focus_contributor
SUSIE DUNN
Icing
CAKE ON
Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh
McLean Care Please introduce yourself and your business? For the past 20 years I have been working within the Health and Aged Care industries, and since 2013 I’ve had the privilege to spearhead a very innovative, proactive and passionate team of people that make up our not-for-profit organisation, McLean Care. What are your greatest strengths in business? As Company Secretary, I have a deep understanding of fiduciary, strategic operating governance models and how they contribute to a thriving board and organisation. My leadership strengths as the CEO involve fostering innovation, relationship building, negotiation, challenging status quo and push ing boundaries in pursuit of innovation. Tell us about your involvement in the local
48 New England focus.
community. I work with Inverell chamber of Commerce and am the Vice Chairperson of the Regional Business Chamber Advisory to progress the interests of local community business. What are your tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle with work, home and self? Like most people, work commitments demand a lot of my time. I’m very invested in my family life and planning time away to see older parents, children and grandchildren all around NSW and QLD. I try my best to exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but my best wind down time is hitting the open country roads with my husband motoring or riding where there is no connectivity!
“CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER”… Politically the world seems to be rocking and fragmenting in shark-infested waters - internationally and nationally. However, when seven ARC Councillors called for an Extraordinary Meeting requesting the Mayor, Simon Murray, stand down, it bewildered many. The timing seemed surprising - and who would want a “poisoned chalice” just now, with problems like drought/water/fire emergencies and a chronic lack of rate money income? This will all play out, and elections are in September. Importantly, electors want a Council united, listening to their concerns and focusing on the main game, rather than personal side issues. We want sensitive performance from all levels within the set governance rules. Looks like we’ll be negotiating a swim across Alice’s Pool of Local Government Tears for some time, as things aren’t happy. We seem to have sidelined our responsive, can-do bush abilities. [I looked to my Alice in Wonderland for appropriate words. She always has a comment. The first copy I found was Alitji (Alice) in the Dreamtime in Pitjantjatjara! (It’s been published in 174 languages) so I visited Boobooks to pick up a pre-loved English copy for reference.] With retail generally changing focus, CBD business happenings here are interesting. Boobooks and its relaxed “emporium” style for its secondhand sales is increasing its engagement with the Mall. At the same time, the thriving Readers’ Companion move into its own building in the Eastern Mall sets a strong note of confidence. Its personalised style of retail bookstore business has proved their formula such a success. Both businesses deserve our congratulations for their warm service ethic, engagement with their customers and the way they complement each other. Concepts of Armidale has moved into the Richardson’s complex. Its personalised mini-department store approach again demonstrates knowledge of and engagement with its customers. Regional small business is integral to our communities. The Signor Vertelli Bar soon opening in Marsh Street joins the Welders Dog and Charlies Last Stand as the sort of small businesses marking current trends. The new Great Hops Brewery and Bar is another adding
to the craft beer wave. New generations generate new markets, offering service and buzzy atmosphere. Pop-ups definitely contribute. It’s to be hoped that landlords respond to the new business realities. It’s people with innovative ideas who’ll reinvigorate the Malls. Socialising, joining others in our public spaces is good for us - all the more important for us to plan attractive programmes at times people are free to meet and relax. Time for a new look at opening hours? When it comes to it, Bernie Shakeshaft’s win with Backtrack as Australia’s 2020 Local Hero is a perfect demonstration of the power individuals can achieve against the odds. It’s people who make things happen and somehow shake out the bureaucratic tangles. Too many of us stand back, even perhaps bluffed by bullies. Individuals who believe in their projects generate energy and can convince others from a position of strength. Those people have the ability to take people with them. Congratulations, we’re proud of you, Bernie, and your whole team. NERAM’S Director Rachael Parsons’ cuttingedge approach shakes things up and draws new audiences, as well as old. The re-opening of the café can’t come soon enough. Andrew O’Connell, Creative Arts Director at TAS, is another who’s stepped up with his 2020 Arts in Armidale initiative, bringing together local arts organisations. What depth of talent there is here! The cultural richness in our community is extraordinary - we should take more advantage of it. Margaret Sims writes columns in the Express I always find interesting. A passionate defender of academe, she speaks out against the rising tide of bureaucratic management which can seem to dominate the process, rather than serving it. Isn’t education’s main game content delivered by teachers to students, facilitated by management but not overtaken by it? A bevy of management-speak “change adopters” and “academic concierges” now jostle for attention - I’m all for new jobs, but the KISS principle still applies. Was interested to attend the InAg. tech cluster launch at Tatts - same night as SteamDreaming’s Aboriginal Astronomy at Oorala. Run, Susie, run. Susie Dunn.
