❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
⭐ Dee has worked in the community service industry for over 20 years. During this time, she has supported clients in numerous areas, including disabilities, mental health, palliative care, dementia, domestic violence and bereavement. While Dee is still passionate about these areas, her main focus now, is to empower and support women through the Karratha Women’s Place (KWP). Dee moved to Karratha in 2009 and quickly realised just how socially isolating it could be for women living there, as they are often alone while partners work long shifts. As a result, Dee made the decision to actively make a positive change for the community and fill a gap that effected women, by establishing KWP. Although she lacked funding and organisational backing, Dee was determined to make her dream a reality, so that women now, as well as in the future, are supported in Karratha. After many years of Dee’s hard work, in 2019, KWP opened its doors to women of all ages, cultural backgrounds, religions and sexual orientations. Since then, KWP has continued to grow with the service supporting numerous women and offering a range of free monthly programs ⭐
An interview with Dee
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
With enough determination and hard work, anything is possible. If something doesn’t work the first time, don’t give up, try again taking into account what worked and what didn’t work, think outside the square, be inventive and be resilient.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
While there are many inspiring women I have met over the years and I am inspired by other women who, like me have been through traumatic times in life, I haven’t really had any specific role models. Instead, when I think back to starting my journey and career in the community services, as a single mum of 3 daughters, I wanted to set a good example, be a role model to them and show that they could achieve whatever they wanted to in life. So, following my divorce and, up until then being a stay-at-home mum for nearly 20 years, I started a new chapter of life in my 40s and enrolled in TAFE, then studied at Uni all while working full time and continuing to raise my daughters. In addition, I drew strength from the song “I am Woman” by Helen Reddy, I always feel very empowered after listening to the song and it’s a great one to have playing in the car on the way to work, to help get me get into the right mindset for the day.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Inclusive, creative, passionate, supportive, caring and democratic. I always endeavour to make sure that all members of my team feel equally important and are given an opportunity to participate and share ideas. While Managers may have the final say in decision making, all team members should be encouraged to have a voice.
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
I think it is really vital to keep in mind that things in regional, rural and remote WA work very differently compared to how things work in metro areas. As a result, it is extremely important to be resilient, believe in yourself and don’t give up when something might not work the first time. It took me around 10 years to make the Karratha Women’s Place not just a dream, but a reality. During this time, I faced multiple hurdles, but I never gave up and now we’re getting ready to celebrate our 5th birthday.
We thank you Dee, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙