Building a life you love
There’s a genuine warmth in the way Joanne Lockie moves through her life in Bathurst – supporting families, backing her team and helping people build lives they’re proud of. Her story is full of heart and quiet purpose.
Tell us a little about yourself and where you call home.
My name is Joanne and I’m the Business Manager and co‑owner of Tablelands Builders, a family‑owned construction company based in Bathurst, NSW.
Bathurst has been home for many years and is where my husband Wayne and I met, raised our blended family, built our business, and formed strong connections within our community. Family has always been at the centre of everything I do, and that same philosophy flows into our business.
I’m passionate about supporting people to create lives they love – whether that’s helping families build their dream home, mentoring team members to reach their career goals, or encouraging other women in business to back themselves and take the next step toward their own dreams.
I believe that with the right support, the right team, and a willingness to take opportunities when they arise, incredible things can happen. One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is seeing people achieve goals they once thought were out of reach and knowing we’ve played a small part in helping make that possible.
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me with my family and animals, supporting local community initiatives, or looking for ways to continue growing both personally and professionally.
How would you describe your life in the region right now, in one honest sentence?
My life here has taught me that you don’t need everything to be perfect to create something meaningful, successful and deeply fulfilling.
When did you last feel really well – and what did that look like?
The last time I felt really well was when life felt balanced and I was fully present in it.
These days, my older children have grown up and started creating lives of their own, so home looks a little different. I still have our two teenage boys at home, and some of my happiest moments are the simple ones – time with family, walking the farm with my Labradors Poppi and Arlie, or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire with a glass of wine.
For me, feeling well isn’t about having a perfect life or being free from challenges. It’s about feeling content, having the energy to do the things I enjoy, being connected to the people I love, and finding joy in the everyday moments that are easy to overlook when life gets busy.
I’ve realised that wellness is less about achievement and more about being present enough to appreciate what you already have.
What would you tell a woman who is running on empty but doesn’t know how to stop?
I would tell her that you can’t pour from an empty cup forever.
As women, we’re often so busy looking after everyone else – our families, our businesses, our employees, our friends – that we convince ourselves we’ll rest when everything is done. The truth is, there will always be another job, another person who needs us, another problem to solve.
Stopping isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a necessity. You don’t have to take a month off or change your whole life. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a walk, saying no to something that doesn’t serve you, asking for help, or giving yourself permission to put your own needs on the list.
And if you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or carrying the weight of the world, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is acknowledge that you need a break before your mind and body make that decision for you.
“The people who love and rely on you don’t need a perfect version of you – they need a healthy one.”
If you could change one thing about how women connect in this region, what would it be?
I would love to see more women genuinely supporting one another without feeling the need to compete or compare.
We often underestimate our own abilities while admiring everyone else’s strengths. Imagine what could happen if we spent more time sharing our experiences, encouraging each other, and celebrating each other’s successes instead of questioning whether we’re good enough.
Some of the biggest growth in my life and career has come from conversations with women who were willing to share their knowledge, be honest about their struggles, and remind me that I wasn’t alone.
There is incredible power in women lifting women up. When we do that, we create stronger businesses, stronger families, and stronger communities for the next generation.
“You don’t need everything to be perfect to create something meaningful.”
What’s your favourite thing about living here that you’d never admit on social media?
What I probably wouldn’t admit is that making friends and finding my place here hasn’t always come naturally to me.
Like many women balancing family, work and business, there have been times where I’ve felt quite isolated. Building a business and raising a family doesn’t always leave much time for friendships, and that’s something I’ve found challenging.
But living here has taught me resilience and independence. It’s shown me that you don’t need a huge circle to create a fulfilling life. Sometimes success comes from backing yourself, stepping outside your comfort zone, and continuing to show up even when things feel difficult.
It’s also made me appreciate genuine connections. The relationships I’ve built through business, community groups and supporting local people have often come from unexpected places and have become incredibly meaningful.
You don’t have to fit a certain mould or know everyone in town to succeed. You can build a life, a career and a business you’re proud of simply by staying true to yourself and being willing to keep putting yourself out there.
Where do you go when you need to reset?
When I need to reset, you’ll usually find me on the farm with my dogs.
There’s something about walking through the paddocks, breathing in the fresh country air, and being surrounded by nature that helps clear my head and put things into perspective. It’s where I can switch off from the demands of business and everyday life and simply enjoy the moment.
If it’s a cooler evening, my perfect reset is sitting by the fire with a good bottle of wine, country music playing, and my family nearby. Simple moments like these remind me what all the hard work is for.
Living in the country has taught me to appreciate the little things, and that’s often where I find the greatest sense of peace and gratitude.
What do you want women in this region to know about you that they might not see from the outside?
People often see the business owner or the person who appears to have it all together, but what they may not realise is that I’ve spent much of my life learning to be brave despite self‑doubt.
Like many women, I’ve worn a lot of hats – mother, wife, business owner, employee, supporter, problem solver, carer – and there have been plenty of moments where I’ve questioned myself. What I’ve learned is that confidence doesn’t always come first. Sometimes you have to take the leap before you feel ready.
I want women to know that you don’t need all the answers to achieve great things. It’s okay to start small, ask questions, make mistakes, and keep learning.
I’m passionate about supporting other women because I genuinely believe there is room for all of us to succeed. When women encourage each other, share knowledge, and celebrate each other’s wins, incredible things happen for families, businesses and communities.
At the heart of everything I do is a desire to help people build a life they love – whether that’s through creating a dream home, growing a career, or finding the confidence to back themselves and dream a little bigger.
What are you most proud of that nobody clapped for?
I’m most proud of the things that happened quietly behind the scenes.
I’m proud of the times I kept going when life felt heavy, when there was no recognition, no applause, and no guarantee things would work out. Building a business, raising a family, supporting others and navigating life’s challenges doesn’t come with a trophy.
There have been moments where I’ve had to dig deep, back myself, make difficult decisions, and keep moving forward despite uncertainty. Most people see the outcome, not the resilience it took to get there.
I’m especially proud that I’ve continued to grow, learn and show up, even when it would have been easier not to. Not because I had all the answers, but because I refused to give up on the life I wanted to create for myself and my family.
Those are the achievements that matter most – the ones that quietly shape who you become when nobody is watching.
