Position at Clarendon: VET Coordinator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Manager and Sport Department Advisor
- How long have you been working at Clarendon for?
I was recently appointed starting work in Term 1 this year. - Tell us about your professional background.
My professional background is within Indigenous Education, Sports Management and lecturing in the tertiary sector. I have degrees in Sports Management, Business and a Masters Degree in Community Development. I am fortunate to have a varied professional work history, involving teaching across remote Northern Territory Indigenous communities, through to coordinating the drug testing program at the Sydney Olympic Games and teaching students at several universities. I have been the CEO of the Catherine Freeman Foundation and the RSPCA (NT) and enjoyed the challenge of working in the not-for-profit sector. - You have a variety of roles at Clarendon. Can you tell us what these entail?
My new role will certainly evolve over time, but one important component is to develop the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program. This includes supporting the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, being a mentor to our Indigenous students and developing new programs and educational opportunities for staff and students.
I am also the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Coordinator – supporting students who are studying vocational training both on campus and externally through the Highlands LLEN. As part of VCE, our students can gain an additional qualification by selecting to study a VET course. We have students studying courses in music, agriculture, screen and media, early childhood, equine studies, building and construction, engineering, business and animal care.
Finally, I am excited to be able to support the very busy Sports Department at Clarendon in a mentor and planning capacity. The co-curricular and sports opportunities are extensive at Clarendon. My role is to develop procedures and support staff to ensure students continue to enjoy these opportunities and be the best that they can be. - What brought you to Clarendon?
I have spent the last six years as the Indigenous Education Manager at St Patrick’s College and was ready for a new challenge. An opportunity to come back to Clarendon and utilise all of my unique skill sets was enticing and a wonderful challenge within a positive and supportive work environment. I feel privileged to be at Clarendon and am excited for the challenge ahead. - What do you find most rewarding about your role?
I think most people who work in education would agree that the rewarding part of the role is working with the students. I challenge the students to be the best version of themselves, to strive to develop their own unique attributes and to always look out for others. I hope to make a difference to students with a smile, encouragement, advice, wellbeing support or just an ear to listen. - Tell us about your time as a student at Clarendon.
I was fortunate to receive a music scholarship to Clarendon in Year 7 and followed both my older sisters’ and my mother’s journey in the Clarendon tradition. I enjoyed being very active in the music department as a student, attending many music camps and travelling to Hawaii and Japan with the concert band. I was a very sporty student as well and represented Clarendon in badminton, basketball, netball, athletics, softball and cricket. I thrived in the multiple co-curricular activities offered. I was also the Cairns House Captain in Year 12, when the Mair St Campus was the Senior School, and have fond memories of great friendships. - What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two teenage sons and two beagles that are my world and keep me very busy outside of school hours. Both of my children are heavily involved with Ballarat basketball and I play socially as well, so you can find me six nights a week around the stadium as a coach, manager, player, scorer or parent! I love my crazy puppies and walk them every night as well.