Katherine (Kate) Kirner
Aireys Inlet,VIC
Summary
- Proven ability to use knowledge and skills to support organisational success
- Adaptable in various situations while consistently meeting deadlines
- Strong planning capabilities, strong attention to detail, and thorough understanding of safety and compliance standards
- Committed team player with demonstrated effective collaboration and consultation with colleagues
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten Services Officer
Meli
Geelong, Vic
04.2018 - Current
- Coordinating with kindergarten personnel regarding the maintenance of buildings, infrastructure, and outdoor licensed facilities
- Collaborating closely with key external partners, including City of Greater Geelong, Bellarine, and Colac Otway Shire
- Engaged extensively with Meli internal teams and managers across Occupational Health & Safety, People & Capability, ICT, Kindergarten Enrolment, particularly focusing on interactions with Kindergarten Program Advisors and Pedagogical Leaders
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of individual kindergartens to assess specific maintenance needs and requirements and strategic planning for building projects and infrastructure
- Building strong reciprocal relationships with key stakeholders, partnering with kindergarten leaders and extended kindergarten teams
- Monitored maintenance requests and coordinated with external contractors for compliance and timely completion
- Manage maintenance requests while adhering to OH&S requirements to uphold safety standards
- Arranging tasks to achieve deadline compliance
- Coordinate onsite meetings with kindergarten leaders and contractors across various kindergartens to address maintenance concerns
- Collaborated in establishing new sites and program systems at kindergartens and community hub including RMS room booking system, Lara Lakes Community Preschool and Norlane West Kindergarten in 2026
- Strong skills in forging partnerships and engaging in team meetings and stakeholder meetings
- Proficiency in diverse software applications including Safety Culture, Riskman, Dynamics, and Continia
- Operate within budgets while maintaining comprehensive understanding of project scopes related to planned building works
- Deep understanding of Dept of Education regulations, Victorian Outdoor Play Guide, and Child Safe Standards
- Facilitated implementation of new technologies to enhance workplace productivity and assisted team members
- Demonstrates the capability to operate autonomously and effective problem-solving
- Assisting all tenants at the community hub including MCH, MKS, variety of counseling services, and Meli employees across a range of departments
- Fostering strong and respectful partnerships with all tenants and individual room hirers
- Ensuring the community hub serves as a welcoming space for all, fostering a safe environment that embraces diversity and inclusion
- Conducting inductions for room hirers focusing on emergency procedures, terms and conditions of room hire, security systems, and commercial kitchen availability.
- Demonstrated ability to operate within budgets while ensuring quality deliverables
- Demonstrate attention to detail alongside effective task prioritisation to fulfill deadlines and realise strategic aims
- Prioritized tasks effectively to meet deadlines and achieve project goals.
- Ensure that Playground Audit Reports are actioned
Manager
Laverton Community Children's Centre
Laverton, VIC
10.2006 - 04.2018
- Supervised daily operations of children's centre, encompassing long day care, sessional kindergarten, supported playgroups, and toy library
- Developed policies regarding employment, enrolment, and collaboration with community stakeholders
- Managed staff schedules and ensured compliance with licensing regulations
- Mentored new staff on centre policies and procedures to enhance operational understanding
- Organised community events such as art festival and Laverton festival to boost family engagement
- Monitored staff performance through regular meetings and annual appraisals, fostering professional growth
- Facilitated workplace training for staff, promoting skill enhancement in early education
- Collaborated with parents and volunteers in development of committees and community initiatives
Team Leader - Children's Centre
City of Yarra
Collingwood, VIC
01.2005 - 10.2006
Co-ordinator
Williamstown Child Care Co-operative LTD
Williamstown, VIC
01.2000 - 12.2005
Children's Services Advisor
Department of Human Services - Northern & Western Region
Footscray, VIC
04.2004 - 07.2004
- Secondment position
Education
Advanced Diploma of Children's Services - Early Childhood Care And Education
Victoria University
Melbourne, VIC01-2013
Diploma of Vocational Educational Training -
Victoria University
Melbourne, VIC01-2003
Diploma of Community Services (Child Care) - Early Childhood Care And Education
Western Metropolitan Institute of TAFE
Melbourne, VIC01-1997
Advanced Certificate of Child Care - Early Childhood Care And Education
Footscray College of TAFE
Melbourne, VIC01-1989
Skills
- Building and infrastructure maintenance and compliance
- Safety compliance
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Cultural awareness
- Problem-solving
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community relations
- Compliance monitoring
- Operational management
Timeline
Kindergarten Services Officer
Meli
04.2018 - Current
Manager
Laverton Community Children's Centre
10.2006 - 04.2018
Team Leader - Children's Centre
City of Yarra
01.2005 - 10.2006
Children's Services Advisor
Department of Human Services - Northern & Western Region
04.2004 - 07.2004
Co-ordinator
Williamstown Child Care Co-operative LTD
01.2000 - 12.2005
Advanced Diploma of Children's Services - Early Childhood Care And Education
Victoria University
Diploma of Vocational Educational Training -
Victoria University
Diploma of Community Services (Child Care) - Early Childhood Care And Education
Western Metropolitan Institute of TAFE
Advanced Certificate of Child Care - Early Childhood Care And Education
Footscray College of TAFE