My cats - Maeve and Lucus
Hi, I’m
Vanessa L Turner
Former Swim Teacher, Retail, Volunteer, and Author
Brisbane,QLD
"There are many quotes about life, love, support, and opportunity; however, not a single one will be of use unless you can first believe in yourself."
Vanessa Turner
Work Preference
Summary
I have a decade of customer-facing experience, plus broad retail experience from different-sized stores. I've shown I can be excellent in customer service roles, swim teaching, cleaning, and cafe/kitchen hand. I thrive in group settings and can also work independently, using creativity to tackle challenges. My skills are teaching, crisis management, and former experience in thriving in any workplace. Honesty and integrity are fundamental principles that guide my pursuits. I'm dedicated to personal growth and health awareness to improve my ability to cope and adapt for any role I undertake. With that knowledge, I can help and share the importance of positive mental and physical benefits in the workplace. I will make a difference.
I have taken a brief career pause due to health challenges, during the gaps in my work experience.
Overview
7
Years of Professional Experience
3
Certifications
6
Years of public service to Neptune Royal Life Saving
5
Years serving as a Volunteer Netball Coach
Work History
Shapland Swim SchoolEverton Park, QLD
Swim Instructor
11.2024 - 12.2025
Job overview
- Demonstrated swimming techniques to improve student comprehension.
- Developed basic survival skills, including floating, treading water, and pool safety protocols.
- Conducted swim sessions adhering to safety rules both in and out of water.
- Fostered teamwork to create supportive learning environments during drills and techniques.
- Instructed classes from infants to mini squad stroke correction, ensuring progressive skill development.
Route 66: The little Kiwi ShopWavell Heights, QLD
Store Clerk
02.2024 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Greeted customers warmly and provided assistance as needed.
- Operated cash register, processing sales and managing cash and card transactions.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation of store, including shelves, displays, and checkout area.
- Ensured store presentation and safety while keeping products fully stocked.
- Assisted staff with food preparation and ingredient assembly according to guidelines.
- Followed food safety protocols for proper storage and handling procedures.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance kitchen workflows.
- Conducted inventory checks to support uninterrupted kitchen operations.
WoolworthsMitchelton, QLD
Team Member
05.2021 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Operated point-of-sale (POS) system for accurate purchase processing.
- Handled cash and debit card transactions with precision.
- Assisted customers in locating items and addressing inquiries.
- Organised stock transfers to ensure timely restocking of shelves.
- Refaced shelves for optimal product visibility and presentation.
- Bagged items efficiently to enhance customer experience.
- Performed general cleaning to maintain store organisation and hygiene.
- Scanned items accurately, applying discounts where applicable.
Neptune Royal Life SavingTallebudgera Creek 4228, QLD
Volunteer Life Saver
09.2015 - 02.2021
Job overview
- Monitored beach activities to ensure swimmer safety and compliance with regulations.
- Conducted routine surveillance of water conditions and flagged hazards for the public.
- Responded quickly to emergencies, providing first aid and rescue assistance as needed.
- Educated visitors about safety rules and proper beach behaviour to enhance awareness.
- Maintained lifeguard equipment, ensuring readiness for all rescue situations at the beach.
- Participated in regular drills to improve response times and coordination among staff.
- Rescue swimmers in danger of drowning, responded to other emergencies and performed appropriate follow-up procedures.
Rackley Swimming CentenarySpring Hill, QLD
Trainee
05.2019 - 10.2020
Job overview
- Welcomed customers, including regulars, swim school attendees, and gym members.
- Assisted with service changes through in-person meetings or phone calls.
- Ensured daily operations maintained safety and cleanliness standards.
- Prioritised tasks to efficiently meet service objectives.
- Provided exceptional service while updating swim school and promotional event records.
- Prepared and served coffee beverages according to customer specifications.
- Displayed cafe items daily while adhering to food safety guidelines.
- Performed cleaning duties, including sweeping, mopping, and surface sanitisation.
Education
University of The Sunshine Coast
Diploma from The Creative Industries
07-2023
Ferny Grove State High
Year 12 Completion
11-2021
MEGT
Certificate 3 from Sport And Recreation
10-2020
Skills
- Swimming techniques and safety protocols
- CPR and first aid certification
- Customer service and problem solving
- Time management and professionalism
- Multitasking and organization
- Dependability and responsibility
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Critical thinking and attention to detail
Certification
Blue Card - expires 11/10/2028
CPR certified - expires 03/2026
Open Driver's License and Car available
References
References available upon request.
Education and Training
Chinese Buddy Program in 2018
Volunteer: Netball Coach, Lifesaver, Babysitter, Petsitter
Professional sports: Rep Netball, plus an offer into QPL (Queensland Premier League, but I turned down), District/Regional competitive swimmer and 3Pitch Softball league, followed by District/Regional Softball
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Interests
Creative Writing - Calling Home: Journey Begins by Viki Turner is my work
Timeline
Swim Instructor
Shapland Swim School
11.2024 - 12.2025
Store Clerk
Route 66: The little Kiwi Shop
02.2024 - 05.2024
Team Member
Woolworths
05.2021 - 01.2024
Trainee
Rackley Swimming Centenary
05.2019 - 10.2020
Volunteer Life Saver
Neptune Royal Life Saving
09.2015 - 02.2021
University of The Sunshine Coast
Diploma from The Creative Industries
Ferny Grove State High
Year 12 Completion
MEGT
Certificate 3 from Sport And Recreation