Fiona Darroch – Pacifica Congress Alumni

Fiona Darroch is our member profile in this issue. Fiona joined the organisation as a founding member, was elected to the board, and served many years as a hard working and enthusiastic contributor to all our events, activities and initiatives.

Fiona recently retired from the board and was appointed a lifetime member.

When and why did you join our organisation?

From memory, I joined the AFCC in 2013 at around the time that we did the presentation for the world congress on alienation. I was part of the discussions around starting our own chapter and was one of the founding members. I am not completely sure when I joined the board – it was at the same time as Judge Robyn Sexton and Julie Jackson. I was working as a family consultant at the Newcastle registry. I felt it was important that all members of the family law community were represented on the board and that the chapter focus on providing opportunities for everyone to learn from one another.

What have you achieved though directorship on the Board of Pacifica Congress?

I have been provided with many opportunities to interact with members of the family law community, both in Australia and overseas. I gained knowledge and built friendships, for which I am most grateful.

What do you think are the benefits of membership to Pacifica Congress?

Networking and support. This is a hard job and it can be very stressful and isolating as a sole practitioner. It is so important to have the opportunity to interact with others who understand the challenges and who will be there to celebrate with us when things go well and to commiserate with us when things don’t go as hoped.

What are your fondest memories of Pacifica Congress?

The conferences are always brilliant and there have been so many incredible guest speakers. I have also enjoyed the social side of things and have many fond memories of dancing the night away.