Jennifer Keerie

Tell us about your experience in the sector?

I was completely new to the neighbourhood house sector when I arrived in Victoria. The underpinning framework of community development was what attracted me to this line of work. My former work roles included citizen advocacy (for people with disability, most vulnerable, most at risk), service provision for people with disability using recreation activities as the method of engagement, local government, and legal practice. I’ve been a member of Rotary, on the board of Neighbourhood Houses Gippsland, currently on the South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning Employment Network, the Korumburra Business Association, the Korumburra Round Table, the Korumburra Railway Station Working Group and more. 

What makes being part of the neighbourhood house sector so special?

Working closely with community to help make things happen is what I love about this sector. The work is not locked into one way of achieving outcomes, and this is key because every person we meet has individual circumstances. The work is exciting, challenging, rewarding, complex, and so very essential in supporting people in our community to grow, become strong, to learn, to connect, to share, and to give back.

What do you hope to achieve in your time on the NHVic Board?

I have knowledge, skills, capability, experience, and so do the other Board members. I’d like to learn new approaches to the work houses do, and to make a contribution to supporting the peak body of this grass roots sector. Grass roots yes, and sophisticated, professional people, worthy of more recognition of the incredible role undertaken in supporting our communities.

What passions or interests take up your spare time?

Spare time? Who on earth has that, and tell me where I can find some!

I love reading, driving while listening to classical music, gardening when I have the chance, and have recently been elected to local government.

Tell us a quote that inspires the work you do?

"Courage doesn’t always have to roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.'" - Mary Anne Radmacher