about

“You can take the girl out of Australia, but you can’t take Australia out of the girl.” – Jenny Gates

Whether she’s speaking, writing or editing, Jenny is all about stories. She tells them, writes them, and fixes them, and her eclectic career has led her along unexpected roads toward a wide variety of opportunities.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Zoology at Sydney University (1978), and a Diploma in Book Editing and Publishing at Macleay College, Sydney (1992). Her first major job as a technical writer at the Australian Museum eventually transitioned to co-author of three scientific catalogues, and editor of international scientific publications. In 1994, she launched her freelance business in Winnipeg, and is now also involved with the local theatre and film community.

Whichever pursuits or projects she is involved with, Jenny uses words, stories and conversations to help people build bridges inside and out. And because she has worn many hats over the years, she brings a variety of skills and experiences to the stage and the page.

When asked what inspires her the most, Jenny said: “Words, because they can change the world – and create entirely new ones.”

For more information about Jenny, click on the buttons below, or contact Jenny today.

INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKING

After a few years delivering technical presentations, Jenny has realised her passion for helping audiences take a lighthearted look at themselves and the way they live, work and play.

SUBSTANTIVE BOOK EDITING

From scientific editing and writing to proofreading and copyediting, Jenny now  focuses on substantive book editing where she can dig deep into the manuscript to help authors tell the best story possible. With 20 published titles to her credit, Jenny is known for working with authors to reveal the truth in the telling and capture the imagination and interest of readers.

CREATIVE WRITING

Jenny wrote her first ‘book’ at age 12 about a devastating accident that almost ended her life. She has since written poems, songs, articles, stories, speeches, plays and screenplays.

OTHER PURSUITS

Up From Down Under is a music duo with Winnipeg didgeridoo player Gerry Gordon. UFDU tell stories about some of the colourful characters and history of Australia, as well as my experiences living, working and leaving there.

Corroboree is my idea for a multi-purpose, cross-cultural, not-for-profit resource and education centre. It was designed to promote and connect Australia, New Zealand and Canada by sharing cultures and education, celebrating indigenous people, restoring prairie grasslands, and showcasing the arts and artistic endeavours. Despite being launched in 2007, the $15-million project never quite got off the ground, but it’s still on the books and will hopefully one day come to fruition, in one form or another.

MEMBERSHIPS
  • Toastmasters International, where Jenny has achieved two Distinguished Toastmaster designations in leadership and communication, the highest educational achievement in that organisation.
  • Manitoba Association of Playwrights, where writers of all levels are encouraged and celebrated by other playwrights.