Angaston Primary School and Nuriootpa High School are where I got my education before going on to study Social Science at the University of Adelaide.
My first job off the farm as was picking apricots at Ellis’ orchard on Hurns road – character building stuff in the heat, but it was what my brother Shannon and I had grown used to as we lifted our weight on the farm with odd jobs.
Sport has always played a big part in my life. I started out playing netball at the Angaston Panthers before playing State League, and I also was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to represent our region, state, and nation in various teams.
I’m a huge supporter of sport, because it teaches people so much about teamwork, playing your part, dedication, and preparation – all while staying fit! In the regions it’s also about bringing the community together, which I love.
Nowadays I’m just enjoying some good old-fashioned running and walking along the bike path or around the various reservoirs or parks in the region, squeezing in a bit of gym training when I can. I believe getting out into the fresh air and staying active is critical for not just your physical health, but your mental health too.
I live in Angaston with my wonderful husband Adam and our little baby boy, Rupert – we love cooking together, heading to the farmers market, and checking out all the fantastic restaurants, cafes and cellar doors in our region when we can.
My family came to Angaston during the founding years of South Australia. The Hurns arrived in 1846 from England at the request of George Fife Angas, while my mother’s family, the Zilms, arrived from Germany in the 1830s.
The Hurns have always been farmers, and I am proud that each generation before me has built our family farm to make it what it is today – a classic mixed farm of sheep and grapes.
Our family, like many across our region, has always strived to make a contribution to life in the Schubert community whether through local sport clubs, agriculture, emergency services, community groups, the church or local government.
Really my family story is just one among thousands in our region, of families who have strived to make our community better with each generation.
Many of you would know my late grandad Brian, who was involved in local government for thirty-six years, and served as Mayor of the Barossa Valley for eighteen years. He instilled in me the values of public service, standing by your promises and always putting the interests of the community first.
These values are engrained in me, and I am focused on fighting for you, and putting our community first each and every day.