What is your role and what does your work focus on? 

I’m the Alumni & Advancement Partner for the colleges of Medicine and Public Health and Nursing and Health Sciences. I’m responsible for coordinating and developing the Alumni Relations Program for both of these colleges.

Where did you work before joining CMPH? 

My most recent role was Events and Fundraising Coordinator at The Mary Potter Foundation. Prior to that, I worked at The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRFG). During my time there I was based at The Repat, The Royal Adelaide Hospital (old and new), The Lyell McEwin Hospital, and their head office in Woodville.

What journey brought you to this point in your career? 

My maternal grandfather was a rural GP for over 40 years on the Eyre Peninsula, and my Aunt still works at Hospital in the town she and my mother (and their sisters grew up in). My mum is now an Oncology Nurse. I almost failed biology so I knew I was never going to be a doctor or a nurse, but I always respected the healthcare sector and hoped to be aligned with it in some way. I’ve also always loved the idea of my job benefiting the community, and find great joy in giving back and helping others.

I started my career as a fundraising officer with Australian Red Cross working on fundraising campaigns and events, and from there I went to The Repat Foundation, which eventually became part of The Hospital Research Foundation Group when The Repat was closed. During my time at THRFG I was fortunate enough to work alongside the administration and clinical teams of all levels at The RAH and LMC, and develop some wonderful relationships. Whilst at the THRFG office in Woodville I was also part of the donor relations team, making connections with their incredible supporters.

Both of these prepared me well for my role at The Mary Potter Foundation (TMPF) where I again worked with staff from multiple departments, volunteers, and donors very closely to coordinate major events, donation processing and facilitate patient requests and engagement activities which I loved.  Working in not-for-profit was hugely rewarding, but after 15 years in the sector, I was ready for a change. My relationship development and donor relations skills translate really well into the Alumni Relations area, and my experience working alongside hospital staff is a big advantage in my work with the Colleges of Medicine and Public Health and Nursing and Health Sciences. I’m thrilled to be able to build on the relationships our Alumni have with the University, and keep them to connected to the Flinders Community long after they graduate.  My paternal grandfather was also a high school principal and knew the value of education, so I feel like everything has come together with this role!

What is something you love most about your work? 

The variety is one thing that stands out. Getting to work with so many different people and hearing about all of the projects that are happening within my colleges is fascinating. Meeting the Alumni, hearing their stories and being the bridge that keeps them connected to the Flinders Community is very rewarding. There are lots of exciting things happening and it’s wonderful to be bringing our Alumni on this journey with us.

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

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself! No one has everything figured out and it’s ok to do things according to your own timeline. Believe in yourself and your abilities and don’t hold yourself back. Also, do not buy the tencel jeans. They don’t look good.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?

Work-wise, I’m just excited to immerse myself more into the World of Flinders and build relationships with our Alumni and my University colleagues. There’s still so much for me to learn! On the personal front, I have a milestone birthday coming up this year, and I’m really looking forward to celebrating with my family and friends.

If you had a superpower what would it be?

It’s a tie between teleportation and time travel. The convenience of being able to snap my fingers and be anywhere I wanted would be amazing, especially since my best friend and brother live interstate. But, it would be so special to have the opportunity to see and speak with my grandfather’s again, and to meet my maternal grandmother who sadly passed away before I was born.

How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?    

I enjoy reading and am part of a (very casual) Book Club. I also love spending time with my nephews (ages 3 & 1), catching up with friends over brunch or for a walk along the beach, and going to the theatre. And I love a good dancefloor!