Dierdre grew up in Ballarat on Wadawurrung Country, the eldest of four kids with three brothers. She undertook further education in Melbourne before working in local schools, including Mooroopna Primary School and the former Shepparton Special School. She worked in a regional early intervention role, based in Shepparton, supporting families who had young children with a hearing loss. Dierdre was Practice Manager for a local Audiology clinic during which time she also worked at the Audiology Department at the local hospital, providing support to families whose child was undergoing diagnosis for hearing loss. Dierdre has two daughters and lives south of Kyabram, and in her spare time enjoys reading, gardening and barracking for Geelong. Being involved in the Board has deepened Dierdre’s appreciation and passion for the local community and arts. Dierdre has been on the Board of Kaiela Arts since 2017 and has been Secretary since October 2020. She stepped in to support Kaiela Arts, working full time in a voluntary capacity, from October 2021 until April 2022.