Wendy Teasdale-Smith was appointed Patron of HEIA SA during the World Home Economics Day celebration in 2012. Wendy is the founder of a business called ‘What’s the stuff’ which provides tips for developing presence in leadership and is currently running this business. Wendy began her career as a Home Economics teacher. Since that time her career has evolved spanning the primary, secondary and tertiary education systems; and involved working across the government, private and not-for-profit contexts. She is also well known for her extensive contribution to professional associations.
Wendy is looking forward to working closely with HEIA SA, including supporting the development of Home Economics teachers and raising the profile of Home Economics as a profession. Wendy has also sponsored a leadership award to encourage Home Economists to further their leadership abilities through training and education.
Julie Taylor was appointed Patron of HEIA SA at the 2017 AGM. She has had an illustrious career as a Home Economics teacher, for over 40 years. She has worked in a variety of schools in metropolitan Adelaide, as well as lecturing in food, at UniSA.
She has been passionate about Home Economics, and a “go to” individual for all things pertaining to Home Economics teaching in South Australia.
Julie became an executive member of HEIA SA in 1997. Her roles have included . . .
● Seeking funds from CEASA to support the development of SA Hub Groups;
● HEIA SA State President (2003-2005);
● representing SA on National Council;
● National President (2006-2008);
● member of Membership Standing and the Education Standing committees;
● Representing HEIA SA on CEASA, and
● HEIA SA Treasurer, (in her spare time!)
Julie developed several resources including “FoodChoices the IT way”, “Nutrition-The Inside Story”, “Food Safety Matters”, “Food and Nutrition in Action”. She also instigated the development of SACE Stage 2 Nutrition Guide, chairing meetings of nutrition teachers.
Julie was involved in the establishment of various school-based competitions, and was a part of “Meet and Greet” sessions with university students, developing and implementing Speed Mentoring with student teachers, and teachers new to the profession.
Julie was instrumental in the reinstatement of a tertiary Home Economics course at UniSA, and in 2014 was awarded Fellow of the Home Economics Institute of Australia Inc. This award recognised the outstanding contribution Julie had made to HEIA at State and National levels and to the Home Economics profession generally.
Julie is a true advocate for Home Economics and her determined efforts, have had a very positive impact on the way the education community perceives Home Economics.