Kate is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the wellbeing of older people.

While Chair of the Port Fairy Community House, Kate wanted to identify the needs of local older people. She won a research grant that found older people wanted more opportunities for learning and connection. Using this evidence, Kate led a team to start a University of the Third Age (U3A) in Port Fairy.

U3A Port Fairy opened in 2018 with Kate as President. Under her leadership, membership has grown to 280 people. Kate has also developed a strong volunteering culture. She inspires members to become course leaders and share their work skills, hobbies and life experiences. The U3A makes local community members feel proud to live in Port Fairy.

Kate is also a strong advocate for positive ageing in local government. She successfully lobbied for Moyne Shire to sign the Age-Friendly Victoria Declaration. By signing the Declaration, the shire committed to building age-friendly communities.