Janet Monks

Janet is born and raised in the Central Highlands, and works as a Central Highlands Council Officer. Her love for nature came from growing up on a farm, walking around the area and playing in the river. 

I am passionate about health, wellbeing and community development. I have worked in the community sector for a number of years and have developed and delivered programs incorporating local community members.

I am passionate about connecting rural communities members. In rural areas, people are often isolated which may lead to depression, substance abuse and other mental illnesses. A sense of community is achieved when individuals are:

- Empowered through group activities 
- Given ownership over tasks and themselves
- Up-skilled in subject areas they are passionate about
- Given employment pathways

By connecting people with each other through activities, a sense of community is created in which creates opportunity for socialising and gaining skills/knowledge. My vision is to empower the individual to contribute to community and provide training for those with gaps in knowledge.