Kate Eppelstun (née McSpadden)

I graduated from St Joseph’s Primary School in 2005. I always enjoyed having a go at swimming and athletics carnivals, and the cross-country. I particularly remember the excitement of attending the Boorowa Netball Carnival and dressing up for the school’s entry in the festival parade each year. 

Science was always my favourite subject, but I also really liked art, especially the Christmas crafts Mrs Franks came up with at the end of the year. 

My favourite memory of St Joseph’s is the support network. Not only were we lucky to form great friendships, I remember the genuine care and interest staff had for our well-being.

After school, I graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours) and started working at the RSPCA ACT shelter the next day. Of my three years at the RSPCA, a career highlight was my time working in the animal welfare inspectorate. I am currently a Technical Biosecurity Officer at the Department of Agriculture. My day to day work involves assessing dairy products (including the ice creams and baby formula you find on the supermarket shelf) to ensure there is an appropriately low risk of the imported products bringing animal diseases, like foot and mouth disease, into Australia.

My advice for current students is that while it can be great to think ahead, don’t get too caught up in making set plans for the future. If you always try your best and are open to taking on new challenges or opportunities that come your way, you might be pleasantly surprised at where they take you in life.