The Flamingo Project is a not-for-profit operating in regional Australia. We are driven by a passionate team of individuals committed to bringing transformative programs and initiatives to our region.
Allow us to introduce you to the dedicated individuals steering our ship—our esteemed Board of Directors and the talented volunteer experts who tirelessly work to craft and deliver the best programs for our community
Embarking on the journey of The Flamingo Project was not just a professional endeavour for me; it was a deeply personal mission inspired by my own experiences in the beautiful Greater Shepparton region of Victoria.
As a newcomer to this community a few years ago, my desire for personal and professional development led me on a quest to understand the inspiring women around me. I found myself wondering about their journeys—how they reached their current positions, who influenced them, the hurdles they faced, and most importantly, what steps I could take to follow in their footsteps.
Despite my eagerness to connect with these remarkable women, a lack of confidence held me back from asking the questions that truly mattered. The fear of judgment and uncertainty about how they might perceive me kept me on the sidelines.
My perspective shifted when I had the privilege of participating in a paid program, providing me the opportunity to listen to the narratives of leading women in our region. The profound impact of merely hearing someone's story and having the chance to engage in meaningful conversations struck a chord. It made me reflect on my early days in the region and the difference a mentor could have made.
Recognizing the existence of knowledge and financial barriers to accessing these influential figures, particularly in regional and rural Australia, fueled my determination to create a platform that would break down these barriers. I realized that fostering women's leadership was not just crucial—it was the essence of empowerment.
I hope to create a space where women can overcome barriers, find inspiration, and collectively rise to new heights.
After much travel and a few other career experiences, Emma started in property management over 18 years ago. Through amazing mentors, a bit of luck and a lot of hard work her career has culminated in the acquisition of four strata management franchises. While Emma has been the recipient of many awards throughout her career, the pinnacle is being the 2022 FCA National Franchise Woman of the Year.
Emma has completed her Certificate IV in Strata and Real Estate, a Diploma of Property (Agency Management), short courses in leadership, strategic management and board membership and is a regular at Strata Community Australia events and speaking at FCA events. Emma has now shifted her focus to giving back by mentoring other women in business and taking on board positions to assist other businesses in realising their potential.
Emma shares two daughters with her wife, and business partner, Amelia. She is an avid DIYer, a vocal supporter of the Western Bulldogs and sponsors the local girl’s/women’s AFL leagues in Northern Victoria.
Sonia has called the Goulburn Valley home for over 20 years. She has worked extensively as a health professional in public and private health settings and in education. Her background in speech pathology has led to a strong interest and expertise in early childhood development and intervention, particularly in the areas of language and literacy. She is committed to the promotion of evidence-based practice in planning and decision-making.
In her current role, Sonia provides education, mentoring and coaching to early childhood educators throughout the region. Sonia completed the Fairley Leadership Program in 2021, and has served as a Board Member for Goulburn Murray Community Leadership.
She continues to expand her skills and knowledge into further community programs and groups including The Lighthouse Project and Best Start projects. She enjoys the opportunity to build connections, collaborate with, and learn from, diverse groups of people.
Sonia welcomes the opportunity to join The Flamingo Project as part of the Board of Directors, seeking to support the ongoing evolution of the program in our region and beyond.
Brea (she/her) is an intersectional feminist and human rights advocate born and raised in Yorta-Yorta Country, and now living and working on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation.
"I became a human rights advocate when I experienced Youth Homelessness in Year 12 VCE. After couch surfing for two months, I was very fortunate to receive support from the Foyer Foundation and had a safe space to live and finish my studies. When I entered The Shepparton Foyer, I shared the facility with 39 other students experiencing disadvantage and hardship, who all came from diverse backgrounds. This was the pivotal moment for me when I was exposed to intersectionality and the passion for being a voice for the voiceless was ignited.”
Brea has been recognised as a 7NEWS Australia young achiever, the young person leading change and people’s choice for the Youth Advisory Council Victoria and has taken her advocacy as far as both the State and Federal Parliament as well as the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Rutu is a compassionate individual with a diverse background and a fervent believer in the power of human connection.
Originally trained as an engineer, she embarked on a transformative journey in the heart of Shepparton just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. She made a pivotal decision to pursue her career in nursing, driven by a deep-seated passion for mental health. She recognized the growing mental health challenges among friends and family that the COVID-19 era also posed for individuals of all ages.
Fuelled by a desire to make a positive difference, she ventured outside her comfort zone and began volunteering for various local organizations. After completing her nursing studies, she was privileged to secure a graduate position in Mental Health, where she will have the opportunity to work directly with individuals facing mental health challenges and psychiatric health professionals.
In every aspect of her life, she holds firm to the belief that 'teamwork makes the dream work'. She is determined to challenge herself daily, pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and striving to bring out the best in both herself and the people she has the privilege to work alongside.
She is always eager to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations that share a passion for arts and crafts, organise play dates for kids, meet other mums, cook and just socialise via a coffee or a walk."
Melissa Mitchell, originally from Melbourne, moved to regional NSW a few years ago. In Melbourne, she worked as a makeup artist in film and photography, as well as a flight attendant for over a decade. After relocating to Shepparton, she faced challenges reentering the workforce due to her age, lack of formal qualifications, and limited transferable skills. Despite her love for the Goulburn Valley, Melissa lacked local connections, further complicating her job search.
Eventually, Melissa secured employment, albeit not in her preferred field. Drawing on her experience working with diverse cultures during her time as a flight attendant and living in the Middle East, where she navigated a different culture and language, she empathized with the challenges faced by many in her new community. Her time in the Middle East also provided her with a unique education, allowing her to visit countries that would be inaccessible to many Australians.
Despite her absence of formal qualifications, Melissa has successfully established and managed a local marketing business. She is a proud member of The Flamingo Project, where she looks forward to empowering women and emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for oneself, even when doors may not readily open. Melissa's journey underscores the message that with determination and initiative, one can forge their own path to success.
Hi, I’m Sanobar, a public health professional with a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. I have a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from India and a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne. I moved to Australia in 2014 and since then I have been working in the health promotion and community engagement sector in regional Victoria. I love living and working in Shepparton, where I get to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I have a special interest in working with disadvantaged communities in Shepparton, especially in the children's and women's spaces. I am currently involved in the Flamingo Project, an amazing initiative that empowers women and girls through education, mentoring, and leadership development. I feel honoured to be part of this project and to learn from the industry professionals in Shepparton. I have also completed the Community Leadership Program by the Shepparton City Council, which has helped me develop my skills and confidence as a leader. I hope to use my skills and experience to contribute to the health and well-being of the community"
Copyright © 2021 theflamingoproject - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.