Yvonne Shepherd founded Women’s Fitness Adventures to help Queensland women aged 40-75 years connect and get and stay active. Yvonne gathers the unsung heroes. The makers of family life and workforce. The carers, the volunteers, the committed, the doers, the quiet ones. Sometimes invisible, not ones to create fuss or draw attention. They are often forgotten. They are the sandwich generation of Queensland Women, quietly going about their business making the lives of all those they interact with easier, smoother and uncomplicated.
Women’s Fitness Adventures offers a safe, supportive environment for women to become involved and remain active in outdoor fitness activities through specifically crafted Adventures. Their model is built around community and friendship whilst pushing personal boundaries and comfort zones.
Going to new places both close to home and far away, creates new opportunities to learn patience, tolerance and self confidence. It also allows women to explore and learn more about different cultures. Women’s Fitness Adventures includes women returning from illness, cancer and surgery who are getting stronger everyday, when they never thought they could. Yvonne has seen firsthand that when a woman feels strong, fit and healthy she does good things, and creates a ripple effect. Members transfer their skills to their own family. The entire family becomes more active, engaged in getting outdoors, fitter and stronger.
MOST PROUD OF
I am most proud of the impact I am having on women’s lives. From improved physical health outcomes to emotional health. We have seen women move away from chronic disease such as obesity and diabetes. We’ve seen women boost self esteem and confidence. We have seen women lose weight, move more freely and step into their own lives. We have also seen how this has a ripple effect on the people closest to them and their overall outlook on life.
I’m also proud that I have been invited as a Keynote Speaker at the Global EcoTourism conference in Cairns this December!
WHY I LOVE QUEENSLAND
I am not a native Queenslander and moved from Melbourne at 15. I fell in love with the lifestyle. Having travelled the world in my late 20’s when deciding where to live on my return, the decision was easy. Around the globe, people were the happiest and friendliest when they lived in a sunny location. Brisbane was it.
Queensland is full of opportunities for a woman to thrive. The favourable weather encourages you to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, Brisbane city is accessible by road or public transport and safe. Beyond the CBD limits lies spectacular countryside and beaches scattered with towns of friendly and hospitable locals all to willing to show you their slice of Queensland.
It is also easy to conduct business. Access is easy to Small Business portals, local members and skills training. The atmosphere is one of encouragement and support rather than red tape. Additionally, with the 24 hour airport and new tunnels in Brisbane, access to travel for business is also made simple.
MY VISION FOR QUEENSLAND
My vision for Brisbane is that as the city continues to grow, we maintain our easygoing, relaxed lifestyle whilst continuing to provide opportunities for women in business, the arts and health. It is important that we hold tight and nurture our strength of welcoming all newcomers. That we continue to embrace change for the goal of a better Queensland, and that we look out for our neighbours to ensure we keep the city safe.
I would like to see more women over 40 and those retiring, lead an active lifestyle, so that they remain strong and have freedom and choices as they navigate older age. My vision is to also see Queensland women remain connected to each other, to avoid loneliness, isolation and depression. A strong female community united by the common goal of remaining active as you age.
ADVICE FOR QUEENSLAND WOMEN
My one piece of advice is to get active. It keeps you mentally strong and the body healthy. Reconnect with the girl you were at 12 and shine like she did. Find the fun again. Don’t listen to the voices of your own head, the voices of others or the media. It will drag you down.
Go find that girl. Your values have only strengthened. Your purpose and passion lies there hidden with the girl you once were. Don’t wait for the milestone, the life circumstance to find her. Be the woman you were born to be.
FEMECONOMY HAS PARTNERED WITH THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT’S OFFICE FOR WOMEN TO SHOWCASE QUEENSLAND WOMEN WHO ARE STRIVING TO CREATE GENDER EQUALITY.
Queensland is built by amazing Queenslanders. Every day women in Queensland are taking action to make Queensland safer for women, to help women’s health and wellbeing, to build women’s economic security and to increase women’s participation in the workforce and female leadership. Femeconomy is showcasing 20 women from across Queensland that are delivering the Queensland Government’s Women’s Strategy.
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