Hayley Anderson, a recent winner in the 2022 Staff Awards, goes above and beyond in her role to drive the strategic direction of the SWIRLS Research Centre. Hayley tells us about the importance of purpose, and shares an interesting list of her ultimate dinner guests. 

What is your role at Flinders?

I work in the Social Work Innovation Research Living Space (SWIRLS), as the SWIRLS Senior Research Support Officer. My role is to provide strategic direction and operational leadership to SWIRLS, to support members in delivering our strategic and operational outcomes in research and impact.

What journey brought you to Flinders?

I worked at the Child Protection Service at Flinders Medical Centre for seven years, supporting an incredible team of social workers who provide specialist services to infants, children and young people. After seven years, I was ready for a change and a new challenge, and worked across multiple community organisations including Flinders Foundation, Autism SA, Novita and the City of Unley, until I was fortunate to find this role working with SWIRLS .

What is an important lesson you’ve learnt through your work?

Purpose is incredibly important. If your work’s purpose aligns with your personal purpose, you feel connected to something bigger. It’s incredibly motivating and rewarding when you know that your work matters, and how it affects others or makes a difference. This is far more powerful than just striving for financial reward or status.

If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be?

Listen to your inner voice; she knows best and always gives the best guidance when you need it most.

What are you most proud of?

I would have to say the relationships I have made throughout my life. I’m so blessed and I don’t ever take that for granted. I have so many rich and rewarding relationships in my life, from my gorgeous family and friends through to the teams of people I am incredibly fortunate to work with.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

I would host the most fabulous dinner party with my dearly departed relatives and friends, along with the ’27 club’ – what an event that would be!