About Me
From a very young age, my passion has always been animals. That passion has led me on an incredible journey spanning veterinary nursing, thoroughbred breeding, education, and ultimately, a lifelong commitment to breeding and exhibiting quality Labrador Retrievers.
Before entering the Labrador world, I worked as a veterinary nurse on some of Australia's leading thoroughbred breeding farms, assisting with the care and management of more than 400 foals each season. I was fortunate to work alongside some of the industry's most respected professionals, gaining invaluable experience in genetics, reproduction, neonatal care, health management and animal husbandry. I also judged horses at country agricultural shows, further developing my eye for structure, movement and overall quality.
My passion for breeding then took me to the United Kingdom, where I spent four years managing a thoroughbred breeding operation for one of the country's leading sales consigners. This role provided hands-on experience managing elite broodmares and youngstock destined for the world's premier yearling sales, reinforcing the importance of sound breeding decisions, temperament, conformation and raising young animals to reach their full potential.
After returning to Australia, I retrained as a secondary school teacher, a career that reflects my love of learning, mentoring and continual improvement. At the same time, I began my journey in the Labrador Retriever breed.
Bellbidgee Labradors was established in 2011 with the simple goal of breeding sound, healthy, beautiful Labradors that excel both in the show ring and as wonderful family companions. Fourteen years later, that passion remains stronger than ever.
I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from some of the breed's most respected and successful breeders, including Jo Fleming (Blackwaters Labradors, USA), Anne Hamilton (Aralyen Labradors, Australia) and Glen Vernon (Terracarol Labradors, Australia). Working closely with Jo Fleming also enabled the successful importation of the outstanding Gallivant sires Memo and Wellington to Australia, further strengthening the future of the Bellbidgee breeding program.
Over the past fourteen years, Bellbidgee Labradors has produced multiple Australian Champions, while three additional purchased dogs added to the kennel also achieved their Australian Championship titles. Our dogs have earned numerous class wins and awards at Labrador Specialty Shows across three states, achieved placings and class wins at Melbourne Royal, and consistently performed at the highest levels of competition.
One of my proudest achievements so far has been winning classes at both Labrador National and Specialty Shows, culminating most recently with the prestigious Runner-Up Best in Specialty Show award. Successes such as these are especially rewarding as they are judged by respected Labrador breed specialists and reflect generations of careful planning, dedication and a commitment to preserving the Labrador Retriever breed standard.
While I am incredibly proud of our achievements in the show ring, ribbons have never been the ultimate goal. Every breeding is carefully planned with health, temperament, soundness and longevity as the highest priorities. My aim is to produce Labradors that are not only beautiful examples of the breed but also loving, intelligent companions that enrich the lives of the families who welcome them home.
Breeding quality Labradors is both a privilege and a responsibility—one that I am honoured to continue every day.
This is not something I will do for a short time, this is the life I choose and take very seriously, a lifelong commitment to the breed I adore.