KERRIE Warburton grew up in Dunedoo, a small farming community in central NSW between Dubbo and Mudgee.
"Like Rome, “all roads lead to Dunedoo”, so no matter where you are in Australia you can always travel home via Dunedoo,” she said.
Kerrie moved with her husband and daughters to Osbornes Flat in 2012.
What do you do workwise?
I work as a landcare facilitator for the Ovens Landcare Network.
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My role supports several local landcare groups including Chiltern, Rutherglen and Beechworth.
Moving to landcare in my 60s was a big change.
I still have lots to learn but I love the job.
What brought you to your role/career?
My daughter recently completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science.
Listening to some of her online lectures during COVID and discussing her field of study greatly influenced my decision to seek work in an area where I could also make a positive difference for the environment.
What do you love about your work?
As well as believing that landcare does valuable work throughout the region, it also allows me to work with and learn from committed landcare volunteers and many generous and knowledgeable Traditional Owners.
It is a great privilege to “walk on country” with these people.
What do you do in the community?
I love being part of a strong and vibrant community and have several passions that I try to support through different volunteer roles.
Volunteering for things that I think are important brings me joy.
My friends say it gives me energy.
As an example, I do a little bit of volunteer work to support refugee charities.
In 2021 our government abandoned people who had made themselves especially vulnerable because they worked with the Australian military to provide education for girls and improve women’s rights in Afghanistan.
A number of Yackandandah locals are raising funds and submitting visa applications for these vulnerable Afghan people.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
The Yackandandah population is increasing rapidly, and this is resulting in more land being used for housing.
It would be great if these new landowners would consider nature when fencing and planting their properties.
Providing habitat corridors could make a difference for the survival of threatened native species in the area.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
I worry about the influence of people who peddle false news and divisive opinions.
The development of algorithms in online news means many people only hear and see news and opinions that supports their existing views.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
I have lots of heroes and heroines, so it is hard to pick one, but my favourite place to take visitors is the Mt Pilot lookout.
It is a good example of remnant vegetation and has great views of our region.
What book are you reading?
I have two books on the go - I’m listening to Shaun Micallef’s “Tripping Over Myself” and reading William McInnes “Yeah Nah”. I need a laugh at the end of the day.
