Staff Snapshot – Paula Chemello

13 January 2017

At YWCA Canberra, we’re really proud of the vibrancy and diversity of our staff team. We’ll be bringing you regular staff snapshots so you can meet our team and find out a bit more about the people behind our programs and services. Today, meet Paula, our Policy and Compliance Officer.

Tell us about your role at YWCA Canberra.

I am the Policy and Compliance Officer. I work across the organisation to ensure we are meeting all of our contractual and legal obligations. Recently I worked on our re-application for our Employer of Choice Citation with the Women’s Gender Equity Agency, and I am now working with the Housing Unit on their re-assessment for Community Housing Registration. Working across the organisation gives me great insight into all the wonderful programs we provide.

What’s on your playlist?

I have an eclectic collection and multiple playlists for every mood – at the moment I am loving The Head and The Heart, The Weeks, The Hard Aches, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Hands Like Houses and Briggs – but I always turn it back to Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and You Am I after a while.

What is the most ‘out-there’ job you’ve ever had?

I teach kids how to roller skate –is that ‘out-there’? I am not sure – because it’s pretty normal to me.

What are you reading at the moment?

Text books! I am currently studying a Diploma in Sport Development, which means I am learning all about coaching, sport science, talent identification and development, sport psychology and how to manage sporting organisations.

When you’re not at work, what’s your relaxation activity of choice? 

Going to see live bands and at the moment my weekly trivia night!

How do you like to unwind?

Roller Derby – I always end up feeling great after training (as well as tired and sore).

What’s the best concert that you’ve ever been to?

So many I cannot list one. Here are some which are memorable for different reasons.

• Glen Hansard – Hollywood Bowl
• Soundgarden  – in Seattle
• Eddie Vedder – State Theatre Sydney
• Alice In Chains – Hordern Pavillion 1993

What’s your favourite movie quote?

‘It’s majestical’ – Uncle Hec in Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

If you got a free around the world ticket, where would you go?

ALL OF THE PLACES! I would:

• Visit the Polar Bears in Canada
• Spend time at the Orangutan sanctuary in Borneo
• The America’s – all of it – North and South – in winter so I can go to all of the snow resorts – and drive in the snow – and walk in the snow. I like snow.
• The Caribbean for all that pirate history

What makes you proud to work at the Y?

To work somewhere which aligns with your personal values and beliefs is rare – mix that with the amazing programs, inspirational and dedicated people who work here and a sense of knowing you are part of something that is making a difference in people’s lives; all of which is underpinned by feminist values; every day is great!

 

Tags: CBR, staff snapshot, YWCA Canberra team