Philippa Aitken
Perth,Australia
Summary
Seasoned Community Development Officer with a proven track record at City of Melville, enhancing community engagement through innovative projects like Project Robin Hood. Expert in policy enhancements and fostering collaborative relationships, significantly increasing participation in volunteer initiatives. Skilled in analytical problem-solving and effective customer communication, driving impactful community development processes.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Development Officer
City of Melville
City Of Melville, WA
09.2021 - Current
- Led special projects such as National Volunteer Week, Over 55’s Forums, Project Robin Hood (PRH) Review, and Welcoming Cities.
- Established and facilitated the quarterly Volunteer Managers Network meeting and other networks.
- Increased community engagement and participation with Volunteer Melville! Through Step into Volunteering sessions and Volunteer Expos.
- Led training initiatives to support internal and external volunteers, such as See Me See You Cultural Responsiveness Training.
- Organized and facilitated over 55's forums and the Melville Aged Seniors Network (MASN).
- Led the review and of PRH and facilitated stakeholder engagement.
- Reinvigorated Melville’s LGA partnership in the South Metro Multicultural Network and Welcoming Cities network.
Community Facilitator
Connecting Community for Kids
City Of Cockburn, WA
07.2019 - 09.2021
- Coordinated with government agencies, service providers, and community groups for collective impact, on improved child health, development, and well-being through early intervention.
- Fun and creative events and workshops organized and delivered inspiring connections between parents and children, community groups, and the local council.
- Increased cultural connections and knowledge of different cultures in the City of Cockburn through the Long Table Lunch concept.
Career Break
Raising Children
Perth, WA
11.2012 - 01.2019
- Managed and supervised playgroup events as a volunteer.
- Organised and managed the uniform shop at children's Primary School, and other fundraising events.
Community Development and Funding Advisor
Department of Internal Affairs
Christchurch, New Zealand
06.2002 - 11.2011
- Provided community advisory services across South Island (NZ).
- Supplied information, resources, and funding advice to communities.
- Assisted communities, hapū/iwi organisations, and networks in identifying priorities.
- Facilitated diverse community development projects.
- Supported effective decision-making for the COGS (Community Organisation Grants Scheme) Committee through specialised expertise.
- Served as a COGS subject expert for new staff.
- Managed the Pacific Island portfolio in the team.
- Assumed lead responsibilities on necessary occasions.
Tutor of NZQA Diploma in Social Services and activ
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka
Christchurch, New Zealand
01.2002 - 06.2002
- Utilised multiple teaching methods to captivate/teach students.
- Supplied detailed evaluations on student achievements.
- Organised small-group discussions to enhance course material understanding.
Education
Project Management Essentials -
LG Professionals
Perth, WA05.2024
4 Quadrant Leadership -
NZIM
New Zealand01.2010
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Human Resources (3 papers completed)
Massy University
New Zealand01.2007
NZQA National Diploma in Social Services - Level B
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka
New Zealand01.2001
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults -
University of Cambridge/Royal Society of Arts
New Zealand01.1997
Certificate in Social Services -
Te Tai Poutini Polytechnic
New Zealand01.1994
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Major in Sociology
Canterbury University
New Zealand01.1993
Skills
- Policy enhancements
- Effective customer communication
- Analytical Problem Solver
- Community development processes
- Community engagement
- Collaborative
Hobbies and Interests
- Camping
- Travel
- Reading
- Sport
References
Available on request
Timeline
Community Development Officer
City of Melville
09.2021 - Current
Community Facilitator
Connecting Community for Kids
07.2019 - 09.2021
Career Break
Raising Children
11.2012 - 01.2019
Community Development and Funding Advisor
Department of Internal Affairs
06.2002 - 11.2011
Tutor of NZQA Diploma in Social Services and activ
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka
01.2002 - 06.2002
Project Management Essentials -
LG Professionals
4 Quadrant Leadership -
NZIM
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration - Human Resources (3 papers completed)
Massy University
NZQA National Diploma in Social Services - Level B
Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults -
University of Cambridge/Royal Society of Arts
Certificate in Social Services -
Te Tai Poutini Polytechnic
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Major in Sociology
Canterbury University
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