Meet Eileen

Star Sign: Taurus

Fav Movie: Sister Act

Fav Colour: Green

Fav Holiday destination: Being home

Fav Music: Country

Fav Quote: “Take one day at a time.”

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I can sew and decorate cakes.

Describe your personality in three words: Loyal, caring and grateful for the life I have.

For someone who has been so passionately immersed in the agricultural industries since she was 17, Eileen List shows no signs of slowing down. Often faced with the question of retirement, Eileen is quick to reassure that she has no plans to step away from Burdekin Growers, a business she has delicately built with her daughter Jenny over the last 30 years.

“Personally speaking, I think work is about health,” she said. “It keeps you healthy, you’ve got a healthy mind. It keeps you healthy in the mind, it keeps you mobile. I like the fact that if you haven’t seen one of your friends for a while, they can pop in and have a cuppa and a chat.”

The one thing Eileen is more passionate about than Burdekin Growers is her family and community, evident in her everyday dealings with daughter, Jenny, granddaughter, Tash, and the countless customers who walked through the doors of Burdekin Growers for 30 years. She’s surrounded by family and friends whether at work or not.

“Sharing time with the grandchildren and all the family when not at work is a great pleasure,” she said.

One of Eileen’s greatest challenges came 22 years ago when her husband and Jenny’s dad, Joe, passed away. This was a time when her family and community truly stepped up, providing her with invaluable support every step of the way. Eileen is someone who appreciates every day and makes the most of life surrounded by the people she loves.

“My highlight is getting up every day, being able to function every day, and being able to go home at the end of the day still wanting to come to work the next day,” she said. “I think that’s what you call a highlight.”

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