Her parents made the long journey from England with her two older siblings and settled into Leeton.

She fondly remembers her childhood, filled with adventure and a fascination with the world around her.

From playing in the mud to collecting frog’s eggs, there was never a shortage of things to do.

“We’d watch them develop into tadpoles and into frogs,” she said.

“I had a really good childhood and I never got bored.

“I spent most of my time outside and only came in when it got dark or when we got hungry.”

Surrounded by her friends, they always had something to do.

As she grew up, her professional aspirations followed a common desire to help others.

After finishing school she entered veterinary nurse training, worked as a nurse before becoming a mental health worker for Flourish Australia.

“There’s so many people in need that really do have problems,” she said.

“It’s good to help them get on the right track.”

Mrs Willis is pleased to see a drastic increase of mental health awareness.

“I see more people now who are more comfortable talking about it,” she said.

“There’s definitely a big need out there and you make yourself available and get the word out for people not to be afraid to come forward.”

Her connection with others and desire to find ways to help keep her and her husband Craig looking for ways to give back.

Their support and efforts have raised much needed funds for the cystic fibrosis database.

Their efforts support a worthy cause and the teams contributing to the fundraiser gather at the end of their annual cycle to put their efforts into a different direction, an all terrain rally.

The course will change from year to year, but the challenge and enjoyment remain.

She feels honoured to see the town get behind charities and those in need.

Her deep connection to the Leeton community and it’s many facets reinforce that it will always be her home.

It is a connection that makes Leeton quite unique in her eyes.

“I love the friendliness, I think everybody is so friendly and so willing to support one another,” Mrs Willis said.

“Whether there’s been a crisis or to help out a charity people are more than willing to help and they don’t think twice about giving you a hand.

“We’ve got a lot of good people here.”