor to both Northam Women in Business as an Executive Committee member and a RRR Network member.
“As someone who is passionate about giving women the tools to do both business and life well and live purposeful lives in the regions, becoming a RRR Network Regional Ambassador is a perfect alignment of my values and future aspirations. My hope for every woman is that she can harness her inherent creativity and natural skillset for the good of herself, her family and her community. I am both honoured and excited to be asked to join the RRR Network Ambassador program and look forward to being a voice for the Wheatbelt region,” said Enrika.
Rumeena Nizam – Great Southern Region
Rumeena, born and raised in Sri Lanka, migrated to Australia in her teens to pursue higher education. She was the first female in her family to enter university, changing the trajectory for all girls in future generations. A quarter of a decade later, reflecting on rich experiences of a life spent across Australia, from metropolitan Sydney to regional WA, she represents multiple diversity groups; migrant, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD), single parent to name a few. She is now a mother to a young daughter and two fur babies while working full-time at UWA Campus in Albany WA. Her corporate career includes tertiary education, banking, small business, and community advocacy. A community service champion in the spirit of ‘Service to others’, her volunteer journey stems from a young age from sweets stalls at the childhood home to leading not-for-profit governing boards in WA. The acknowledgement of her daughter as the ‘2022 Young Citizen of the Year’ by the City of Albany attests to the family values she nurtures. Boasting a range of academic credentials and a successful professional career are not without strenuous efforts calling-out inequities & pursuing opportunity. Rumeena believes education is at the core of community development, regeneration, and empowerment, thus, tirelessly seeks opportunities to enhance the quality of life of all those in her community. Now, in a well poised position, leading higher education, Rumeena is in perfect alignment with her passion ‘education equity & excellence in RRR communities’.
“I am a RRR Regional Ambassador, as I strive to inspire and support RRR women. No-one needs to be left behind. A purposeful and rewarding life is achievable from regional Western Australia” said Rumeena.
Jenna Denton – Mid West Region
Jenna has lived and worked regionally for 36 years, with a versatile background in many sectors including youth, education, business, state government, healthcare, mental health, disability, and suicide prevention; in grassroot, project management, executive and research functions. As a mum of two teens, mentor, community leader, advocate and friend, Jenna knows the importance of connections, networks, relationships, and safe spaces, to explore and enhance knowledge, vulnerability, and personal and professional development. Jenna has a clear intent to support the need to determine and advocate for sustainable solutions to regional, rural, and remote inequities, and improve and maintain the wellbeing and welfare of women and whole communities. With connections to fishing and farming, Jenna also understands the challenges and opportunities for rural and remote working and living, and the critical need to access place-based services that enable growth and positive outcomes. Jenna’s passion lies in empowering and encouraging young women, contributing to groundswell initiatives, enhancing collaboration between people and places, and developing solutions and strategies for social and purposeful impact.
“Being a RRR Ambassador allows me to be feet on the ground, sharing my invaluable connections and knowledge to enhance opportunities for individual regional women, whilst also advocating for the needs of whole communities, and amplifying the impact of the RRR Network. These things combined will facilitate exciting groundswell in my region”.
Lisa Smith – Pilbara Region
Lisa has worked in Health Service management and planning across a range of clinical and administrative roles, from the Kimberley to the Pilbara and Great Southern. Currently Lisa is the Executive Director for WA Country Health Service Pilbara, she has also held roles as Operations Manager, Regional Manager and Directory Strategy, Change and Service Development among various other roles. Lisa is passionate about facilitating healthy and robust change in the health sector in a manner that optimises the care a patient receives.
“I have a collective and collaborative approach that acknowledges the need for and benefit of trust and communication in health care teams and organisations”.