Kelly Ellis 42, is a local success story with a deep connection to Warwick, and a great illustration of women succeeding in regional areas.
As a child growing up around the Southern Downs she lived in Warwick, Stanthorpe and Wallangarra moving as her parents balanced work and family. Part of a talented family, with her siblings Kelly was known as the Ellis Sisters; a much sought after singing group for weddings, parties and other events. “We had fun” Kelly says.
Now with a 19-year-old son and two step daughters in their early 20s, Kelly has balanced raising them and progressing in the banking industry. Starting as a customer service officer at Warwick Credit Union in 2008 she moved through telling, customer service and loan processing to lending, a time of challenge and growth that have included the GFC and more lately the pandemic. Along the way Kelly successfully completed a Certificate IV in Finance blending experience with formal qualifications.
Now as branch manager head office at Warwick she leads the largest part of the customer team at Warwick Credit Union. Kelly is confident she will enjoy what is a daunting role with responsibility for a group dedicated to meeting the financial needs of both long term and new locals.
While being a motivated purpose driven woman, with her partner David, Kelly still finds time on weekends for camping, fishing, BBQs and a full social life. She says, “although Dave and I are relatively young empty nesters, with work, 3 mini dachshunds and a hobby farm we are always on our toes.
Reflecting on International Women’s Day Kelly says, “it’s important to be a positive role model, recognising and celebrating the challenges and achievements of women everywhere”. She adds, “as women, we often play so many different roles in life and feel like we have to be perfect at all of them; remember it’s okay to just do your best. That is success in itself”.
