Ellie Wardell
Lismore,NSW
Summary
Early childhood education and community engagement professional currently working in the library space. Extensive experience designing and delivering programs that support early literacy, play-based learning, and family engagement. Skilled in creating educational, interactive experiences that foster meaningful connections between children, parents, and caregivers, recognising carers as their child’s first teachers. Experienced in training staff, building community partnerships, and delivering programs across multiple locations. Passionate about supporting families to thrive through early learning and engagement initiatives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Programs and Community Engagement Officer
Richmond Tweed Regional Library
09.2024 - Current
- I am responsible for the strategic design and coordination of community engagement programs across a regional library network, with a current focus on early literacy programs for children and families.
- I develop frameworks for programs such as Storytime, Baby Time, Toddler Time, and Summer Reading Club, ensuring they are responsive to community needs.
- I provide support to staff delivering programs, preparing practical resources and guidance to help them deliver effective, engaging and inclusive group sessions.
- I work with multiple sites to provide advice and continuous improvement recommendations, helping to build staff confidence.
- I apply strong knowledge of child safety, WHS, and inclusive practice throughout program planning and coordination, ensuring programs are accessible, culturally respectful, inclusive, and safe.
- I contribute to marketing our programs through social media, website updates and creating promotional packs.
Acquisitions Assistant
Richmond Tweed Regional Library
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Efficiently received, processed, and quality-checked books and resources for the library.
Library Program Specialist
Mitchell Shire Council
09.2022 - 10.2023
- I developed and delivered creative library programs tailored to the community, supporting learning, literacy, and social inclusion.
- I partnered with local organisations and playgroups to bring them into the library to run programs and workshops, which I found particularly rewarding.
- I planned and executed a calendar of programs and activities for children, youth, and adults, ensuring a diverse range of offerings.
- Achievements and outcomes:
- Increased program participation by 60% following a relaunch in April 2023 through the introduction of innovative, inclusive programs.
- Built and strengthened community engagement by connecting with local organisations, services, and residents, and facilitating a library Facebook page to encourage communication and feedback.
- Demonstrated strong organisational skills by managing program planning, delivery, and evaluation across multiple locations.
Administration and Events Officer
University of Melbourne
03.2022 - 09.2022
- Supported event planning and delivery, communications, and program promotion, including social media and website content updates.
Preschool Teacher
Parafield Gardens Children’s Centre
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Planned and delivered learning experiences for children aged 4–5 years using the Early Years Learning Framework.
- Built strong relationships with parents, staff, and allied health professionals to support child learning and development.
Children’s Program Officer
Playford Library Service
10.2019 - 04.2021
- I organised and delivered early literacy and play-based learning programs for children and families, including Story Time and school holiday activities.
- I partnered with local council community centres and external organisations to bring programs such as Sing & Grow to the community.
- I worked with families experiencing disadvantage to ensure they could access programs and connect with additional support services.
- I also revitalised children’s collections, facilitated outreach visits to schools and community centres, and supported marketing initiatives to increase participation.
Early Childhood Educator
Mawson Lakes Community Preschool
11.2018 - 10.2019
- Provided enriching learning experiences for children aged 3–5 years, established impactful learning environments, and guided new staff and student educators.
Sales Representative & Sales Assistant
QBD Books & The Book Warehouse
11.2009 - 07.2018
- Built and maintained relationships with schools, libraries, and customers.
- Coordinated sales events, processed orders, and implemented successful marketing initiatives.
Education
Master of Information Studies (Librarianship) -
Charles Sturt University
Online12.2026
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood) -
Southern Cross University
Lismore, NSW12.2018
Skills
- Relationship management
- Interpersonal communication
- Marketing strategy
- Program delivery
- Early childhood education expertise
- Staff training and support
- Community partnerships
- Website administration
- Project management tools
- Report writing
- Event coordination
Certification
Employee Working with Children Check, 01/01/27
Valid NSW driver licence
Valid NSW driver licence
Timeline
Programs and Community Engagement Officer
Richmond Tweed Regional Library
09.2024 - Current
Acquisitions Assistant
Richmond Tweed Regional Library
01.2024 - 11.2024
Library Program Specialist
Mitchell Shire Council
09.2022 - 10.2023
Administration and Events Officer
University of Melbourne
03.2022 - 09.2022
Preschool Teacher
Parafield Gardens Children’s Centre
04.2021 - 09.2021
Children’s Program Officer
Playford Library Service
10.2019 - 04.2021
Early Childhood Educator
Mawson Lakes Community Preschool
11.2018 - 10.2019
Sales Representative & Sales Assistant
QBD Books & The Book Warehouse
11.2009 - 07.2018
Master of Information Studies (Librarianship) -
Charles Sturt University
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood) -
Southern Cross University