![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/WP160226AT00965_82783.jpg\")
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“What inspires you?<\/p>\n
Trudi: “People having a go and people who overcome adversity and remain passionate and resilient…But also, put me in a room with some classical music and four croissant doughs to laminate and I’m in heaven. I submerge into my happy world!”<\/p>\n
Jenna: “My ancestors, my family and my mob \u2014 and by the responsibility to keep our stories, language and culture strong through art.”<\/p>\n
Danni: “Leaders who lift others up and challenge the status quo. Their courage and clarity push me to grow. I wouldn’t be where I am without people like this and I hope to put that same energy out into the universe to help others achieve their potential.<\/p>\n
“What’s a ‘pinch me’ moment you’ve had in your career?<\/p>\n
Trudi: “Training in my beloved craft of patisserie in Paris, or leaving Australia after I qualified as a chef; armed with my knife roll, my books and my parents’ support.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jenna: “Seeing my artworks in public spaces and watching people engage with Wadawurrung culture and stories is always a special moment. Collaborating with Morag Myerscough on Sunnyside and blending our styles \u2014 both rooted in storytelling, bright colours and bold shapes \u2014 to bring Wadawurrung Country to life was deeply meaningful.”<\/p>\n Danni: “Leading an organisation that delivers exceptional education and conservation outcomes is extraordinary but being able to share that story on the world stage and invite people from across the globe to experience what we’re achieving here in regional Victoria is something I’m still genuinely humbled by.”<\/p>\n What’s one myth about women in leadership you’d love to bust?<\/p>\n Trudi: “That women need to lead with an iron fist. I fiercely believe that kindness and a strong moral compass is key.”<\/p>\n Jenna: “That leadership means acting a certain way. For me, it’s about being authentic, letting your culture guide you and creating spaces through storytelling where people feel seen, heard and able to grow. That is how meaningful change happens.”<\/p>\n Danni: “The idea that ambition isn’t feminine. Women are often encouraged to be capable but not too driven, as though aspiration somehow conflicts with warmth or authenticity. In reality, ambition is simply a commitment to making a meaningful impact and it can be expressed with empathy, collaboration and strength.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?<\/p>\n Trudi: “Jump, dive, run, dance, cry, love hard, try everything, fall 20 times, get up 21. Never stop backing yourself. Years 28-30 will nearly kill you, but you will SURIVIVE! And buy some Bitcoin!”<\/p>\n Jenna: “Trust your spirit, share your stories and let your heritage guide you along the path you are meant to walk.”<\/p>\n Danni: “Say yes to every opportunity \u2014 especially the ones that feel a bit intimidating. This uncomfortable space is where you grow the fastest.”<\/p>\n What’s your secret weapon as a leader?<\/p>\n Trudi: “Humour and empathy, I believe teams don’t just follow systems, they follow how you make them feel.”<\/p>\n Jenna: “Connection and openness \u2014 I aim to create safe, welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable to learn, ask questions and connect with Wadawurrung culture in an accessible and meaningful way.”<\/p>\n Danni: I ask purposeful questions that almost always bring the right solution into focus.”<\/p>\n These women are just a few of the incredible forces shaping Ballarat’s tourism and hospitality scene.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BALLARAT is alive with creative energy \u2013 and much of that momentum is driven by the inspiring women shaping our tourism, event and hospitality scene. We spoke to Trudi Armstrong (Hideaway owner and chef), Jenna Oldaker (Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and First Nations artist) and Danni Neil (Ballarat Wildlife Park CEO) \u2014 leaders playing a pivotal […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/TrudiArmstrongHideaw_82798.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/JennaOldakerBallarat_82801.jpg\")