Hi Sue. Here we are in your executive suite at Castlemaine hospital and you have a beautiful view here overlooking the town as you go about your very responsible job as CEO for Dhelkaya Health. Can I ask you what, in a nutshell is most rewarding aspect of your work?
Probably making a difference. Being part of the community and improving access to health care services and age care services for the community, listening to the community, working with the community.
What’s most challenging about the role?
At the moment the biggest challenge is getting staff for our workforce, particularly nursing.
Do you live locally?
I do. I live in Campbells Creek. We bought a property and moved here in February 2021.
Where did you move from and where are you from originally?
We still have our family home in Melbourne, and I’ve got half my family still in Melbourne and originally though, I grew up in central Victoria, in Tatura, the Goulburn Valley.
So any other particular involvements in the community beyond your demanding role here with the health service, Sue?
I go to a good gym… I’ve joined a local personal training place which I really enjoy and I’ve met some lovely people through that… The recent local health service amalgamations with CHIRP and with Maldon have kept us really busy… But I’m really keen to get more involved in landcare. And I have an interest in art and the Castlemaine Art Museum. I have been a member of CAM but I need to renew that… and if I had time I’d like to join Buda (historic home and garden) as well.
Special place Buda isn’t it. But speaking of gyms, health, and fitness, we’ve got Run The Maine coming up with funds raised going to benefit the hospital.Will you be getting involved in that in any particular way?
Yes. I’ll be registering for the 5km walk. I’ll be there. I’ll be helping with presenting medals at the end.
Any philosophies by which you like to lead life?
Be open, and honest. For me it’s about respecting people from all walks of life. Actively listening. Working with people. Collaborating.
Any pet peeves?
(laughs) Not enough time in the day.
Three dream dinner guests?
Simone Carson AM – co-founder of SecondBite – one of Australia’s largest food rescue organisations; Dylan Alcott – I heard him speak at a conference which was inspirational; My father, died unexpectedly 10 years ago – I miss our debate about politics.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading Three Women by Lisa Taddeo.
What is your musical artist or genre of choice?
Well I do like Michael Bublé.
So you’re a bit of a jazz fan?
Yes. And probably going back to the ’80s some of the music from the ’80s when I was at uni – Elton John, Queen, Jackson Browne.
Finally then Sue, what do you enjoy most about the place you call home – in your case Campbells Creek?
The garden. The native birds, and I just love the peace. But for me home is where your family is and I have one of my daughters in Campbells Creek, while my partner works in Melbourne so he’s between Melbourne and here, and my other two girls are in Melbourne.
So home for you is both Campbells Creek and Melbourne?
Yes.