Around the Grounds December

Let's start at the beginning: how did your HIPPY journey begin?

My HIPPY journey started in January 2025 when I took on dual roles as Coordinator for HIPPY Whyalla and Team Leader for HIPPY Port Augusta, which is about 75 kilometers away.

I came to HIPPY with quite a varied background in working with vulnerable families. I'd spent years in childcare, then moved into child protection work, both in women's shelters and within the South Australian Child Protection system as a Children's Welfare Worker and Volunteer Coordinator.

I was drawn to HIPPY because it felt like a natural extension of everything I'd been doing throughout my career: supporting families, empowering parents, and giving children the best possible start.

The difference here is that we're working alongside families in their own homes, on their terms, which feels really special

If you were explaining your job to a child, how would you describe what you do each week?

(Laughs and continues with her classic wide grin) That's a great question! I'd probably say: "I help mums, dads, and carers learn fun ways to play and learn with their kids at home. And I get to work with special helpers called Tutors who visit families every week to share exciting activities, stories, and games that make learning feel like playtime."

My typical week is quite full. I'm coordinating activities across two sites, supporting tutors, planning gatherings, checking in with families, and making sure everyone has what they need to make the most of their HIPPY journey.

(Phew!) No two days (or two halves of the day) are exactly the same, which keeps things interesting!

Speaking of Gatherings, we heard you achieved something pretty remarkable this year. Can you tell us about that?

Yes! At one of our first gatherings this year, we had six men attend, five dads and a grandfather. We also had two grandmothers and about four mums. My Line Manager pointed out that this was the first time men had participated in our Gatherings, which really struck me.

At one stage, there were four dads sitting at the playdough table using playdough cutters. No children present!

Two of the dads were partners of Tutors whose children were in the 3-year program, and they seemed really at ease.

They mentioned they'd come back, and they did! It was a beautiful day, so we had all the activities outside, which I think helped create that relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

How do you build strong and trusting relationships with families in your community, particularly with families from diverse or culturally rich backgrounds?

I think it comes down to genuine respect and being present.

I've spent about six years in Adelaide working in childcare centers and women's shelters, and those experiences taught me a lot about meeting people where they are and building relationships based on trust.
Being based in Whyalla, I've built many connections within the early childhood sector over the years.

I truly believe my people skills and ability to engage families have been an asset to our community.
It's about listening, showing up consistently, and making sure families know you're there to support them, not judge them.

Our program at Uniting Country SA benefits from dedicated practitioners who genuinely care about supporting tutors and families during their two-year journey with us.
Uniting Country SA has been supporting country communities for more than 120 years, and that legacy of respect and inclusion really shapes how we work.

We understand Port Augusta is transitioning to an ACCO site. Can you tell us about that experience?

Yes, this November, HIPPY Port Augusta became an ACCO site under KWY, which means my time with the Port Augusta community is coming to a close. It's bittersweet, honestly.

I've truly enjoyed collaborating with Jacquie Hunter, the Port Augusta HIPPY coordinator. She has such deep knowledge of her community and is highly respected within the program.

Even though I was her Team Leader, she mentored me in many ways

That's something I'll carry with me. Working alongside Jacquie taught me so much about community connection and cultural responsiveness. As I move forward, I'm focusing my energy on the Whyalla HIPPY program, and I hope to receive a warm welcome there as the years go by.

You recently celebrated graduations at both sites. What was that experience like?

It was wonderful! The Whyalla and Port Augusta HIPPY programs recently celebrated families who completed their two-year journey with HIPPY. Our little graduates, aged 4 and 5, looked absolutely adorable in their gowns and mortarboard hats as they proudly received their certificates and medals.

Seeing them celebrated by their dedicated Tutors, with the unwavering support of their families, was truly special.

These graduations represent so much more than just getting ready for school, they represent family commitment, Tutor dedication, and community support all coming together.

What part of being a HIPPY Coordinator brings you the most joy or satisfaction?

Honestly, it's watching those relationships develop, between Tutors and Families, between Families and their children, and even between family members who might not have engaged as much before HIPPY.

Seeing a dad sit down at the playdough table, or watching a parent realize they can be their child's first teacher, those are the moments that remind me why this work matters

I'm excited to continue building strong connections in Whyalla and to see what the future holds for our program and the families we support.