Forced to close libraries overnight due to COVID-19 was possibly the most challenging period of my local government career. In my role at the time as Acting Manager of Arts & Libraries, I was responsible for eight library sites and a large team dealing with unprecedented uncertainty but primarily concerned for the large proportion of our community who rely on our spaces, services, programs and resources for connection, learning, recreation and social participation.
I will always be proud of the way our people collaborated and responded to the ongoing and changing landscape while remaining completely customer focussed and embracing innovative and usual service offerings. Checking in with members of our Home Library Service provided valued interaction for some of our most vulnerable community members.
I’ve work for the Sutherland Shire community for 22 years in a variety of roles – mostly Libraries but I’ve also had opportunities to work across teams, units and directorates. These secondments and projects have resulted in significant professional and personal growth and an ever-increasing appreciation of the diversity of local government responsibilities, services and infrastructure.
During my time at Sutherland Shire Council, I’ve been fortunate to have performed in a leadership capacity while working part-time for many years. This arrangement was based on mutual understanding and gain in both performance and my own work / life values while raising a young family.
Since the beginning of 2022, I have been working within Information Management &Technology (IM&T) in a project capacity. I’ve loved working in a newly formed team with diverse skill sets, knowledge, experience and commitment to transforming the way we do business. As an information professional I’m always curious and eager to learn more about most everything. This project has and continues to deliver learnings in spades and I am confident these new skills and knowledge will serve me well in the future.
To me, being employed with Sutherland Shire Council is more than just a job. I live in the Shire - as do most of my family, friends and colleagues. I am 100% invested in this community and believe as the only place-based layer of government we play a privileged and key role in shaping and supporting a strong and connected community.