Your memory wall

I started at the Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education (WIAE) in 1984 as a tutor in the Bachelor of Primary Education. After WIAE merged with Deakin University in 1990, I was appointed the first Language and Learning Adviser (LLA) at the Warrnambool campus. The role was a perfect fit. I had a background in linguistics and taught English as a Second Language in Melbourne and the UK.

At that time, the Australian Government was pushing for greater diversity in higher education. The Dawkins reforms resulted in more international students studying at Australian universities. As part of Student Services, I suggested a Peer Tutoring Scheme, where high-achieving students helped others in specific subjects. This initiative became a valuable program, and many students credited peer tutoring with helping them pass their course.

During my last three decades at Deakin, I’ve been fortunate to be offered several secondments to work in different schools within the University. When the Bachelor of Primary Education was re-instated at Warrnambool, I was asked to return as a lecturer and to re-establish Deakin’s relationship with local schools.  When working on the Deakin at Your Doorstep project, I contributed to writing the course content, and taught what was a new Associate Degree program.

I’ve really enjoyed working with students at all stages of their study, from being nervous about starting their first year of undergrad to tackling problems and submitting their PhD thesis. Attending graduation ceremonies and seeing students succeed in their careers has been a major source of inspiration for me. I’ve also had many enriching professional experiences, including overseas conferences and teaching a cultural and language program to Japanese students. However, the most valuable learning for me has come from working alongside Deakin students and my LLA colleagues

I started my journey at Victoria College – which eventually merged with Deakin – on Monday 21 February 1983.

As an administrative officer, I spent several years working closely with students and staff. Over time, I worked across all Victoria College campuses—Burwood, Toorak, Rusden, and Prahran—interacting with a wide range of people and gaining experience in every part of administration, from guiding students through course requirements to managing graduations.

Next, I joined the Student Administration team under the legendary Terry Cavanagh, where I took on a variety of roles, sometimes filling in for absent staff or assisting with anything and everything. One day, I even single-handedly collected over $48,000 in student fees – enough to pay off my mortgage and then some at the time!

My involvement with the student management system eventually led to a position as a database planning officer, which I absolutely loved. After a 13-year break to raise my children, I returned to work at Deakin, initially in the Customer Service office, later moving to timetabling.

I now work at the Burwood campus and oversee all the regional campuses, giving me the unique experience of working on every campus and in nearly every faculty at Deakin—something few others can claim. I’m proud of my history at the University.

Throughout my career, I’ve lived in twelve different homes, been married twice, changed my surname three times, had four dogs and even changed my DNA. Working at Deakin has been a joy, thanks to the incredible people who inspire me every day. I love it!