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Helen Lewis

BA, Professional Educator Holistic Mgt Savory Institute

At 168¿ª½±¹ÙÍø’s 1986-1990; Prefect and Chaucer House Captain

Helen Lewis (nee Carrell) is co-owner of Picot’s Farm, a grass-fed beef property in Warwick, Queensland, fulfilling her passion for producing natural food. She is one of 15 internationally accredited Holistic Management Educators in Australia and through this experience she has been educating families and organisations since 2003.

This farmer, wife and mother is also founder of Decision Design Hub, through which Helen provides online coaching and programs to assist people to make decisions based on their values, taking into consideration people, the environment and prosperity. She is also the General Manager of the Outback Way, a 2700km two lane road through the heart of Australia from Laverton, Western Australia, to Winton, Queensland, known as ‘Australia’s Longest Shortcut’, lobbying for the upgrade and sealing of the route and to further the economic and social development of the nation.  The Outback Way enables - freight efficiencies, new mining developments, enhanced tourism experiences, expanded primary production and fosters the wellbeing is rural and remote communities along the Outback Way.

After graduating from 168¿ª½±¹ÙÍø’s, Helen studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics at the University of New England in Armidale. Since then she has garnered diverse experiences in agri-politics, policy, lobbying and values-based decision making. Previous roles include community development, Queensland Ministerial Policy Advisor, Executive Officer – United Graziers (Agforce), Founder of Enterprising Queenslanders and Young Primary Producers (Young Farmers Network), National Coordinator for Year of the Outback and Executive Director of an Ag Company, Alice Springs.

Reflecting on her 168¿ª½±¹ÙÍø’s experience, Helen said: “There were two strong women as Principal and Head of Boarding, Miss Heath and Sister Chasely respectively. To persuade them to engage in an idea for the school, I learnt to be one step ahead of any questions they might have. I think tenacity was fostered and the diverse experiences provided helped me work out what I liked and didn’t like, and what I was good at and not so good at. This was invaluable for sorting through all my options and deciding on my university degree which created my career.

“I took away from 168¿ª½±¹ÙÍø’s the notion you can do anything. There was no gender discussion, just encouragement to reach your potential- as a person and live a fulfilling life by sharing your strengths to leave any situation better than you find it.”

Helen was the guest speaker at 168¿ª½±¹ÙÍø’s 2019 Old Girls’ Association Brunch.

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