Emily hits the ground running

20 Jun Emily hits the ground running

Camperdown Community House’s new coordinator Emily Mercer has hit the ground running – with new grants secured, new groups formed and new relationships established.

Emily started in the role in late January and said she had been busy getting up to speed with existing activities and working towards new outcomes for members and the broader community.

“It has certainly been a busy time, but it has already been very rewarding and our volunteers have been wonderful to work with,” she said.

“I can’t reveal too much yet, but we’ve secured three seperate grants to continue, and build on, the work the House has been doing which is very exciting. We’ll have more news about these grants shortly.

“Another outcome we can all be very proud of is the establishment of a steering group for the Camperdown Community Garden which is already a fantastic community asset but has so much more potential over coming months and years.

“Already at least two new community groups have contacted us to have their own plots in the garden and that’s a great example of how these projects connect people and have a positive impact on the community in which we live and work.”

Emily has extensive experience working within the community sector – specifically in public health, disability, community service, local government and higher education. Prior to this year, she spent three years managing the community health centre in Birregurra.

“I think the roles I’ve held have helped me build a real passion for community development and the principles of lifelong learning, equity, community strengthening, individual empowerment and social justice really underpin my work,” she said.

“I’m confident my skills and experience in strategy, policy and service development will continue to progress Camperdown Community House’s current strategic plan.”

Emily said she’d enjoyed working with Camperdown Men’s Shed to help plan and achieve some projects, including the recent Men’s Health Day.

Among her many goals, Emily hopes to strengthen the volunteer program and increase opportunities for community involvement in order to assist the organisation to develop a sustainable community development model.

“I think community skill sharing is another way we can ensure that the great work that Camperdown Community House has always done will continue to benefit the community well into the future,” she said.