Mandy Woods

I was born in Nottingham, England in 1968, the youngest of four siblings. In 1981, I moved to Australia with my mother and stepfather, settling in Launceston, Tasmania. I’m a proud mum to two grown-up children and have called Ballarat home since 2009.

I began working at Eclipse Ford in 2010 as a barista, and over time, worked my way up to become the Service Bookings Clerk — a role I held proudly until 2021. During my time there, I formed strong connections with our customers and watched many of them and their families grow over the years. In 2021, I took a 12-month break to work with Corrections Victoria, gaining new skills and experiences before returning to the industry I love.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, gardening, and socialising with friends. I’m a passionate footy fan and proudly barrack for the Essendon Bombers. I also share my home with three beloved pets — Ziggy, a 4-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu; Marley, a 1-year-old Labrador; and Watson, my cheeky kitty cat.

I’ve always been community-driven and love taking on new challenges, especially those that support local causes. That passion is what led me to take part in Dancing with the Stars, helping to raise funds and awareness for our amazing Ballarat community.