Suzie Kenny is a coach, farmer, published author, mother and proud wife from Streaky Bay, with a strong focus on family, freedom and health.
What is the best thing about being a farmer?
For me it is owning a vast and diverse property that gives us opportunities in business but also to be able to immerse ourselves in the amazing beauty of our little patch of paradise.
What do you enjoy about living and working on Eyre Peninsula?
The community connection. To me the Eyre Peninsula is one big community and having relatives, friends, acquaintances in every town and everywhere in between is so great. I think it’s true that to make a difference in the world it starts at home, then transposes into communities in a way that allows individuals to showcase their skills and talents to make really positive contributions, which in turn adds to our own EP culture.
What three things would you take if you and your family were deserted on an island?
Well since the question states my family will be with me, that means I’ll have three strong, intelligent men with me, so that is a very big bonus! A fishing line, a book and something to light a fire as I’ve never had much luck rubbing two sticks together. Oh, but of course I would have scheduled an Instagram post stating “I totally planned this”.
Do you prefer summer or winter and why?
I’m definitely a winter woman. I adore green grass, rain clouds (and rain), bonfires, camp ovens, vintage woolen rugs, bushwalks and watching winter storms roll over the ocean.
What is the most unique/interesting problem that has been presented to you at work?
I’ve had such a variety of problems over the years in the different jobs that I’ve had. In my own coaching business, it never ceases to amaze me just how tough people are to strive towards overcoming their varied and complex issues and it truly is an honour to help them in their own unique journey. In my work in our farming business there have been a few times where I have had to step outside of my comfort zone and constantly through farming that we can do way more than what we may initially think, we are way smarter, stronger and more capable than we may give ourselves credit for. I’ve found on every occasion it is simply a willingness to have a go at things that will propel us towards outcomes that we may or may not have foreseen for our own lives, that’s what gives us the adventure that is worth taking! I’ll add that being able to admit that we don’t know something or are learning new skills no matter what age we are is a helpful attribute. This motto is probably what also encouraged me to start work for our excellent Member for Flinders, Sam Telfer MP. I’ve always had an interest in politics so to be given an opportunity to work in this field is proving to be a great adventure, being able to assist people in this capacity is truly rewarding.
What time does your alarm go off and how does your typical morning unfold?
I’m not a morning person, so I set the alarm as late as possible, which is fine if my morning goes according to plan, when I have a plan. I love to juice a whole lemon, add olive oil, pop it into a fun shot glass and kick start the day.
How do you juggle family, farming, writing a book and other work?
The subtitle of my book is “the courage to lead your life with one foot in chaos and one foot in order”, and am very conscious about always striving to stay as balanced as possible while making sure to give things a crack as much as I can. I discovered that strengthening myself helps me navigate those more difficult or chaotic times in life and I do this by trying to hit targets for my own health and wellbeing. Continual awareness of what areas of life need some attention, such as healthy eating, connection to friends or down time to decompress and then making a conscious effort to achieve this. It is true sometimes I don’t keep all the juggling balls in the air, but I’ve learnt that perhaps it isn’t dropping the ball perhaps it’s much needed rest and time to carve out time to think properly.
Favourite place to eat on Eyre Peninsula?
I’m not a foody, I eat everything, so I never spend a lot of time and energy focusing on where or what to eat, maybe that’s because I can’t really go past a country chicken snitty and chips at our local Streaky Bay Hotel with good company. Yes, it’s the simple things.
Last movie or show you streamed or saw and was it any good?
I don’t watch movies; they are too long and I don’t see the point spending my time on something that doesn’t help my life in some way. But I’ll sit down occasionally and watch a good series, the last one I enjoyed was ‘The Diplomat’. When I do get time to watch a screen, I watch podcasts or do online learning.
Favourite musician?
I’m a big music fan, so I have such a broad range of genres on my playlist. I grew up listening to Slim Dusty and can still sing word for word all of his songs. Now Spotify Wrapped tells me: Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, Sam Fender, Ben Howard and for a golden oldie choice it would be The Cranberries. I do have such great memories of an old local band back in the day called The Pit Crew, a lot of dancing and partying was done to the music of that Streaky Bay band.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend on Eyre Peninsula?
Friday night: happy hour, Saturday: a long clifftop walk taking in the wonders near Streaky Bay followed by coffee with friends. Saturday night: a cheese platter, local oysters and prawns and a champagne at the beach. Sunday: a no alarm allowed morning, then a drive to the Gawler Ranges with the family for a look, a walk and a picnic lunch, then home to throw a chop on the BBQ. I’ll not discount a good shindig though; I certainly can morph into a social butterfly when I want to.
