I grew up in South Africa and left for political reasons at the age of 20. My own surname was Ferreira, of the Bultfontein Ferreiras. Except for about a year spent in England waiting for immigration approval, I have lived in Brisbane, Australia since then.
I am a mother of three people, a sister to two and a co-resident to about fifteen. For those who care, I am a Sagittarian and my favourite animal/familiar/totem is the kookaburra.
My Snapshot Page has photos of some of the people and places important to me.

EDUCATION

In 1999 I completed a Master of Social Welfare Administration & Planning, at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. My earlier study was in the field of design, both building and permaculture. I have a Dip.Permaculture Design, from the Permaculture Institute, Tyalgum and a Bachelor Design Studies, from the University of Qld in Brisbane.
My study towards a B.Sc., majoring in Geology and Botany, at the University of Natal, South Africa was interrupted by leaving the country
I completed Matriculation at Umtata High School, Transkei, South Africa.

EXPERIENCE and INTERESTS

I am currently employed as Qld State Co-ordinator and Donor liaison Co-ordinator with Community Aid Abroad (Oxfam Australia), a development agency. This involves managing staff and liaising with donors and members as well as raising money. I was previously the Qld Community Campaigns Co-ordinator, responsible for implementing campaigns on a range of issues from Racism to Landmines. I have also worked in the community development field. One project developed a strategy to improve member participation in Community Aid Abroad, while another developed a community based Skills Audit process for a rural community.

Permaculture activities included operating a retail nursery, organising courses and workshops and designing. I have also been involved in groups initiating a shared workspace and enterprise incubator in Brisbane; a housing co-operative; a soap-making co-operative and community gardens.

I have been active in a number of community organisations in the area of community economics, bioregionalism and co-operatives. The Fire page describes some of the community activities and projects I am currently involved in.

My hobbies are reading, gardening, house renovation, beekeeping and visiting interesting places.