In the National Office April

Lou, what's your role at HIPPY?

I started in HIPPY many years ago, 2007 to be exact! as the Coordinator for the brand-new HIPPY program at HIPPY Moreland (now Merri-bek), before moving into the HIPPY Australia National office in 2009.

After 10 years as a Site Advisor and three years in the Quality and Performance team, I moved across to Learning and Development in 2022.

I absolutely love supporting the learning and development of our HIPPY network. I'm always in awe of the passion and commitment for HIPPY shown by our providers, Coordinators, Tutors, and families.

"I feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful program that changes the lives of children, families, tutors, and communities."

HIPPY has four outcome areas. Which one inspires you the most and why?

All of them! But the one that drew me into HIPPY way back in 2007 was Outcome Area 2: families are empowered and engaged in their children's learning.

For me, this is such a powerful outcome area because of its relationship with, and impact on, Outcome Area 1: Children develop a love of learning early.

When HIPPY supports parents and carers to feel confident and engaged as their child’s first and most important teacher, it helps create a positive home learning environment where learning happens everywhere, all the time. And through this positive home learning environment and opportunities to learn together with their families, children develop a lifelong love of learning.

What's not to love!

Tell us three things about yourself that we wouldn't find on your resume...

Lou Gilfillan, one of HIPPY Australia's most experienced staff members, is always ready to help. When asked what she's reading at the moment, Lou shared her excitement about starting The Season by Helen Garner, a book about the local junior football club.

Outside of work, Lou enjoys reading and catching up with friends; she's up for almost anything but housework!

A fun fact about Lou that many might not know is her love for adventurous travel. This passion has been passed down to her adult sons, who are also avid travelers.