Look who I caught up with this week! Lisa Ridgley. She is so lovely. I knew her voice so well when she was on the radio, and it feels surreal talking with her over a cuppa. We went to my grandma’s house {just joking}, but it does feel like a trip to Nana’s place when you bunk down at A Bite to Eat, Chifley shops. Make yourself a cuppa and come and sip tea with us.
Who are you?
I’m a mother to my gorgeous boys Lachlan who is nearly 2 and my stepson Tyson who has just turned 13… Terrible twos and terrible teenager… I think we are in for a crazy ride over the next couple of years!
What do you do?
I’m CEO of SIDS and Kids ACT – an absolute privilege and an honour to work for such an incredible organisation.
How long have you lived in Canberra?
A decade! It feels like yesterday … I love this place. I’m from Brisbane originally but moved here from Darwin.
I first came across you on the morning show at FM106.3 Do you miss radio life?
Radio was such an enormous part of my life. I grew up dreaming of a career in radio and was so fortunate enough to have lived that dream. I worked with incredible people, met and interviewed so many amazing people from superstars to Prime Ministers to hard-working Aussies. I loved raising money for great causes. I loved every minute of it but it was time to move on – I don’t miss waking up at 3am … I did it for a decade. It’s also nice to have my private life kept private.
What do you find the hardest thing about being a working mother?
Juggling everything … And finding balance … And knowing in your heart you need to look after yourself and your health and fitness in order to give back … But finding the time to do that is nuts … I just want another hour sleep … oh and guilt – mother guilt! But I feel so blessed. Having a baby was something I never thought would happen for me. I cherish every single day and when my working day is done I go home and squeeze them tight – what a blessing!
What do you have coming up?
Christmas Lights in the City, it all kicks off on Friday, November 27 with the Chief Minister lighting the Canberra Christmas tree in an attempt to break the world record for most lights on an artificial Christmas tree. It’s going to be huge this year. SIDS and Kids ACT is part of Christmas in the City, a much bigger event over an entire month which includes markets, camel rides, a kids’ hub and more.
Where do you go for all things beauty?
When do I have time for all things beauty?! I think there’s a packet facial mask in the back of my bathroom cupboard!
Favourite restaurant?
We had a date night recently at Wild Duck … Loved it! It was sensational. But often the simple things are the best … You can’t go past takeaway laksa from Dickson Noodle House on a Friday night. We are also regulars at Mirchi Indian in Ngunnawal … And CBD Dumpling House!!!
If you could change Canberra for the better, what would you do?
I would create a restaurant/cafe strip somewhere along lake Burley Griffin – I just love the lake – how lucky are we to live in such a magical place?!
Favourite quote/saying/mantra?
I believe in me and magic happens.
What makes you smile?
My family… Getting a green light… A beautiful sunrise and sunset… The simple things.
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Ahhh Lisa I feel your pain. I am often looking for free samples at the back of my bathroom too when I am trying to improve my looks last minute. I like your cafe strip idea along Burley G too. AND of course I cannot wait for the Christmas lights in the city this year. It is all very exciting and becoming a special December tradition for our family.
Lisa, I heard that you are after volunteers to help set the lights up? If anyone is reading and would like to donate some of their time/energy/muscle into putting up the fairy lights in the city, please email volunteers@sidsandkidsact.com.au It is a super fun project, run purely by volunteers and the money raised goes to helping bereaved Canberra families move forward. You won’t regret putting your hand up.
Last week I got you two women for the price of one! Read about Mary-Anne Apps and Nicole Spillane here.
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