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Jess is a proud Wakka Wakka woman who was born on Kalkadoon Country in Mount Isa and raised in Townsville on the lands of the Bindal and Wulgurukaba Peoples.

Jess gained management experience and valuable insights on the importance of the early years for children during her 15+ years of working in various roles across the early learning and education sectors.

When becoming a mother herself, Jess felt drawn to work in the community services sector to strengthen supports for families.

She has worked at SHINE for Kids in Townsville since 2020, working with many families over the years. She facilitates the ‘Stay Together Play Together’ playgroup and ‘Bringing Up Great Kids’ parenting program at the Townsville Women’s Correctional Centre and also the Rise program, which supports children’s emotional and social well-being and encourages positive engagement with their school communities.

Jess is passionate about supporting the families we work with.  Jess also volunteers her time to help young people in her community through the sport of boxing, with great enjoyment in playing a part in the development of others and seeing young people achieve their goals.