About Governess Australia

by Lee-Anne

Governess Australia was the work of three governesses from outback Australia.  The idea of creating a network and website on governessing has been kicked around by the governess groups in South Australia and Queensland for several years.  

In 2001 the South Australia Governess Group sent out letters to all School of the Airs and Distance Ed. Schools around Australia to see if they would be interested in forming a network for governesses.  In 2002 Jasmyn Crimmins, President of the Mount Isa Governess group, contacted Lee-Anne Bright, President of Distance Education Supervisors (SA Group).  The Mt Isa Govie Group was keen to set up a network on the web.  Jasmyn knew a governess called Kirsten Cosgrove, who had all the technical knowledge and training to put it together and up on the web.  So from that moment Lee-Anne became the willing pupil to learn all she could about the creation, operation and maintenance of the Governess Australia website and Jasmyn took care of the financial .  There were many moments when Kirsten was driven to the brink of madness.  The girls names became regular words in each of their work household, the bosses of all three at the time were very tolerant and we sincerely thank them for their support.

In October 2002 Governess Australia was launched onto the internet.  With much advertising through emails to all the Distance Education Schools and in 2003 through the ICPA newsletters, Governess Australia has became a success.   The JobBoard has been a major success many girls telling me they found their job through it.  In January 2003 the website had up to 8 jobs being advertised at one time.  After just two and a half months of operation we were ecstatic.  Now after several years the site has had up to 30 resumes and over 50 jobs online at once. 

Lee-Anne now runs the website alone using her many supporters as a sounding board.

Lee-Anne's Story Continues

In April 2003 I made major changes to the look of the entire website, revamping most areas.  The major change was to the Schoolroom Tips and Links section.  They now became the one area called The Schoolhouse. With thanks to govo's who have sent me work activities, etc. 

In October 2003 there were over 40 members of our Yahoo Group OUTBACK GOVIES.  With constant messages and tips going up.  Many newbies are now starting to ask questions and use it as a place to get ideas and help.  In 2006 there are nearly 70 members.

In 2004 I have worked on setting up many new pages and making the information more streamlined to use.  Some of the new pages are the FAQ page to answer new and perspective governesses questions and the Ask an Expert page.  I have also changes the overall look of the webpage once again.  I finally met Jasmyn at Mt Isa this year.  After all these years of emailing to meet someone face to face and hear a voice was fantastic. 

In 2005 I, Lee-Anne, have sole responsibility for for both financial and maintenance of the website.  A job which is a brings me into contact through email with hundreds of parents, teachers and governesses.

2007 has so far provide me with plenty of challenges maintaining the website.  When I moved back to NSW I had to redo the entire website.  In the process I upgraded the look of the site and added more information and pages.   The website has been simplified with the addition of the Parent Page and Govie Page, providing a central point for both parties to get information.

2009 December, the website has 167 pages, it has come a long way from the 8 that it started with.  Many parents have suggested charging a fee for the use of advertising space on Governess Australia.  I have taken that idea on board and am now developing a annual membership.

In January 2010 I created a whole new JobBoard based on the idea that employers have to become members to advertise their position.  I am extremely excited to think after 9 years of maintaining the website it may start paying me back for all the time it takes answering emails and maintaining it. I have also decided to streamline the look of the whole website to fit in with the new look created for the JobBoard.....MORE WORK.

2011 has been the start of more development for my business, I started a FaceBook page to support the website and the Outback Govies group.  It will give tips and updates on what I am up to.  Another way to advertise my business.

In August 2011 I started a blog http://www.governessworld.blogspot.com/ I felt I was never going to get around to writing the book that everyone wants me to so I will start sharing all the stuff that I have collected up.  On another note Employer Membership of the JobBoard is working well and paying me back for all the hard work I have put in. 

About Lee-Anne

I grew up on a property in Wester NSW, south of Broken Hill.  My sister and I had governesses while completing Broken Hill School Of The Air. 

I still head home every holidays and help my parents on our goat and meatsheep property.  I am secretary of the local picnic race club.

I started governessing in 1997 and through the years have had my types of jobs and experiences. 

My statistics are as follows ...

 v     3 states education systems

1.      South Australia

2.      Queensland

3.      New South Wales

v     7 DE schools

1.      Port Augusta SOTA

2.      Broken Hill SOTA

3.      Longreach SODE

4.      Charleville SDE

5.      Emerald-Rockhampton (Capricornia SDE)

6.      Bourke-Walgett SDE

7.      Hay SOTA 

v     14 Stations between 1997 to 2012

v     Year Levesl Taught: Preschool to year 8

v     37 kids to 2012

As a governess I have been a teacher, friend, 2^nd mum, sister, counsellor, secretary, computer whiz and partner in crime.  I have also been fencer, musterer, stationhand, spare driver.

My passion is helping families like mine in the bush and computers.

Just a quick get to know me.  I must update this later in 2013 with my full story.

Groups who have supported

Governess Australia over time...

Distance Education Supervisors (SA) provided financial support throughout 2001, 2002, 2003,

Mount Isa Govie Group (QLD)  provided financial support throughout 2001, 2002, 2003,

Longreach Govies (QLD)  2004, 2005, 2006

Charleville Govies (QLD) 2006

Capricornia Govies (Emerald, QLD) 2006

Bourke / Walgett Govies (NSW) 2007

Broken Hill Govies (NSW) 2009, 2010, 2011

NSW Govie Network 2007-2013