About Me

May 8th, 2008

 

Biographical Information

I arrived in Australia at 2 years of age in 1957. I grew up in Victoria and lived in Melbourne while studying at the Melbourne State College (part of Melbourne University) to become a teacher. On graduating I taught for a short while in Melbourne prior to moving to the Wangaratta district (NE Vic) where I had my children. I then moved to Ballarat where I lived for the next 10 years. It is here that my children ‘grew up’. I completed a Graduate Diploma in Librarianship at the Ballarat College of Advanced Education (now University of Ballarat) in 1985 but was a co-director of a company principally focused on earthmoving and mechanical work during most of my time in Ballarat. I also helped manage a successful local rock and roll band called ‘The Shyboys” during these years.

 

 In 1998 sick of the heat and homesick for Queensland (yes Queensland not Victoria) I resigned from my job and came to Hervey Bay. Luckily we bought land at Dundowran Beach straight away as we would not be able to afford to buy land here now! I was now unemployed and this was quite scary. I started treading the footpaths with my resume and found casual work in the wonderful Book City Bookstore at Bay Central. Graham had stayed in Darwin (one of us had to earn an income..) and we decided to buy a business as we thought we would struggle to find employment. I was lucky though, and gained full time employment at the Wide Bay TAFE, working between Hervey Bay and Maryborough based in the Libraries. I then discovered Wendy’s Supa Sundaes in Bay Central was for sale.

 So commenced this new stage of our lives as small business owners. We purchased Wendy’s in 1999 and my daughter arrived from Darwin to help me manage the store as I continued to work part time at TAFE. My daughter successfully managed our store while still only 19 years old. Graham arrived in Hervey Bay in November 1999 and quickly learned how to sell ice-cream, though he had also successfully gained full time work at Wide Bay TAFE as a Business Development Officer.

In 2001 I successfully applied for the position of Campus Librarian here in the Hervey Bay Library working for our wonderful University of Southern Queensland. I enjoyed the work immensely and together with the Hervey Bay City Council Library staff we made many positive changes to the Library.

In early 2005 I chose to resign from USQ and devote my time to our latest venture Mind Games. We opened our shop in September 2004, doing all the setting up ourselves. I’m pleased to report that the business is doing well. It won’t ever turn us into millionaires but it keeps the roof over our heads and Graham enjoys working and meeting people from everywhere.

My newest role in life now is as a Councillor of the Fraser Coast Regional Council. I was elected via a by-election to Hervey Bay City Council in October 2005 and recently retained a position on our new bigger regional Council in the 2008 March election. The role is full time and I no longer work in our shop although I pop in from time to time to visit Graham. It is a good place to catch up with people from here and everywhere.

Hopes, dreams and ponderings

Why a Councillor? I worry about development wrecking a city I fell in love with the first time I visited. I enjoy helping people and being a Councillor is a role that challenges me to continually help people by listening to them and doing my very best to represent them and adopt or adapt policy within Council, to better meet community needs. I may not be able to change the world but just maybe I can make my little patch of the planet a better place!

I love the outdoors and I appreciate wildlife and our natural environment. Our climate is to be envied and is one of the main reasons we live here. I have dogs and cats and lots of wildlife including wallabies and many birds with which to share our acre near the beach. Daily walks along our beach, pottering in the garden and reading are my favourite activities when I’m not attached to a keyboard!

  • Reading. I can’t live without a book on the go and need the local paper and a cuppa to start each day.
  • Pets. My animals include our new puppies Ellie and Becki who fill the hole in our hearts left when our elderly dogs Jake and Sharna died last year. We also lost Katy our beautiful white puss cat so now we have just the two cats who share our patch of nature with all the native fauna that live in our backyard forest.
  • Gardening. I’m finally creating a garden to grow old in.
  • Environment. I care deeply about our environment and am keen to promote conservation. We only have one planet. We must care for it.
  • Sport. I stopped playing netball in 2008 but walk the dogs daily. I am a passionate follower of football (Aussie Rules Football of course!) and cricket. Go the Lions!

Memberships

  • Wildlife Preservation Society Queensland
  • Chamber of Commerce – Hervey Bay
  • Friends of the Mungomery Vine Forest
  • Greater Mary Association

 

Just some of the very many wonderful people who supported me during the last election. I cannot thank you enough. Together I am sure we can make our Fraser Coast an even better place to live (although it is pretty good already)!

Sue’s recipe for a great Councillor!  Mix together the following ingredients and stir.

 ü Passion. Reads the daily news and watches it on TV, but still thinks there is hope for the world, and  wants to help make it a better place.

ü Persistence. An ability to be a pest by following up issues and getting things done. Otherwise called ‘nagging’.

ü Communication skills. Loves a chat and can talk to anyone, anywhere anytime (even underwater while snorkeling)! This skill comes in handy for meetings.

ü Toughness. Has a very thick, tough outer coating (skin) which can withstand criticism.

ü Creativity. Can think on ones feet… or even sitting down! Loves to explore new ideas.

ü Intelligence. Can balance a cheque book and use a calculator. Better still, can read and understand a spreadsheet (No, not the one on my bed!), and complex, lengthy reports.

ü Honesty. Knows when one has put foot in mouth and can take foot out again, while retaining balance and composure. Tells it like it is.

ü Humility. Can admit mistakes and change ones mind when new information is discovered! (More people should try this… it doesn’t hurt!)

ü Humour. Last but not least – must have a sense of humour (even if it’s not very good) and the ability to laugh at oneself.

 

I finally realized that the sun does shine brightly and more warmly in Queensland and moved to Bundaberg in 1992 with my children. In Bundaberg I quickly found work at the TAFE College as a Library Tutor. I was promoted to Librarian in 1993 and met my partner Graham who also worked at the TAFE teaching Building and Construction. We moved to Darwin in early 1995 to pursue career opportunities. I managed a large public Library (Casuarina) and Graham was promoted to Associate Dean at the Northern Territory University.

My Resume.

 

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

2005 – Present

 

                                    COUNCILLOR

                                    Hervey Bay City Council (2005-2008)  Fraser Coast Regional Council (2008- present)

 

             Faithfully represent community concerns and desires

  • Develop strategies and plans to ensure Council is delivering best practice and “value for money outcomes” for our community
  • Proactively participate in a range of Council Meetings and events to ensure that programmes are developed and that necessary capital based projects are completed in a timely manner.
  • Engage with the community and ensure that communication is two way and widely distributed so that our community can genuinely participate in the governing process
  • Lobby other layers of Government for better outcomes and more streamlined legislation and resourcing
  • Use time management skills to ensure work gets done and residents are kept informed about issues that are important to them
  • Liaise with staff, colleagues and community members in a professional and courteous manner at all times
  • Read reports, undertake research and be prepared to move motions and amend motions to ensure best community focussed outcomes are achieved
  • Lobby to include capital works projects into annual budgets
  • Ensure that the community opinion is represented at all times in preference to my personal opinion

1999 – 2011                SMALL BUSINESS OWNER/DIRECTOR

                                    Wendy’s Franchise (1999- 2004) and Mind Games (2004-2011)

  • ·         Take the Wendy’s Ice-cream store in Bay Central Shopping Centre, from 15th in Queensland to consistently in the top 3 Queensland stores measured on turnover
  • ·         Successfully negotiate Franchise agreements and financing, leasing, staffing, financial records, stock control etc
  • ·         Win Fraser Coast Chronicle Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards for both stores
  • ·         Both stores emphasised excellent customer service, cleanliness, product knowledge and stock supply to suit customers resulting in an envied reputation for excellence

 

2001 – 2005                CAMPUS LIBRARIAN

                                    Fraser Coast Campus of the University of Southern Queensland

  • Full responsibility for the management of the day to day operations of the campus library within a joint use environment
  • Undertake lesson planning and delivery of Literacy and library orientation classes
  • Manage staff in a positive friendly but outcome based environment
  • Liaise with key stakeholders to develop a streamlined customer service focussed experience for all Library users

 

1999 – 2001                ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Library, Hervey Bay Senior College

Wide Bay Institute of TAFE

  • ·         Provide friendly and efficient customer service
  • ·         Educate clients about all facets of the library including the library catalogue, the Internet, online and CD ROM databases and the location of resources etc
  • ·         Conduct orientation and instructional tours which deliver reader education skills to clients
  • ·         Maintain the collection by efficiently processing new and existing resources
  • ·         Contribute suggestions and ideas at team meetings to improve work procedures and the appearance and functionality of the library

10/98 – 11/99   RETAIL SALES ASSISTANT                              

                        Book City, Hervey Bay

  • ·         Serve customers in a warm, friendly and efficient manner
  • ·         Use my knowledge of both fiction and general knowledge to recommend books to customers
  • ·         Achieved a high level of skill using the tailored POS software installed in the shop to track inventory and record sales etc
  • ·         Produce daily reports at end of day
  • ·         Stock shelves and maintain the accurate placement and attractive display of stock
  • ·         Use EFTPOS equipment efficiently and maintain accurate cash handling
  • ·         Suggest improvements to the placement and display of merchandise

1997 – 1998     SENIOR LIBRARIAN – COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

Darwin Public Library and Information Service

  • ·         Manage the acquisition and processing of all materials for the four branches that make up the Darwin Public Library and Information Service (DPLIS).
  • ·         Supervise the Collection Services team comprising a library technician and a library clerical officer. Oversee item-processing work done by staff at the other branch libraries.
  • ·         Create and maintain spreadsheets to assist budget reconciliation and the presentation of items for orders.
  • ·         Successfully negotiate with the Manager – Collection Services at the Northern Territory Library to improve the turnaround time for materials ordered for DPLIS by making use of fast track processing.
  • ·         Introduce streamlined ordering processes using blurbs and downloaded lists from electronic resources eg. Bennetts Bookfile. Avoid the manual recording of titles thus saving staff time.
  • ·         Use local purchasing to ensure popular new releases are available for loan within 3 to 5 working days of arrival in bookstores. Previously titles were often not available for an average of between 2 and 3 weeks or longer from arrival in bookstores.
  • ·         Ensure standing orders arrive in a timely manner.
  • ·         Produce attractive brochures and guides to promote new and forthcoming titles.
  • ·         Introduce procedures to enable clients to place reservation on items on standing order lists. These items are now given an on order status and can be viewed by patrons via OPAC.
  • ·         Produce monthly reports and other reports as required. Am currently working on a report to outline the advantages both in improved access to materials, speed of delivery and cost savings that could be gained for DPLIS by purchasing outside the Northern Territory.

 

1995 – 1997                             SENIOR LIBRARIAN – CLIENT SERVICES

Darwin Public Library and Information Service

  • ·         Manage the day to day operations of the Casuarina Library
  • ·         Oversee rosters and co-ordinate the placement of casual staff across the Darwin Public Library and Information Service
  • ·         Improve procedures in all areas of operation at the Casuarina Library and the DPLIS
  • ·         Interview and appoint staff
  • ·         Guide the development of training procedures for new staff
  • ·         Produce quarterly reports and a monthly newsletter
  • ·         Provide information and recommendations to the Chief Librarian regarding staffing, equipment and resources, collection development etc
  • ·         Co-ordinate maintenance required to the Casuarina Library building.
  • ·         Obtain quotes for equipment purchase and building improvement and maintenance
  • ·         Liaise with the Computing Manager and Information Technology Librarian regarding system problems and faults.
  • ·         Intervene when necessary to solve client service difficulties
  • ·         Implement new and improve current information brochures.
  • ·         Conduct library tours
  • ·         Chair staff meetings
  • ·         Co-ordinate the selection of material as Acting Collection Development Librarian.

1993 – 1995                             LIBRARIAN

Bundaberg College of TAFE

  • ·         Develop/Implement reader education material.
  • ·         Create/Adapt material to meet the specific needs of the library.
  • ·         Produce Information/Subject and self help guides.
  • ·         Conduct student library orientation.
  • ·         Promote recent acquisitions.
  • ·         Production of library newsletter.
  • ·         Aid Staff/Students with reference queries.
  • ·         Liaise with Teaching Staff/Library Tutors re the selection of materials.
  • ·         Maintenance of Inter Library Loans Service.
  • ·         Competently handle all aspects of the URICA System including circulation functions

 

1993                            LIBRARY TUTOR

Bundaberg College of TAFE

  • ·         Assisting Librarians with reference enquires.
  • ·         Helping students use the library computer system and other resources.
  • ·         Implementing reader education material.
  • ·         Assisting with processing, shelving and circulation duties.
  • ·         Undertaking orientation programs.
  • ·         Liaising with Teaching Staff.

 

1986 – 1994                 COMPANY DIRECTOR

Sturni Motors Pty Ltd

  • ·         Responsible for introducing accurate record keeping and book work.
  • ·         Responsible for dealing with customers both face to face and via telephone
  • ·         Provided advice and accurate reports about mechanical repairs to customers
  • ·         Sell retail products to customers
  • ·         Produce invoices and maintain accurate record keeping to ensure payments are received
  • ·         Produced Bank Reconciliation and Profit/Loss statements for Accountant.
  • ·         Introduced methods of workshop management, that improved productivity.
  • ·         Negotiated with Bank to provide finance for major equipment purchases which improved annual turn over from $100,000 in 1983 to $350,000 in 1992.
  • ·         Responsible for staffing levels, wages, etc.

1978 – 1983                 EMERGENCY TEACHING

Primary Schools

  • ·         Created strategies to overcome inevitable discipline problems to make my short time with different groups of children a positive one.
  • ·         Developed specific “day” plans for all grade levels to provide worthwhile activities for any group of children on short notice.

1976 – 1978                 PRIMARY TEACHER

Education Department

  • ·         Responsible for the education of children within Education Department Guidelines.
  • ·         Achieved a happy attractive classroom where children could enjoy the learning process.
  • ·         Ensured the children achieved a sound level of achievement.

 

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

1985- present  Various staff training short courses and certificates eg First Aid etc

2001    Studied BSZ 40198 Certificate IV in Assessor and Workplace Training at the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE

1985    Graduate Diploma Librarianship from the Ballarat College of Advanced Education

1976    Diploma Primary Teaching from Melbourne State College, Melbourne, Victoria

 

  

 

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