Meet the HerCanberra Team: Founder, Amanda Whitley
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Have you ever wondered who’s behind the glorious photos, reels, and stories showcasing the best bits of the nation’s capital?
In a new series, we’ll introduce the HerCanberra team, their likes and dislikes, and what makes them tick. With our hard-hitting questions, you’ll get a sneak peek into their personal lives and some of their deepest darkest secrets. These profiles won’t disappoint.
You already know she’s the brilliant mind behind HerCanberra, mum to two teen girls, and cat mum to a very naughty Burmese cat, but did you know Amanda Whitley has an irrational fear of coat hangers? Here are some fun facts about the fearless leader of our talented team.
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Favourite colour?
Emerald green (though you’d think it was black if you looked in my wardrobe).
Favourite flower?
Hmmm. That’s a hard one – they all give me hectic hay fever.
I love peonies and dahlias, but Stargazer Lilies are a sentimental favourite, as they were our wedding flowers. For years, my husband and I would always have a bunch on our dining table and they’ve always been ‘our’ flowers.
Cats or dogs?
Cats that think they are dogs (like my very own George). I’ve always been a dog person, but I’ve discovered Burmese cats come pretty close.
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Tea or coffee?
Tea, but I’m also partial to a Dirty Chai (shout out to Damian at L’il Brew).
Morning or night?
Morning. 10.30 pm is super late for me – I can’t even remember the last time I stayed up later than midnight. Probably 2005.
North side or south side?
I love living on the south side, but I work just across the bridge in NewActon and love the inner north. Can I cheat and say both?
Favourite season in Canberra?
Autumn – not only because it’s beautiful but I feel like it’s the season where Canberra really comes to life. I always associate the mild mornings of early autumn with the Balloon Spectacular and Enlighten – my favourite time of year!
What’s the last book you read?
Storm Child by Michael Robotham – he’s one of my favourite authors and it didn’t disappoint.
What’s your go-to comfort movie and/or TV show?
Erm, I am a classic horror movie fan, so comfort probably isn’t what I seek when I turn on the TV. The Exorcist and The Omen are two I will never get sick of rewatching.
If you were on death row, what would your last meal be?
I cannot pick a favourite meal, that’s like asking me to pick a favourite child. Although I can’t go too long without a serve of Fox & Bow’s Spanish Eggs – muy rico!
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Go to Canberra restaurant recommendation?
I have a lot of faves but I feel like I need to shout out Peonee in Campbell as a real hidden gem – it’s a true special occasion restaurant and our experience there was absolutely flawless. I’d love more people to check it out!
What’s your irrational fear?
Please don’t laugh at me – there’s a reason why this is an irrational fear. But I used to have a real thing about wire coathangers – I would get visions of hooking my neck on the sharp hook as I walked past. I know, it’s ridiculous, I’m sorry.
If you could invite anyone to dinner, dead or alive, who would you invite?
Ok, let me give you some context first. I have a rather obsessive personality and go through periods where I become hyperfixated on certain things – this trait can come in very handy when you need to deliver work in a short time frame, but often means that everyone in my orbit is caught up in whatever it is I’m obsessed with for the duration of said obsession. Currently, that is K-Pop.
So, right now, I would invite the members of ENHYPEN, Stray Kids and Ateez (and probably also Le Sserafim), but in reality they wouldn’t all fit in my dining room. As well as loving their music, they all seem like lovely human beings and I think they’d be great company. And I’m sure I could convince them to do a backyard concert. Plus my fellow K-Pop stan daughters would love me even more than they already do.
Check them out on Spotify and drop me a line if you get as hooked as I am. The HerCanberra Team is already slowly but surely getting there.
What’s the most random thing you’ve done for work?
OMG, so many things. Abseiled down a building, road tested colonic irrigation – you name it, there’s a chance I’ve done it.
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What’s your Canberra hidden gem?
I’m not sure how hidden it is anymore, but Onzieme’s subterranean wine bar 11e Cave fits the brief. Such a great spot!
