Tell members a bit about your background – where has your career taken you and what brought you to the VHA?

I completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin University, and while studying, I worked in disability accommodation services. I enjoyed the rewarding and, at times, challenging nature of supporting people with behavioural, mental health and medical needs. Looking to expand on my occupational therapy skills, I transitioned into risk, health, and safety, where a key aspect of my role was supporting employees to return to work after an injury. In 2019, feeling the need for a new challenge and while considering my career direction, I travelled across Europe.

On my return, I was driven by a passion for embedding quality into operations within disability, out-of-home care, and community aged care services. I actively sought roles that allowed me to gain experience in framework translation, system change, policy development, and accreditation at the coordination and management levels.

I love working in roles that are strategic, collaborative, and full of problem-solving; I sought opportunities to expand into the broader health and community service sectors, leading me to the VHA.

Over the last couple of years, I have obtained a mix of post-grad qualifications in Project Management as well as a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

Outside the VHA, I support a family member in their art enterprise and sit as an independent board sub-committee member with Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon Southwest.

I live in regional Victoria, and I love the beach and market lifestyle. One of the only silver linings of the pandemic was the changes to the concept of the ‘traditional workplace’; thankfully, this enabled me to work at the VHA while still living regionally.

What are some things you’re working on at the moment, and what most excites you about these projects?

My work with the VHA typically involves some level of system transformation, whether it is health system, aged care, mental health, or family violence reform. These types of projects and policy work align closely with my interests in breaking down system complexity into meaningful change. I enjoy working collaboratively with the sector to promote and amplify solutions.

What do you enjoy about working in the public health space?

I was drawn to the industry through personal experience and the opportunity to work in diverse and inclusive services. Public health is ever-changing and full of opportunity and challenge; you learn a lot, and it's never boring.

Public Health services are critical to our communities and have a massive impact on people’s well-being; I believe in working with a sector that supports and improves people’s lives.