Narrabri local joins the Narromine to Narrabri (N2N) Stakeholder Engagement team
Samantha Lubke-Wood joined the N2N Stakeholder Engagement team in November, taking up the position of Stakeholder Engagement Officer based in our Narrabri community shopfront. Sam is Narrabri born and bred. She loves her community and is looking forward to engaging locals about the project and sharing her knowledge and perspectives with her new team.
December 14, 2022
Catch up with Sam at the Maitland Street Christmas Carnival this Friday 16 December or the Narrabri Rotary Markets this Saturday 17 December. Or spend five minutes getting to know Sam now…
Have you always lived in Narrabri?
I left for about 10 years when I was in my early 20s and moved back seven years ago after the birth of my second child. I moved back to be closer to my family (and free babysitting) and am loving bringing up my kids in our lovely tight knit community.
What did you do before you started with Inland Rail?
I was teaching courses in Community Services at Narrabri Community College.
What motivated you to join Inland Rail?
I was looking for a new and challenging position where I can use my interpersonal communication skills and knowledge of the area on such an important and large-scale project.
What has your experience been like so far?
It has been amazing, everyone I have met so far has been very welcoming and helpful. It’s great to be part of a team that appreciates my out-of-the-box thinking.
In your own words what do you think the benefits of Inland Rail are to Narrabri and the wider community?
I think the biggest benefit for Narrabri will be the economic boost once construction begins. Once the route is operational it will provide a rail link into Queensland, opening opportunities for local businesses or maybe motivating businesses to move into the area.
Opening up an inland route between Melbourne and Brisbane will strengthen the whole rail network – regional products can get to capital cities faster even in those adverse weather events as we’ve had recently or if we experience border lockdowns again. It’s a once-in-a-generation project and I’m excited to see what it has to offer.
How would you describe the Inland Rail Program in three words?
Innovative, complex, ground-breaking
What do you hope to achieve in your role?
I love engagement and my aim is to provide a friendly face for the Narrabri community and make people feel comfortable to come in and engage with our team.
Favourite spot in Narrabri?
Mt Kaputar, it’s a beautiful outlook and if you’re lucky you can spot the pink slug which is only found up on the mountain in the high altitudes usually after rain.
What do you love about Narrabri?
Narrabri is such a great community, for a small town we do have a lot to offer. I love that when hard times hit, the community comes together to help affected people. We all support each other.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
My family loves to travel in our caravan, it is our home on wheels. We have been to many different places and had some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we love the outdoors, fishing, kayaking and swimming.
TOP IMAGE: Sam at the entrance to the Narrabri community shopfront at 85 Maitland Street.
BOTTOM IMAGE: Sam at the Narrabri Rotary Markets.
