Francis, Francene

Profile

Born in Ungarra and raised in Koppio, Fran has lived on the Eyre Peninsula her entire life. She married her husband Brett in 1991 and moved to Kimba, where they have raised their two children, now adults.

With a professional background in finance, including banking and bookkeeping, she now co-manages a farming business with her husband and has been actively involved in agriculture for more than thirty years.

Fran’s long-standing commitment to community involvement led her to local government. After attending the Kimba Australia Day Breakfast in 2023, she was encouraged to nominate for the Supplementary Election that year—a natural step to give back to the community that welcomed her more than three decades ago. She has since served as an Elected Member for the past two and a half years.

Passionate about ensuring Kimba remains a vibrant, welcoming, and liveable district, she values the role Council plays in strengthening services, fostering inclusivity, and planning for future generations. She is motivated by the opportunity to bring community voices to the Council table and contribute to decision-making that reflects local needs and aspirations.

Beyond her professional and community commitments, Fran enjoys travelling—especially to destinations rich in culture, food, and unique experiences. Photography has been a long-time passion, and she finds joy in gardening, particularly the satisfaction of sharing meals grown and nurtured at home.

A fun fact that captures her outlook: in 1989, Fran won the Rural Youth State Pig Judging Championship at the Royal Show in Adelaide—despite knowing very little about pigs at the time. To her, it’s a reminder that saying “yes” and giving things a go can lead to surprising and rewarding outcomes.