CARLY CLARK

Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to me?

International women’s day for me is about women supporting and celebrating other women and their achievements without judgement, jealously or agenda. I believe in the past women have been made to believe that we must battle and compete with other women on the work, family, and social scene to make out as though we’re capable of juggling all balls at once and don’t need help. In a world full of stepford wives it’s refreshing to see more Beth Dutton’s. Fierce, independent and who can hold their own but don’t necessarily have it all together.

Q: How did I start and what are the highlights of my career?

I started with a strong worth ethic. I was a farm kid who wasn’t afraid to get dirt under my fingernails. My first job at 13 years old was picking up eggs at a battery hen farm in rural NSW. I worked three jobs until my early twenties and went on to have illustrious radio career before moving back to Sydney in 2008 to work as the Live Events Manager for The Wiggles. Sounds amazing, however I left it all behind in 2011 when I fled Sydney due to domestic violence at the hands of my ex-husband. I left my career, my friends, and my ex behind. After getting back on my feet as a single mum, I met my (now) husband Ashley in Bundaberg and we set out to create Splitters Farm. We had the vision to raise our kids on a cattle property that might one day become a boutique farm stay. I was so determined that our vision would become reality that I used to talk to anyone who would listen about my dreams and goals. I’m sure everyone thought I was crazy. The highlight of my career was when a lady came up to me one day in the street and gave me a hug saying that I had sat next to her on a plane once and told her of my plans to build Splitters Farm and that she wanted me to know that she was so proud of me because I had done exactly what I had set out to achieve.

Q: How can we encourage future women leaders?

I think the best way to encourage future women leaders is to just be real. Don’t be afraid to show the good, the bad and the ugly and the reality that we all drop a few juggling balls along the way because we’re not perfect. We all experience highlights and lowlights but it’s your journey that builds character and defines who and how you treat others.

Q: What does an equal future world look like?

I think an equal future world is one where we no longer need to have a ‘special day’ to celebrate women, or other minority groups for that matter because oppression is a thing of the past. We will just celebrate the achievements of all.