Each week, we will feature a member of the HBNC team, giving you a chance to Meet the Neighbours. The goal is to highlight and celebrate the people at the heart of our organisation, who work tirelessly to make the Wide Bay Burnett community a stronger and more resilient one.

This week, we'd like you to meet Tammy Willing, Wellness Centre Coordinator.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I have always been a “country” girl at heart, living on acreage around different locations in Queensland. With the only exceptions being, some time being spent in the nation's Capital, Canberra, and also Sacramento in the USA. Recently, I have lived in the Hervey Bay area for about seven years. My partner Ian and I moved to a small acreage block in Urangan last year. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot where we get kangaroos in our yard daily and we feed the wild birds every afternoon. I am also a very proud mum to my two daughters, Shanna and Jaylin, 23 and 22, who also live in the Hervey Bay area.

I love animals, and have two dogs at home. Prince Pedro, a chihuahua, who “thinks” he is the boss of everyone and Scamp, the labrador, who loves his food.

I enjoy the outdoors, meditation and yoga. Whenever the weather allows, Ian and I also love visiting K’gari (Fraser Island) on our jet ski, where we’ve been lucky enough to see some whales, dolphins, turtles and the occasional dingo.

What is a quick summary of your professional background? 

I have worked in the aged care sector as a coordinator for the last five years, for The Instuitute for Urban Indigenous Health and Bluecare, helping to support the local elders in our community.

I also worked as a Practice Manger for a dental surgery for over 10 years in the Mackay region.

At one stage of my career I also lived overseas in the USA and was a spiritual life coach, which was amazing.

What drew you to work with the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre?

I’ve always enjoyed being able to help people. When I saw the new position of Wellness Centre Coordinator at the Treehouse Urangan Community Wellness Centre advertised, I was instantly drawn to apply for this, as I believe it incorporates the different jobs I’ve had throughout my life. I am excited to be a part of the wellness centre team, surrounded by nature at the beautiful Botanic Gardens, which is the perfect space for the local community to access a range of services to support their wellness.

How do you see your role making a difference in the lives of the community’s most vulnerable?

I look forward to being able to assist the local community on their journey to wellness when the centre opens early next year.

What’s one thing you hope to see happen or change for our community?

During the recent challenging times of Covid, where families and friends have been separated, I would love to see the community become more connected to support each other.