Originally hailing from the US, Sandy Davies’s love for our area goes back to 2004 while on a celebratory holiday staying at Wonga Beach. 

Across 18 years she has become an involved member of the community, authoring and co-authoring multiple books focusing on first hand experiences in the hospitality industry.

“We were on a holiday for our anniversary and it was one morning while having coffee down at the beach my husband Harry threw up his arms and said ‘this is why I came to Australia’,” Sandy says.

“We were attracted to the location and the tight-knit community. It was a no brainer. 

“Fast forward 18 years and I still love the people and the liveability.”

Sandy has worked throughout the region, beginning at the Wildlife Habitat as a photographer, and is now working at Mossman Library, a job she believes she was destined for.

“When I was eight years old I used to ride to the library in my home town and help the librarian 12,000 miles away from here and now I’ve gone full circle.”

Sandy loves the community feel of the centre and believes we have the best rural library in the entire state.

Those who know Sandy would be aware of her kindness and can-do-attitude, something that she aims to bring to her work and community every day.

While living in our region Sandy has also kicked a number of personal goals. 

Her collaborative novel The Power to Rise Above marks her biggest achievement.

“I wanted to share my story of resilience against bullying in the hospitality industry, something that is very prominent in our area and all around Australia,” she says.

“I didn’t publish my first novel until I was in my 50s, to me that is a reminder that there is always the opportunity to make your dreams come true.”