Judges

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My love of cats began as far back as I can remember. Growing up on a farm, I adored our two beautiful grey cats, Smokey and Fluffy, and over the years I continued to share my life with a variety of rescued barn cats. In 2013, my life changed profoundly when I had the privilege of nursing my best friend and dearest sister through the final stages of metastatic breast cancer. Before she passed, she made me promise to find the joy in life that would help others and fulfil me. That promise led me to the world of Ragdolls. I purchased my first Ragdoll, Rosie, and soon discovered the wonderful world of breeding and showing. My two boys, Angus and Hunter, joined me in the adventure, competing in every Junior Handler opportunity they could. Showing became something we enjoyed together as a family. I later became a steward and became actively involved in our local shows as Publicity Officer and Sponsorship Coordinator. In 2016, I saw the American Shorthair for the first time at a National Cat Show. I was immediately captivated and brought two females home. Since then, I have imported two males and developed an enduring passion for this wonderful breed. Although I have now retired from breeding Ragdolls, I still have three much–loved Ragdoll pets who continue to grace my bed, while the American Shorthair has truly captured my heart. My journey into judging began with gaining my Companion Judges badge. In 2019, I commenced the Group 1 Trainee Judges Course. Like so many things, the journey was interrupted by the pandemic, and in 2022 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Breeding and showing understandably came to a standstill for a time. In 2026, I was thrilled to complete my training and probationary period and become a qualified Group 1 Judge. I have now embarked on the Shorthair Trainee Course, continuing my journey and deepening my knowledge and appreciation of the feline world. Every cat I have the privilege of handling is a joy. Whether judging in the ring or simply spending time with my own cats, I never take the opportunity for granted. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found something that brings me such happiness and allows me to share that passion with others. I now live on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, and work as a Case Manager in Aged Care. For me, cats have been so much more than a passion. They have been a source of friendship, healing, purpose and joy—and I feel incredibly lucky that my journey has brought me to where I am today.