Penelope Cornes
Brunswick,VIC
Summary
I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of International Studies, specialising in Development. I have previously studied Arts Management and have a strong background working in events and the creative industries. I aspire to combine my passion for social justice and sustainable community development with my interests and experience in the arts. My learnings throughout my degree have focused on post-colonial, environmental, language, gender and indigenous studies. Alongside practical experiences working with diverse communities, and researching and developing sustainable development goals and projects.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intern
Environs Kimberley
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Working closely with Aboriginal ranger groups to assess the impacts of fire management on the health of the bush in the region.
- Working with their Wattle Seed Collective social enterprise - collecting data, meeting with community members and analysing surveys to understand their views and inputs on the project.
- Enhancing cross cultural knowledge sharing, communication, and forming a better understanding of issues faced in remote communities.
- Sorted and organised files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Volunteered time to prepare the site and plant trees at the Youth Centre to create a food forest and teach community about caring for the environment.
- Assisting with planning and overall running of their 2024 art auction - including conversing with artists, curating works for the website, setting up the venue, managing volunteers and taking images of the art works.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set in design programs and excel.
Bartender and Front of House
Rising Festival
06.2023 - Current
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Being adaptable within a shift and assisting with paint and sip and other events sessions.
Retail Assistant and Garden Care Expert
Bunnings
03.2018 - Current
- Training team members with special needs and from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- Responsibilities in opening and closing the store, auditing, administration, inventory, and merchandising.
- Creating displays and signage throughout the store.
- Building outdoor furniture and storage for displays.
- Providing quality customer service whilst effectively multitasking.
- Taking care of the nursery and providing horticulture and garden care advice.
Box Office Staff Member
Fringe World
02.2018 - 02.2023
- Cultivated strong relationships with patrons, encouraging continued support of the festivals events and performances.
- Assisted in promoting special events and performances, resulting in increased ticket sales.
- Assisting with bump in and bump out.
- Training new staff on ticket system and POS.
- Provided exceptional customer service by answering phone calls promptly and addressing online inquiries effectively.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss strategies for improving overall box office performance and the festivals success.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies (Development)
RMIT University
Melbourne, VIC12.2024
Skills
SOFT
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to foster meaningful engagement and connections with community members
- Experience working with diverse communities in remote Western Australia as well as in Mumbai
- Adjusts to changing circumstances
- Learns new skills quickly
- Works collaboratively
- Contributes positively to and thrives in group dynamics
- Effectively organises tasks and prioritises work
- Generates innovative and creative ideas
- Skilled in fostering positive relationships
- Resolves disagreements constructively
RESEARCH
- Proficient in data entry and visualisation using excel
- Skilled in preparing reports and empirical research essays
- Understands ethical considerations in research
Other Interests
- Photography and film making
- Sewing and creating innovative up-cycled garments
- Horticulture and land care management
- Language learning
Certification
- Certificate III in Creative Industries
- Current Victorian RSA
- Full Manual License
Academic Experience
The Lurujarri Dreaming Trail - 2023
Nine days were spent walking the ancient Songline up the coast of Broome, working closely and learning from the Goolarabooloo community. This experience was transformative and shifted my overall perspective and ways of understanding the intrinsic relationship between people and the natural environment.
International Perspectives on Community Development - Mumbai Study Tour - 2024
This experience in Mumbai allowed me to see India through a different perspective and learning about a place through crucial knowledge of the political system, historical injustices, vibrancy of the culture and strength of the people. It shifted my views on community development and taught me first hand the strength and abilities of local communities, as well as the importance of connecting deeply to the places in which we work.
Indigenous Fieldwork unit and Lake Bolac Eel Festival - 2024
This experience taught me significantly of Victoria's brutal colonial history, Indigenous land management, and the complexities of cross-cultural festivals and initiatives.
Bachelor of Arts Management - WAAPA - 2021
Before moving to Melbourne I studied previously at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Whilst I decided on a change of studies, I developed skills and understanding of arts management practices and gained much volunteer experience - assisting with WAAPA's shows and general FOH duties.
References
Available on request
Timeline
Intern
Environs Kimberley
06.2024 - 08.2024
Bartender and Front of House
Rising Festival
06.2023 - Current
Retail Assistant and Garden Care Expert
Bunnings
03.2018 - Current
Box Office Staff Member
Fringe World
02.2018 - 02.2023
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies (Development)
RMIT University
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