Management Committee

Kirstie is a Mununjali, Yugembeh woman practicing in criminal law with Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Legal Services – Toowoomba (ATSILS) on Giabal and Jarowair country and a Lecturer in Law at University of Southern Queensland. She is the first person in her immediate family to not only finish high school, but also go to university. Kirstie has experience working in both prosecution and criminal defence, allowing her clients the confidence of having culturally supportive and sensitive representation.

Kirstie was admitted in 2020 and commenced on DSWQLA general committee in 2022. A mother of three, she worked full-time at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions while studying her dual degree, and undertaking volunteer roles with USQLS, Social Justice Commission Dignity Project, Off the Chain K9 Rescue Toowoomba, and tutoring Indigenous students at USQ under the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS).

She is a member of the Future Leaders Committee with QLS, Women Lawyers Association Queensland, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights Inc, and Indigenous Lawyers Association Queensland. Kirstie continues her volunteer work through both DSWQLA and the Social Justice Commission Dignity Project.

Alysha holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, being amongst the first cohort of graduates in 2011. She was admitted as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of Queensland in October 2012. Alysha has worked in the criminal law sector in Toowoomba for over 10 years.

Alysha is a Senior Associate at Bouchier Khan Lawyers and she appears almost daily in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on a range of criminal, domestic violence and traffic matters. She appears in Courts across the Darling Downs and regularly appears in the District and Supreme Courts.

In 2020, 2021 and 2022 she was named in the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Inspo List of women who have inspired. She was awarded the DSWQLA Regional Lawyer of the Year in 2023.

Alysha has also served as our Vice President and Marketing Officer in 2023.

Hailing from the Northern Territory, Bettina worked almost exclusively in family law before relocating to Toowoomba in 2024 and commencing employment with Wilsons The Family Lawyers. As a Senior Associate, Bettina now uses her significant experience to provide exemplary service to clients across all facets of family law, including property settlements, parenting arrangements, and domestic violence and child support matters. Bettina is passionate about alternative dispute resolution and assisting clients to resolve their matters amicably to stay out of the court system wherever practical.

Bettina holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Bond University and is admitted as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and the High Court of Australia.

Bettina has recently been recognised as a Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer in the Toowoomba, Darling Downs & Western Queensland region for 2026.

Erin McDonald was admitted as a solicitor in 2021 and works with Groom & Lavers Solicitors in conveyancing and property law. Erin holds a Double Bachelor of Business and Laws from UniSQ (with Distinction), where she also worked in peer tutoring and volunteered as Education and Careers Officer and then President of the UniSQ Law Society.

While a student at UniSQ Erin was a recipient of the Unsung Hero Award, Faculty Medal and was included on the Woman Lawyers Association of Queensland Inspo List 2019.

Erin has a passion for serving, and has been involved in various committees from a young age, and is looking forward to the opportunity to further serve the local legal community.

Bonnie is a Partner at Hede Byrne & Hall Lawyers. With over 14 years of post-admission experience, Bonnie has seen the legal system from every angle. She has worked within the Courts as a Judge’s Associate and typist, worked for the Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, aided as a duty lawyer in one of Queensland’s busiest Magistrates Courts, worked in both regional areas and city centres, and now dedicates her practice to family law and criminal law.

Born and raised in Warwick, Bonnie has strong ties to her local community, returning to practice in the region in early 2014 after several years of study and practice in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. With a passion for serving others, she is committed to delivering exceptional legal services and supporting clients throughout their legal journeys in the Warwick, Toowoomba, and Roma regions.

Jennifer began her legal career in 2007 as a paralegal at a leading law firm, where she handled various legal matters for corporations, financial institutions, and governments. After graduating from law school in 2009, she quickly became a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland. With expertise in areas like medical negligence and personal injuries law, Jennifer has worked for reputable law firms and a national insurer. At Hede Byrne & Hall, she specializes in personal injuries, drawing on her experience managing complex claims. Jennifer also enjoys mentoring junior associates and staff, helping them understand legal concepts clearly.

Daryl has completed a Bachelor of Laws Degree as a mature, part time student, with the view of becoming a mediator. Prior to attending USQ, Daryl was a working director of A1 Weighing Equipment in Toowoomba for 27 years. During this time, he was the Qld. Chairman of the WIAA. for a period of 10 years. Prior to that, Daryl was a scale technician, foreman, Qld. service manager, and then Australian service manager for an International Scale Company.

Daryl joined the RAAF starting out as instrument apprentice. He worked on Vampire and Sabre fighters, Canberra bombers, Iroquois, and Chinook helicopters. Working on Iroquois helicopters in Malaysia. When discharged Daryl was in the instrument shop overhauling instruments for the mirage fighters. He obtained the rank of corporal. While in the RAAF, Daryl was presented with the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award by Prince Philip. During his service in Butterworth, Daryl was the training officer for the RAAF Scuba club. Also, Daryl was awarded a Queen's Commendation for bravery for saving a man's life out at sea of the coast of Penang.

Other activities Daryl has been involved include long distance running, squash, rugby union, powerlifting, and golf. He is also a current member of USQLS where he has served as V/P Toowoomba on the USQLS executive.

Sarah is a Paralegal at Murdoch Lawyers. She began work as a paralegal in November 2017. She has experience in the areas of Family Law, Abuse Law and Personal Injuries Law. She thrives on making good connections with her colleagues and with her clients.

Sarah has been a valuable member of the Ladies in Law Luncheon Committee since 2019. 2024 was her first year as a Student Representative on the DWQLA Committee.

Sarah was born in Victoria but has been a Toowoomba resident since 2000. She attended The Glennie School, graduating in 2009.

Sarah completed her Bachelor of Laws through UniSQ in late 2025 and is in the process of completing her Practical Legal Training with an aim of being admitted into the legal profession mid-2026. She looks forward to a long and rewarding career in Law.

DOWNS & SOUTH WEST QLD LAW ASSOCIATION

Management Committee

Kirstie Smith

Alysha Jacobsen

Jon Wiedman

Francene Ridley

Bettina Kobelt

Erin McDonald

Bonnie O'Brien

Jennifer Kratzmann

Benjamin Fudge

Isabella Byrne

Daryl Dawes

Sarah Toomer

Subscribe to our mailing list