Marian Pettit
Northcote,VIC
Summary
I have extensive experience as a senior leader in providing strategic thinking, policy and program implementation at all levels of Government and the Not for Profit sector. I achieve the strategic outcomes for organisations with my recognised ability to collaborate and negotiate with a diversity of stakeholders. I have a proven ability to lead, listen and broker complex solutions and change particularly with First Nations peoples; and the early learning and parenting, employment, homelessness, education and training sectors. I have the personal drive and integrity to nurture trust and foster productive relationships to achieve impact. My communication style is inclusive, informative and persuasive. I have also lived and worked in Lockhart River, QLD; supported First Nations lead practice in over 50 communities; and on the Board of two Aboriginal led organisations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
National Manager
Brotherhood Of St Laurence
Fitzroy, VIC
08.2013 - 11.2021
- Lead an early learning and parenting program (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters -HIPPY) delivered in 100 lower socio-economic communities across Australia communities partnering with 65 not-for profit organisations. Achieving impact for both children rising above the Australian norm in literacy and numeracy at school, 60% of parents gaining employment and employing 40% First Nations women.
- Lead expansion of HIPPY to 50 First Nation communities including partnering with Aboriginal controlled organisations in 2013-2015
- Negotiation of increased HIPPY funding with Department of Social Services over 10 years and enhancing BSL's exclusive Australian HIPPY license.
- Strategic innovation - proven Adult training program - Pathways to Possibilities, evidence based HIPPY Age 3 program, industry leading eLearning platform
- BSL Executive member responsible for strategic directions, financial and operational governance, policy and advocacy 2013 -2019; achieving expansion of HIPPY, NDIS contract, and new youth initiatives
- Co-Chair BSL Reconciliation Committee - lead negotiation and approval of a stretch Reconciliation Action Plan by Reconciliation Australia in 2021.
Strategic Adviser
Non- Government Organisations
Melbourne, VIC
07.2011 - 07.2013
- Puuya Foundation - Strategic and financial planning leading to building and operation of an early learning and parenting centre in Lockhart River from 2015 -
- O'Brien Rich Research Group - Remote Service Delivery Evaluation for Department of Social Services - conducted fieldwork in remote communities
- Orygen Youth Health - advised on the expansion of the EPPIC National Support Service including producing the management and operational approach
- Australian College of Social Work - established advocacy strategy and stakeholder engagement for a College of Social Work
Manager - Housing & Homelessness
Victorian Department Of Human Services
Melbourne, VIC
09.2009 - 02.2011
- Author of the Homelessness 2020 Strategy: Discussion Paper including policy and implementation strategy, communication strategy
- Liaison and negotiating complex stakeholder engagement across Victoria
- Extensive team management, financial budgeting and Ministerial briefing
- Development of public and social housing policy including Nation Building Housing allocation and Common Housing register
Director
Department Of Social Services
Canberra, ACT
01.2008 - 05.2009
- Successful synthesis of policy and implementation strategy for White Paper: The Road Home: Reducing Homelessness in Australia
- Lead and managed complex stakeholder engagement, submissions and Homelessness Steering Group ensuring all voices are heard and commended by Minister's Office
- Delivered a comprehensive communication strategy
- Created annual budget and developed comprehensive plan to accomplish company objectives while staying within budget
Acting CEO
Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council
Lockhart River, Queensland
02.2007 - 12.2007
- Lead and management of the Shire Council including working with an elected Aboriginal Council, implementing strategic plans, financial, asset and people management
- Management of 54 Queensland and Commonwealth Government Legal and Grant Agreements within budget and achievement of performance measures.
- Capacity building of Shire Council staff and community members to be leaders in the community
- Negotiating and achieving a 20% yearly increase in revenue for the community
Director
Department Of Employment And Workplace Relations
Canberra And Cairns, ACT & QLD
01.2004 - 12.2006
- Led innovative COAG Indigenous service delivery reform in Cape York to achieve Australian Government policy
- Led a Whole of Governments reforms to service delivery in employment, business development, education, training - achieving all the targets within budget and timelines
- Negotiate Australian Government commitments to service delivery reform particularly in HopeVale, Lockhart River, Wujal Wujal, and Northern Peninsula Area
- Undertake policy and program reforms post ASTIC in Cape York including budgets and contracts worth 10 millions dollars
- In Canberra - led the strategic reforms to the Indigenous Economic Development Strategy and CDEP
- Achieved the revitalisation of the Indigenous Employment Program and Indigenous Small Business Fund
- Led and manage a productive teams and numerous stakeholder forums
- Author Ministerial briefings, cabinet submissions, speeches, tenders, legal documents
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aplpied Science - Economic Geography
University of NSW
Sydney, NSW03.1984
Graduate Diploma - Public Management
University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT03.1995
Skills
- Proven leadership and management;
- Expert knowledge of public and private sector organisations;
- Expert skills and experience in design, implementation and management of programs and projects;
- Extensive experience in managing staff, building teams and a productive workplace;
- Proficient ability to facilitate strategic alliances and negotiate complex relationships;
- Highly regarded analytical, oral and written communication skills;
- Sound judgement; and
- Self-motivated, value-based and loyal manager
Board Membership
Fellowship of Indigenous Leadership - invests in recognised leaders and providers opportunities to emerging leaders within Victoria's First Nations communities - Board member from 2019
Puuya Foundation - to support the people of Lockhart River to empower their community by working side by side with the community to develop leaders, skills, competence and confidence in the community - Board Member from 2020
Timeline
National Manager
Brotherhood Of St Laurence
08.2013 - 11.2021
Strategic Adviser
Non- Government Organisations
07.2011 - 07.2013
Manager - Housing & Homelessness
Victorian Department Of Human Services
09.2009 - 02.2011
Director
Department Of Social Services
01.2008 - 05.2009
Acting CEO
Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council
02.2007 - 12.2007
Director
Department Of Employment And Workplace Relations
01.2004 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Aplpied Science - Economic Geography
University of NSW
Graduate Diploma - Public Management
University of Canberra