In the National Office November

Your role touches so many aspects of HIPPY's operations, from data to quality assurance to working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
What does a typical day look like for you, or is there even such a thing?

Every day looks very different depending on the time of year. Some of my team's responsibilities include processing the funding payments to sites, reporting to DSS and other stakeholders, supporting sites with collecting and using data, and overseeing sublicence reporting. We're also working on a number of projects including evaluating the Age 3 transition, redeveloping our Quality Assurance processes and tools, and contributing to HIPPY Australia's work on engaging with ACCOs and improving engagement with First Nations families.

HIPPY has four outcome areas. You mentioned that the Employment and Training outcome area resonates most with you, can you tell us more about why?

"I get most excited by the Tutors Outcome Area as I can relate to the challenge of being very early in your career journey and not feeling particularly confident in your capacity to find employment. Even knowing what you want to do can be a challenge in and of itself"

This personal connection informs how John approaches his work supporting sites, understanding that behind every data point is someone's journey towards confidence and capability.

You've mentioned the workload can be heavy and chaotic. What keeps you motivated and connected to this work?

"Despite the heavy and chaotic workload, it's incredibly fulfilling and I feel a strong sense of connection to the people I work with"

That sense of connection extends beyond the National Office, through data and quality assurance work, John helps ensure that sites have what they need to support Tutors and families effectively. Working closely with the wider parent organisation's (The Brotherhood of St Laurence) Data privacy and Sovereignty, John play a crucial role in HIPPY shaping policy discussions and development.

Outside of work, what are you enjoying at the moment?

I often have several projects and ideas on the go simultaneously. When it comes to a TV series, or a video game, if the next exciting thing comes around, I can comfortably process parallel or new ideas and learning alongside ongoing art projects.

My dining room table is covered in challenging Lego sets I've finished, it's a way to unwind while still engaging that problem-solving part of my brain.

I like growing herbs and using them in my cooking, and I enjoy watching a good historical documentary.