Tell me about your job and why you pursued a career in it?

I am the Creative Director and owner of Community Connect Central West (CCCW) and co-owner of The Project Zone. My work involves developing strong and sustainable partnerships with various organisations, agencies and service providers. I then utilise those networks to help facilitate and deliver collaborative based projects with a focus on education, skill development and personal well-being that result in positive social, economic and environmental outcomes. I find the task of creating and providing opportunities, assisting individuals and community groups to participate in society through meaningful and purposeful engagement; as active participants, and contributing to the overall health and vitality of a community, very rewarding.

Any career highlights?

A highlight of my career includes establishing the Orange Youth Arts Festival, which is in its sixth year now. But above and beyond any accolades, or professional achievements, my career highlights will always be all the wonderful and amazing people I have been privileged to work with over the years.

What would be a usual day for you?

Each morning I attend to the first batch of emails. Then I am either working from home (planning and developing projects, making calls, formulating partnerships, marketing, etc) or away from the office facilitating and working on projects or attending meetings.

What do you love most about your job?

I really love working with people, and seeing creative ideas evolve and utilised in useful and practical ways that impact positively and meaningfully on people’s lives; especially young people. I believe that ‘healthier individuals make for healthier communities’ and I am inspired by the transformative capacity of collaborating with others and the empowering nature that comes through building relationships.

What is something that people might not know about your job?

People are often surprised to discover the scale and scope of the projects we do. Thanks to our growing network of local, national and international partners we now have the capacity to deliver projects on a global platform involving numerous countries.  

Other than work, tell me a bit about yourself, your interests and hobbies?

My interests are photography, film, food, gardening, travel, reading and learning new things.

What is your favourite thing to do?

Too difficult to choose just one. But whatever it is, it would most certainly involve some form of creating/creativity. Whether it’s a meal, a new garden, a project or a fresh new insight; doesn’t matter!

How do you start your day?

The day always starts with an espresso while reading the newspaper, then a lesson on Duo Lingo (an attempt to improve my Italian). Then if it’s my turn, my morning will end with a dog walk.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

I would love to go to Iceland. Why? Perhaps for the Northern Lights or for its Viking history? Or maybe just to experience ‎Reykjavík. The artist Björk may have something to do with it.