Nicole is a lifelong resident of the Southern Highlands. Growing up she attended Bowral Public School and Bowral High School and then University of Canberra where she attained a degree in Communications, majoring in Public Relations and Sociology. On reflection, from an early age Nicole displayed a desire to participate and make a positive difference through leadership. She was School Captain at High School and her active involvement in university life was recognised when she was awarded the University of Canberra Leadership Award.
Now, along with her husband Chris, she is a proud parent of two teenage children. When the children were attending Bowral Public School Nicole wanted to contribute and get involved and was proud to serve as President of the School Council and collaborate with other parents to make a considerable positive impact enhancing the school’s profile and connection with the broader community and alumni, including celebrating the school’s 175th anniversary. A labour of love for Nicole and Chris has been faithfully restoring, over many weekends and years, the family home at Mittagong. Passionate custodians of the historically significant property, Wandevan was at one point the residence of Sir Edmund Barton, Australia’s first Prime Minister.
Nicole established her own business at the age of 28 and is a successful businesswoman. She is the founder of Tin Shed Marketing a cooperative of talented creatives offering a unique alternative to the traditional agency model, lean and agile, delivering a complete array of marketing services. Nicole is a creative marketer and business strategist with extensive experience in the Australian architecture, property, and construction industries. She also has an eye for design and is a strong advocate for brand integrity, brand equity, and brand reputation. At the heart of her approach to business and assisting clients is a strong belief in making a positive difference and giving back, ‘do well by doing good’. During her career Nicole has mentored many young women to give them the confidence and support to establish their own business.
Nicole has a deep respect for people that volunteer to serve their community through organisations like the Rural Fire Service, CWA, Rotary and coaching kids sports. Drawn by the experience of community spirit and a sense of belonging, Nicole has throughout her life volunteered with community organisations and has tended to gravitate towards causes and projects that support a sustainable environment, the arts, social responsibility, and enriching the local community. Nicole is currently Chair of the
Southern Highlands Community Foundation, Vice President of GROW Southern Highlands, and is a board member of Ngununggula, the Southern Highlands Regional Gallery. From the beginning of last year, in Nicole’s time as Chair, the Southern Highlands Community Foundation distributed more than $198,000 in grants, helping 31 local community organisations with projects and initiatives making a true impact on the ground. The Highlands Heroes program launched last year celebrates the unsung heroes in the community, giving them some well-deserved recognition and to inspire others. Nicole is exceptionally proud to have contributed to reinvigorating the Foundation by creating a new brand, new website, and a new strategy for engaging with community whilst maintaining the core purpose of building a stronger community. The word “community” was added to what was the “Southern Highlands Foundation” so it became the “Southern Highlands Community Foundation” to signify reconnecting better at a grass roots level.
It was a pleasant surprise and great honour for Nicole to be acknowledged, through a NSW Government initiative, as Wollondilly Woman of the Year 2024.
Nicole is proud to nominate as a candidate for the Wingecarribee Shire Council election in September 2024 as the Lead Candidate for the LET’S GET IT RIGHT ticket. Nicole wants the Southern Highlands to have a clear strategic vision, retain its character whilst also being a Smart Shire, and ultimately be a place that residents are proud of and visitors enjoy.
Spokesperson: Community, Arts and Small Business, Retirement Lifestyle
You can contact Nicole via email [email protected]