Featuring the Women of Middlemount, Central Queensland.

This project aims to help us see our own beauty, our achievements and strengths. We celebrate our personal journey, value and appreciate the many roles we play in our family and within our community, this is the 'Way of Me'.


Welcome to the Way of Me Project - a place to connect and learn something from each other, through our strengths, differences and the paths we follow, there is beauty and admiration for every woman. I hope you find inspiration within these words and images.


Ellen, happy, friendly, warm, beautiful, personable - pretty much any kind word you can think of would describe her! It's been a pleasure getting to know Ellen a little better through the project, a genuine, down to earth, talented, charismatic, also a mother, wife and friend to many, she has been an integral part of the community for quite some time, she is in fact, the longest serving teacher aid at Middlemount Community School! Thank you Ellen for your time and energy, I loved reading your Q&A and I know so many others will too, you are one in a million.


Take the time to smell the flowers - life is all around us, and it is beautiful.

Ellen H.

Ellen, Questions and Answers:


How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you and cant see you? Physically; middle aged, blond, blue eyes, average to slightly chunky build :) I am genuine and kind and try to always see the good in people.


How do you find balance? I'm a bit of a creature of habit, so enjoy when things go to plan. I can be an over planner and a bit of a control freak at times though- just ask my daughter!


My job title officially is... but really my job involves... Teacher Aide - but really I'm a super-flexible-constantly-multitasking-ninja-warrior with a touch of sparkles and razzle dazzle... or sometimes frazzle dazzle. Seriously love my job though. TA's support everyone in the school, staff and students, and no 2 days are ever the same.


What motivates you? I'm a bit of a people pleaser, so knowing someone will be pleasantly surprised by, or genuinely appreciate, something I do gives me motivation to do it. Ultimately, I think I'm more motivated when I'm held accountable to someone other than myself.


A moment in your life that has helped defined you... Definitely becoming a mother. I mean, it is by far the greatest and most self defining experience any woman can go through. It is a love beyond measure. I still get hit in the heart at times by the depth of my love for my child.


A quote that resonates or I keep coming back to... "Always make time for your wellness, or you'll be forced to make time for your sickness."


I'm grateful for... My life, my family, my freedom... but most of all, living in Middlemount, I am grateful or my aircons!


My best features are... I never judge a book by its cover. I am honest and open minded and great at keeping secrets.


I love my... compassion


I'm working on... I'm working on my health and fitness - as always. Trying to eat mindfully and listen to my body more.


My days usually look like this... Rise about 7am. Off to work about 8am - home by about 4pm. Playing with my cat, patting my goldfish (yes I pat my gold fish and they love it!) . Afternoons usually consist of meal prep, gardening, chatting with family and friends and feeding the resident magpies. I like watching The Chase at 5pm, but this doesn't always happen. Dinner, shower and usually some TV time with my husband before bed. Obviously lots of tedious daily tasks in there too like dishes, cleaning, washing etc.


I dream of... winning the lottery, lol.


My worst habits are... OK, honest admission here... Picking my toenails! Usually absent mindlessly while watching TV and then forgetting to remove the 'boomerangs' from the coffee table - a habit my husband detests!


I feel balanced when... I am alone - especially in nature. I love all living things, big and small, and feel regenerated when I can just sit and breath and listen to the birds and the rustle of leaves in the wind.


How do you measure success, wins, fulfilling times? Happiness! Ultimately that's the goal isn't it?


I would tell my younger self this advice/lesson/truths... Learn to love yourself first before seeking to find love from others. Self love is far more wholesome and valuable than any form of love you'll get from someone else.


What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was very young, an actor or a singer - as I got older and more realistic, a teacher.


High repeat things: I tend to go through phases with these things so it varies. Currently I'm enjoying a lot of John West Lime, Ginger and Chilli Salmon and the banging tunes of Chappel Roan.


Bucket list top 5? I haven't really got a bucket list, but some things I would like to do are travel to Pompeii, explore Galapagos Island, swim with whale sharks and visit the quokkas on Rochets Island.


If money was no object where would you live and what would you do? In a simple home, on a large coastal property with lots of different animals. I would love to have the time and money to adequately care for injured wildlife so I'd probably study this and set up a sanctuary.


A book or movie that every woman should read/watch is... Something that makes them feel deeply - be it nostalgia, gratitude, power, lust, awe - deep feelings remind us why we are alive.


Im proud of these achievements... Raising such a beautiful young lady who feels comfortable to share her deepest thoughts and feelings with me. We all doubt ourselves as parents, but when I look at this girl of mine, I know I did something right. Another massive achievement for me is overcoming my performance anxiety and being able to sing solo at public events such as Anzac Day.


Someone local you admire? So many amazing women come to mind, but one tops them all - Jane Pickles. Jane has been a long standing member of our community and she is such a genuinely beautiful person, inside and out. Her dedication to the community, to the people, and to her own personal goals (like trekking the Kokoda Track) make her a woman I greatly admire and feel privileged to know.


A message to other women... Always listen to the little voice inside your head; she's usually right. Unless that voice is anxiety, then maybe tell her to calm the frig down - it will be OK!


A message to myself... You are enough.



Anything else to add? Take the time to smell the flowers - life is all around us, and it is beautiful.