Kate Dezarnaulds’ life story is a fascinating blend of creativity, community spirit, and fearless ambition.

Sitting down for a conversation with Bernie Hems on KCR, (listen to the podcast here ) the Independent Candidate for Gilmore opened up about the experiences that have shaped her and the journey that has brought her to this pivotal moment.

Born and raised in Castlecrag on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Kate attended North Sydney Girls High before embarking on an extraordinary path that led her from the art world in London to the South Coast of New South Wales.

Kate’s journey to the South Coast began with her marriage to Jacques, her high school sweetheart and a South Coast local.

After outgrowing their Alexandria terrace house with three children under four, the couple sought a tree change.

The South Coast called to them, a place to raise their children with a connection to nature, surrounded by a close-knit community.

“Raising children somewhere they can have independence, animals, and a village around them is something really special,” Kate shared.

Kate’s love for the arts led her to London, where she completed her Masters degree at the prestigious Sotheby’s Institute of Art.

A scholarship student among aristocrats and shipping magnates, she learned to navigate social hierarchies and thrived under pressure.

“The thing I learned most was that people are just people. That confidence of throwing myself into intimidating places stays with me,” she said. 

The rarefied world of London’s art market couldn’t compete with Kate’s passion for community.

Returning to Australia, she reconnected with her entrepreneurial spirit, creating opportunities that fused her love of small business, creativity, and advocacy.

The Black Summer bushfires deeply impacted her family, both personally and as part of a community navigating immense hardship.

“I’ll never forget the practical courage that time demanded and the feeling of injustice for those who weren’t as lucky,” she reflected.

That resilience saw her weather the additional storm of COVID-19, as she pivoted her co-working business and took on a role with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, helping fire-affected communities rebuild.

Now, with her children older and a deep well of community experience behind her, Kate is stepping into the next chapter of her life as an Independent Candidate for Gilmore.

“We need to do politics differently,” Kate said, driven by a desire to restore hope and trust in leadership.

“Our communities are kind and resilient. If we let go of division, we can focus on caring for each other and building a future for our kids.”

Kate’s ethos is grounded in listening to the community and putting people above party politics.

“If it wasn’t going to be me, it would have to be someone else and I’d be right behind them. But it turns out, this is my turn to be brave.”

Throughout the interview, Kate’s life story was intertwined with music that marked her most significant moments.

From Nina Simone’s Here Comes the Sun, which comforted her mother as a young parent, to Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, a reflection on life’s cycles, Kate shared the soundtrack of her journey.

As Kate prepares to face the challenges of campaigning for Gilmore, one thing is certain.

She is ready to meet the moment with courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to her community.

With The Bugle and Kiama Community Radio continuing to provide reliable coverage, the community remains informed and engaged in these vital discussions. Tune into Bernie Hems show at 9 am on Tuesdays on KCR.