Staff Snapshot – Shane Murphy

17 January 2018

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 Shane Murphy.

Tell us about your role at YWCA Canberra?

To put it very simply I help things run more smoothly! I look after our central policies as well as provide support and input to other teams on matters of policy. I also look after our grants, contracts and citations. If it involves writing – I’m there. I also work with Paula, our Business Development Manager to improve our processes and efficiencies, which is something I’m get a little obsessive about.

What’s on your playlist?

I’m a Punk in the closet! Lately it’s The Bennies, Alex Leahy, Led Zeppelin and Queen.

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

I cleaned toilets at Aspley Acres Caravan Park – it had a fairly high murder rate for a first job site.

What are you reading now?

I just finished When a Monster Calls by Patrick Ness and The Barefoot Investor I’m open to suggestions for my next one!

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

I try not to relax too much! I climb at BlocHaus, swim at CISAC, or lift weights at ANU gym. But if I’m too tired I’ll play a video game or watch TV.

What is the scariest thing you’ve done in the past year?

Probably getting my wisdom teeth out – I’d never gone under anaesthetic before and I had to sign all these forms saying if I died the hospital wasn’t to blame. I’d also heard the doctor say he had a plane to catch and was in a hurry right as I was going to sleep!

What’s an achievement that you’re proud of?

I’m excellent at parking – I used to deliberately park my car places that people thought couldn’t fit just to prove that I could – I’m a show off.

How do you like to unwind?

Beer, TV and people – some combination of the three. I’m constantly annoying my friends by asking them to come do something with me!

Who inspires you?

I get inspired by lots of people, my friends deciding to improve themselves and succeeding, or family working through an issue. Even just someone I meet on the street or in the gym. I think people are incredible.

People would be surprised if they knew…

Despite the state of my desk I’m a serious neat freak – if my apartment isn’t spick and span I get cross, I also cook a lot at home even though I only eat canned food and chips when I’m at work.

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

SCABZ and Cosmic Psychos at Lansdowne hotel – a proper dingy punk show.

What’s on your bucket list?

I’ll never tell!

What’s your favourite movie quote?

“Never tell me the odds” – Han Solo.

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

Everywhere, but I’d start with Belfast to track down some relatives.

Who is your celebrity doppelganger?

Baby Driver (Ansel Elgort).

Who is your feminist hero?

Tough one! But my team for sure. Mary, Paula and Tea are the fiercest, toughest but also kindest people I’ve ever met. They made me feel welcome and accepted when I was properly out of my comfort zone for the first time in my life.

What makes you proud to work at the Y?

It’s honestly brilliant to work somewhere that’s so outwardly in favour of LGBTIQ* equality, which is something I’m very passionate about!

Tags: meet our team, staff snapshot