Around the Grounds with Claire Williams

Tell me more about what brought you to HIPPY as a parent, it was the start of your journey with HIPPY?

"I started with HIPPY back when my middle child, (who is now 15!) was in the program," Claire reminisces. "It was a bit of a milestone moment; her very first day of Kindergarten was also my first day as a HIPPY Tutor.

I’ve now been the HIPPY Dubbo Coordinator for five years, but I’ve been part of this site for a decade."

My middle child’s first day of Kindergarten was also my first day as a HIPPY Tutor. Ten years later, I still love this job

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

I like to think of it as guiding and training. Every year, I work with four fantastic parents who are often new to the workforce, helping them grow as Tutors. Simultaneously, I oversee 60 families. It’s about watching them gain empowerment, confidence, and teaching skills...plus everything else HIPPY brings to the table!

And then there is the logistics of connection, if I recall correctly?

We plan fun events, like our end-of-year holiday celebration, which averages 150 people! We’ve done zoo excursions, cupcake decorating, and even First Aid training for parents.

I’m really proud that in ten years, we’ve met our recruitment targets nine times. Most families join by word-of-mouth because they love what we do

Can you share a story about a family or Tutor that has stayed with you, something that reminded you why this work matters?

"Yes! Many of our families are from CALD backgrounds," Claire shares.

There was once a family, new to Australia, where the Mum was very shy and isolated. She felt a sense of shame because her child had a developmental delay. With a bit of encouragement, she started attending our groups. She found people with HIPPY in common and built meaningful friendships. Seeing her flourish, get her driver’s license, and now apply for jobs has been incredibly heart-warming.

How do you build those strong, trusting relationships within the Dubbo community?

It starts with listening. I try to show a genuine interest in each family’s unique needs, culture, and background. We adapt HIPPY activities to meet a child’s specific interests, and we aren't afraid to share our own HIPPY journeys.

It shows parents they aren’t alone in the challenges they face

I hear you have some very creative ways of identifying opportunities at your site. Tell us about the 'Op Shop' and the competitions!

We definitely try to keep things engaging! We run an annual referral competition where families can win things they might not normally splurge on.

This year, it’s a mini Yoto player with story cards.

At our groups, we have an 'Op Shop' table where families bring unwanted clothes or toys and take something else home for free. It’s simple, but it encourages attendance and helps the household budget

We also gift every enrolling family a 'Share the Dignity' bag with their starter box, which is always so appreciated

What is your vision for your HIPPY site and community this year?

We’ve recently gained a new Manager, Ranmal, who is incredibly supportive of community engagement.

We are excited to see where his vision leads us! We’ve also moved into a larger office space which has already seen an increase in families dropping by.

Our focus remains on embracing diversity and empowering families to be their best

Finally, what part of being a HIPPY Coordinator brings you the most joy?

"It’s the growth," Claire says with a smile.

Witnessing positive change in children, families, and Tutors is everything. We run colouring competitions with a 'good news story' attached for families to fill out, reading those is the absolute highlight of my role.

Saying goodbye to Tutors when they move on to new positions is bittersweet, but so rewarding.

I genuinely tell people I LOVE my job