Hi, my name is Jess and I’m the People and Culture Coordinator at Royal Far West (RFW).
What does your role involve?
I am generally the first point of contact for all People and Culture related queries. This opens communication with most staff across the organisation and enables me to get a good understanding of everyone’s role. As an organisation that supports children’s health and wellbeing, we need to be compliant with specific accreditations and my role is ensure that all paperwork is up to date and processed.
I am very privileged to work directly with our wonderful volunteers. After a short hiatus of our volunteer program during COVID, my role has been to reintroduce volunteers to RFW with a program that was developed in consolidation with our staff and the volunteers from our community.
How long have you been with Royal Far West?
Two years
What led you to work at Royal Far West?
My path to RFW is quite unique, in my previous career I worked as a Marine Biologist. On several different occasions I would bring animals and marine items to RFW for the children to interact with and learn about.
When I made my career change from animals to people, I knew I needed to continue working in an area that had meaning and I strongly believe in the ethos behind RFW. I feel very privileged to work in an organisation that has an impact for those in need.
Can you describe your typical day?
Working as the people and culture coordinator involves being agile – no day is the same! The week might start with welcoming and inducting new starters on their first day at RFW.
I work closely with our learning and development specialist to schedule learning sessions – this ensures all our RFW clinicians are further set up for success in their roles and that we are compliant with our regulations. I enjoy having the opportunity to connect with clinicians and support their learning needs.
Whilst I work closely and support the people and culture team on a daily basis, a large part of my role also encompasses managing the volunteer program. This is a fantastic program which supports the RFW values.
What do you love about working with families from rural and remote Australia?
I believe that everyone deserves to receive the same opportunities to succeed and get the most out of life. RFW provides vital services to those who have nowhere else to go. Speaking to families and hearing their gratitude for the support from our teams is incredibly humbling. It makes coming to work each day that much better.
What do you think makes Royal Far West unique?
I believe RFW’s rich history has helped solidify the organisations positive reputation. However, RFW would not be able to continue the amazing work we do without the passionate and caring staff that we have. Everyone that works here does so because they believe in the cause and believe in what we do. When I welcome new staff, I let them know that they are going to love working here because you will be surrounded by people who love what they do and love where they work.
Where’s your country? – Where do you feel most connected to?
I live on the land of the Gayemagal people, the water surrounding the land is very important to me.
Can you share some career highlights from your time at Royal Far West?
- Working with an organisation that has a positive role in the lives of families and children.
- Reintroducing our volunteer program and meeting the wonderful locals who want to volunteer their time to our organisation.
- Meeting so many wonderful families that have visited RFW and have spoken so highly about their journey with us.