about val
I live in North Central Victoria in the beautiful leafy township of Yea. This means not only am I handy to the Yarra Valley, but also the high country of Mansfield and surrounds. Other areas easily accessible for me are Avenel, Nagambie, Shepparton and Euroa, and if I take my motor home I can happily travel to Daylesford, Echuca or Wodonga and in the opposite direction to Warburton, the Dandenongs and the Mornington Peninsula. I’m versatile like that. In fact, most winters you’ll find me in sunny North Queensland, so if you’re contemplating a ceremony ‘up north’ talk to me!
And when I’m not being a Celebrant? You’ll find me either pottering about in my garden, spending time with my friends and family, taking a leisurely drive in my little red 1970 MG or attempting to hit golf balls around our beautiful golf course in Yea. I also love to take off in my motor home and the best part about being a Celebrant is that my ‘work’ travels with me.
There’s lots more to me than that. I’ve been a farmer in North Queensland where we grew mangoes, lychees and rare tropical fruits together with our Free Range flock of 2,000 hens for eggs. I’ve owned and operated a 7 day a week Convenience store. I’ve been involved in multi-level marketing and direct sales, mentoring others as well as being a Presenter, MC and public speaker at a number of Personal Development and Success in Sales events. I’ve lived through cyclones (scary at the time) and been a full time Grey Nomad, travelling this fabulous country with my late husband. These days I prefer to have my beautiful home base in Yea, and just tootle off in the motor home when it suits.
I have volunteered in a variety of roles over the years from ‘Reading Time’ for 5 year old’s at a local school, ‘Bingo Caller’ to Dementia residents in a nursing home, ‘Tea & Sandwich’ lady to day patients in an Oncology unit, ‘Meals on Wheels’ for the elderly, a variety of roles through Rotary International, and more recently a Volunteer driver for ‘Moving Murrindindi’, where I drive patients to medical appointments near and far. I have a great passion for helping people and making a difference for others.
When I first commenced my training to become a Celebrant, my focus was on Funerals and Memorial services, yet as I delved deeper into my studies, a ‘Certificate IV in Celebrancy’, I remembered how much joy there is in so many other celebrations! And I do LOVE love! I’m a romantic at heart. I have been very blessed to have had much love in my life, and so Weddings, Vow Renewals, Baby Namings, in fact you name it, I will work with you to create exactly what you’re looking for.
