Mrs Napier was born in Dubbo in 1960 and her family moved to Leeton in 1969 after her father accepted a position with NSW Agriculture. 

After attending school at St Joseph’s Primary, St Francis College and Leeton High School, Mrs Napier’s first job was with the Rice Marketing Board.

After meeting and marrying her husband Tony, the pair lived in Coleambally for a couple of years before returning to Leeton for work and to raise their children – Amanda, Lisa and Grant.

“We chose to raise our family in Leeton because of its great community spirit, educational facilities and, of course, the wonderful country lifestyle,” Mrs Napier said.

“I love Leeton because it is my home. I remember many years ago my husband and I felt a need for a change with the possibility of relocating. We took about three months off and took our family for a trip around Australial, ooking for a new adventure. We did make an incredible discovery that this great nation has so many beautiful cities and towns and countryside but, for us, we did not find a place that compared to our home – Leeton.”

Mrs Napier said one of her favourite aspects of Leeton was how the community responds in times of need. 

During her time in the community, she has worked alongside people she said were inspiring. 

As pastoral care team leader at Assumption Villa, Mrs Napier ran an eight-week training program for pastoral care volunteers. 

“I am very passionate about building empathy, understanding and connection and that is why I have been running a monthly community coffee morning, which is going into its fourth year,” she said.

“Each month we hear from a member of our community who share their stories. Some stories are raw, some raise awareness, educate, encourage and inspire.”

Mrs Napier is also interested in providing support to those grieving or experiencing a loss and will be running “the art of grieving” workshops next year.

She has also been instrumental in ensuring in running memorial services for stillborn babies and ensuring they have their own section at the town’s cemetery.

“These snippets highlight to me the greatest attribute of Leeton is the way we value and care for the most vulnerable in our community,” Mrs Napier said. “Leeton has a positive future as we continue to value each other, connect and empathise.

“We can all sow into our community and volunteering is an awesome way to do that. We all have something to give and giving is what Leeton does – abundantly.”

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