Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Susan Ashton

Upper Coomera

Summary

Hi, I’m Sue. I am a highly motivated and client-focused professional with extensive experience in customer service, team leadership, and operational management. I am committed to delivering high-quality service, fostering positive relationships, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. I strive to lead with integrity, respect, and a strong value system that guides my professional and personal endeavours.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Residential Care Practitioner

Infinity Community Solutions
02.2024 - Current
  • Engage in purposeful activities aimed at developing life skills and self-worth
  • Work with challenging behaviours with patience and unconditional positive regard.
  • Support individuals with complex needs and disabilities.
  • Encourage independent living skills (cooking, budgeting, shopping, cleaning).
  • Embed strong practice frameworks into daily routines.
  • Provide detailed, confidential reports following policy and legislative requirements.
  • Involve families and significant others to promote positive relationships.
  • Work autonomously and as part of a care team.

Entertainer

Self-Employed
01.2002 - Current
  • Provided live entertainment at various venues across Brisbane and the Gold Coast
  • Developed and maintained relationships with venue management, clients, and audiences
  • Delivered high-quality performances, enhancing the guest experience and satisfaction

Youth Worker (Placement)

Wesley Mission
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Established trusting relationships with young people through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of program hours.
  • Promoted a safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviours among participants.
  • Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.

2IC, Office Manager, Entertainer

Straddie Island Cruises
01.2018 - 01.2020
  • Managed office duties, including bookings, sales inquiries, and customer relations
  • Worked closely with the team as Second-in-Command, ensuring smooth operations in the bar and crew activities
  • Performed as an onboard entertainer, contributing to a lively and engaging atmosphere for passengers
  • Facilitated smooth communication between departments, addressing concerns promptly to maintain harmonious work relationships.

Senior International Cruise Consultant

Our Vacation Centre
01.2011 - 07.2016
  • Managed client relationships, providing advice on travel programs and bookings
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and referrals.
  • Handled all administrative duties, including bookings, inquiries, and complaints
  • Regularly met or exceeded monthly sales targets while maintaining high-quality service standards for all clientele.
  • Supported colleagues through cross-training initiatives which led to improved teamwork among consultants.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalised cruise recommendations based on individual preferences.

Office/Operations Manager

Rivers Cruises Pty Ltd
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Managed office setup, including the implementation of booking systems and administration processes
  • Produced financial reports, including costing, invoicing, and reconciliation of accounts
  • Developed and trained a motivated, customer-focused team
  • Ensured operational efficiency and superior customer service standards

Drama and Singing Teacher, Sales Consultant, Sales/Venue Manager

Brightstar's Talent Agency and Academy
01.2007 - 01.2011
  • Delivered performing arts programs for children aged 5–17 across the Gold Coast and North Brisbane
  • Conducted interviews with prospective clients and provided excellent customer service
  • Managed venue operations, including staff training, sales, and administration duties
  • Exceeded sales targets and KPIs, contributing to the success of the business

Cruise Director / OH&S Officer

Australian Spirit Cruises Pty Ltd
01.2009 - 12.2009
  • Ensured the safety and enjoyment of passengers on the vessel
  • Managed bar operations, rosters, stock, and staff training
  • Ensured safety protocols were adhered to and compliant with regulations
  • Implemented new administration and online in-house booking systems.
  • Costing and gross profit reports, stock reports, monthly invoicing/commissions for agents/vendors, financial daily, weekly, and monthly reports/reconciliations
  • Sourced, and trained a motivated, highly efficient, and customer-focused team
  • Streamlined operations by implementing efficient scheduling systems for staff and performers.

Executive Assistant to the CEO (Home-based Contract)

The Centre for Aboriginal Independence and Enterprise Ltd (CAIE)
01.2008 - 12.2008
  • Supported the CEO in administrative, marketing, and communications tasks
  • Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimise time.
  • Liaison for Government departments and Indigenous groups
  • Drafted and submitted proposals for government funding,
  • Organised and coordinated community forums, corporate events and meetings.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.

Education

Certificate IV Youth Work

TAFE Queensland
QLD
07-2024

• TCI – Therapeutic Crisis Intervention 7

Infiniity Community Solutions
Brisbane, QLD
04-2024

Hope And Healing

Infinity Communitly Solutions
Brisbane, QLD
02-2024

Certification III in Business

Mead Business College
Gold Coast, QLD
09-2015

Skills

  • Professionalism
  • Customer focused
  • Administration
  • Scheduling
  • Financial management
  • Self manage to optimise efficiency
  • Team collaboration
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Adaptability
  • Fast-paced environments
  • Handle challenging situations
  • Maintain composure under pressure

Certification

  • RSA
  • COVID-19 Vaccination
  • Certificate III in Business
  • Teacher Principal Training Course
  • NLP Leadership Course, Institute of Management
  • First Aid Certified
  • National Police Check (2023)
  • Open Manual/Automatic Driver's Licence
  • Certificate IV in Youth Work
  • Hope and Healing for Residential Care
  • TCI – Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
  • Blue Card
  • NDIS Yellow Card

Timeline

Residential Care Practitioner

Infinity Community Solutions
02.2024 - Current

Youth Worker (Placement)

Wesley Mission
01.2023 - 12.2023

2IC, Office Manager, Entertainer

Straddie Island Cruises
01.2018 - 01.2020

Senior International Cruise Consultant

Our Vacation Centre
01.2011 - 07.2016

Office/Operations Manager

Rivers Cruises Pty Ltd
01.2010 - 01.2011

Cruise Director / OH&S Officer

Australian Spirit Cruises Pty Ltd
01.2009 - 12.2009

Executive Assistant to the CEO (Home-based Contract)

The Centre for Aboriginal Independence and Enterprise Ltd (CAIE)
01.2008 - 12.2008

Drama and Singing Teacher, Sales Consultant, Sales/Venue Manager

Brightstar's Talent Agency and Academy
01.2007 - 01.2011

Entertainer

Self-Employed
01.2002 - Current

Certificate IV Youth Work

TAFE Queensland

• TCI – Therapeutic Crisis Intervention 7

Infiniity Community Solutions

Hope And Healing

Infinity Communitly Solutions

Certification III in Business

Mead Business College
Susan Ashton