Meet the Committee

SPACER

Samara Kemp

President

Shwmae pawb! I'm Samara, president of the Welsh Society, and have proudly held this position since 2023, along with my Vice President and right arm woman, Heather. I was born in Pontypool in 1984 and lived there until I attended University in Cardiff in 2002.

I then lived in Cardiff until the idea of going travelling tempted me to far away shores, including WA, so I took off alone to see the world in 2007 for a year. Upon my return I moved back to Cardiff and joined South Wales Police. 4 years later decided to retrain as a nurse, graduating in 2016.

I worked as a Nurse for 2 years before returning to my beloved WA permanently in 2018. Today, I work full time as a nurse, run my own art side business along with being the president of the society. I am a very proud Welsh woman, my love and passion for Wales, rugby, singing and Welsh culinary delights have not diminished, and I am revelling in the fact that my whole family now reside in Perth too, with my brother already living here after I came here travelling, and my parents recently retiring and moving here also.

I have worked hard the past 3 years to engage more Welsh Western Australians with the society and increased our social media and online presence. I enjoy the role immensely and love spending time with all our members at our events. We are one big Welsh family here in WA and the society welcomes everyone with open arms.

Heather Nicholls

Vice President

I was born in Pembrokeshire to Welsh speaking parents living near St Davids. At the age of 3 my family moved south of the Lansker line near Pembroke where everyone seemed to speak English. I moved to Perth in 1994. I am learning Welsh through Say Something in Welsh and Duolingo. I have been serving as the Vice President of the society for the past 4 years.

Karen Corkhill

Secretary

Hi, I'm known as Shep Corkhill as my maiden was Sheppard. I was born an only child in Pembroke, Wales in 1959 where I lived, got married and had my two daughters. English was my first language, as I lived in, what is known as little England beyond Wales. I did learn Welsh but I'm afraid due to lack of use I have forgotten it. In September 1996 my family emigrated to Perth, WA. We love it here. I have worked as a registered nurse in WA since 1996, officially retiring in December 2024.

My parents also followed me to WA and have had a good life here. I have now lost my mum, but my dad is still alive and will be 92 this year.

I have 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, all of whom mean the world to me. In January 2027 my husband and I will be celebrating our golden wedding anniversary.

I became the secretary of the society, and I am proud to be part of a great team that tries to promote our Welsh heritage here in WA.

Jennie Kemp

Treasurer

I was born, raised and lived in South Wales for 70 years, I’m married to Jim and have two adult children who both reside in Perth. We have both recently retired and are now living in Perth to be close to our children and grandchild. I love Perth, the relaxed way of life and the weather!

I was appointed as a committee member in 2025, and at our AGM in May 2026 I was appointed the new treasurer and am looking forward to carrying out my role to ensure to longevity of the society. I love to attend the events the society organises, and you’ll likely see me at an Amser Coffi soon!

Eluned Bevan

Committee Member

Originally from Llanfachreth near Dolgellau. I have lived in Australia for the past 54 years, most of them here in Perth.

I joined the Welsh Society 27 years ago and discovered so many Welsh people here in Perth, some speaking Cymraeg. I hadn't realised until then how important my Welsh inheritance was to me. For a number of years l held weekly Welsh Classes for Society members as well as non-members.

I have been a member of the Committee for the past eleven years and served as the Treasure for eight years until May 2026.

Rochelle Davies

Committee Member

I joined the Welsh Society in 1979 and during those 47 years I have served on the committee at various times.

My connection to Wales is through my Welsh Born Husband who hailed from South Wales. Over the years I have travelled to Wales five times visiting his family and friends who have lived in the Tenby, Carmarthen and Monmouth areas. Whilst there we also saw many beautiful places around the country.

The committee and I look forward to organizing some great outings throughout the year for you all to enjoy.

Evadne Scaddan

Committee Member

Hello. I’m Evadne Scaddan (née Thomas) My Christian name is Greek, but I was born in Wales, Abergavenny to be precise.

Guess I’ve been around in the society for about 5 years & on the committee for the last 3. My husband Neil is also a member but is a true Aussie.

I also attend the Welsh Free Church & have been known to sing the odd solo.

Mue Heckler

Committee Member

I'm from a small village called Clydach, Swansea, South Wales. Migrated to Australia many moons ago, Sydney, then Canberra, then Perth, went back Home. Then Cape Town, South Africa, then ZwaZulu then back to Perth W.A but I'm still a Welsh village girl from Clydach ! I enjoy being part of the Welsh Society, hearing the Welsh accents and joining in with the activities. I do love Australia as well.

Judith Tomlinson

Committee Member

Judith is a fellow of the UK Faculty of Public Health and has worked for the Welsh NHS for over forty years in various clinical, managerial and academic roles. She has also served as a Trustee on cancer and homeless organisations in Wales. Following her retirement Judith relocated to Perth to be closer to her daughter and has served on the Welsh Society Committee since 2024.