Now, she is taking that commitment to the next level as a participant in the Fairley Leadership Program, an initiative designed to build the skills of emerging community leaders across the Goulburn Murray region.
The opportunity provided to her by Girgarre Development Committee and Tatura Milk, where she has worked as a quality specialist for product integrity for 22 years, will allow her to develop her leadership skills.
While she is a familiar face in the local leadership group, Girgarre Development Committee, Judes said she wasn’t always a natural leader.
Her growth as a leader was originally sparked by professional opportunities such as becoming a leading hand and stepping into senior positions at work.
“So I think as you sort of take on these roles ... I’ve sort of learned a few skills as I’ve gone along,” she said.
Her dedication to her community also shows through her volunteer work.
Whether it’s volunteering with the CFA as treasurer and community safety officer, working with the Girgarre Development Committee or helping out at the markets, Judes is heavily involved in the success of the town’s events.
Sponsored by the Gardiner Foundation, Judes will use the program to further support the leadership team within the development committee.
“I really enjoy helping out where I can,” she said.
By participating in the program, Judes hopes to further develop her leadership skills and bring them back into the community.
Judes is looking to the future of Girgarre and is encouraging younger people to get involved.
Her message is simple: if you want to see your community grow and succeed, you need to be part of the process to make it happen.
“Put your hand up and it can be the smallest thing, but it means, it means so much,” she said.
“Because if we don’t put our hand up, you know, we won’t have these great things happen.”
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