I started my journey in local government 15 years ago, looking to reduce my time spent on the commute to Hobart. At the time, I didn't have a grasp on the services and opportunities Local Government offered, I saw an opportunity to reduce the commute and work close to home. I initially commenced in the Corporate Services Department, in the Finance area. Always keen to give anything a go, I have worked across many areas of Council with stints in information management, infrastructure and governance before deciding to settle in Community Services 3 years ago.
Those that know me well know that a well-connected and supported local community is my passion. Working in the community that my family live in enables me to share in my family’s experiences of the opportunities we create and deliver first-hand. This could be listening to their excitement of visiting a new playground, their stories of a day in vacation care, participating in sport at the local oval, attending a community event in the community hall, watching our YouTube channel or maybe even spotting their mother on a live Facebook stream from inside an evacuation centre! Supporting our community that is rich in opportunities for people of all ages, creating a sense of belonging is what I enjoy most about my role. No days is ever the same, with the excitement of being able to work with and support your team and the local community to deliver on dreams and then being able to experience the happiness it brings is why I enjoy local government so much.
What made you join LG Professionals Tasmania?
Local Government Professionals Tasmania is an opportunity for me to connect with other members around the state, who all share similar experiences and understandings of working in local government. Supportive relationships are a key contributor in being successful, I am always interested in hearing about what other Councils are working on and learning from their experiences and LG Pro Tasmania supports this.
What interests do you have outside of work?
Most days I feel like a day outside of work is just as busy as a day in the office. I enjoy taking and watching my family participate in weekend sport, spectating from the side, always helping out with that solid piece of advice even when I don't have any idea how to bowl a cricket ball myself, kick a goal or swim a lap of a pool! You will often find me helping out at school with fundraising or parent help. We try and explore as much as we can, visiting favourite places like playgrounds, bike parks and Cockle Creek. I do enjoy an occasional good night out with friends to unwind over wine and dinner, and in that order!
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Because life can never be too busy, we also own and manage an apple orchard! So, when I am not at work or travelling around with a mum’s hat on, you will find me in the home office trying to keep up with owning a business that grows over 8 different varieties of apples over 20 acres.
If you could give your 12-year-old self 1 piece of advice what would it be?
I am a strong believer in life being one big journey. No path is the wrong path, there can be and should be many angles to that path, and if need be a U-turn or two. A career can be many jobs, it doesn't have to be the doing the same role for your whole life, a career is a journey you choose the destination of.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing the sector at the moment?
How long is a piece of string? Coming out of COVID and maintaining the level of service within the constraints of a budget the community can afford whilst meeting the expectations of the community post COVID. Furthermore, responding to the population growth of our local communities and ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure and services are growing at the required level and the Local Government Act review. And of course, the one we all have – managing community and council expectations!
None of us would work in local government if we weren’t up for the challenge…..
Biggest regret outside of work in the past 10 years?
Not travelling more - given the current global circumstances.