Introducing….Cally Galliers, who joined SWDC’s People and Place team in April as a Senior Regional Development Officer on a secondment from the Department of Creative, Industries, Tourism and Sport. No stranger to Western Australia’s regions, Cally moved to the South West three years ago after living and working in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields regions. With a background working in Local Government for more than 20 years and leading teams across diverse townsites, Cally is passionate about regional communities and the unique lifestyle opportunities they offer!
What is the focus of your work and a typical day for you at SWDC?
Understanding the communities we live in and what their priorities are is a key focus, with my remit on the Bunbury-Geographe and Busselton areas. Supporting the progress of projects and initiatives that drive growth and vibrancy, with a real emphasis on the liveability space. There isn’t really a “typical” day which is what I love about the role. One day I might be meeting with Local Governments to discuss their regional priorities, the next preparing a Ministerial briefing note to ensure the narrative of what’s needed in the community is being vocalised to the right people, and in between, working with partners and stakeholders to bring people together to create positive outcomes for the region.
What sort of clients contact you and what sort of support can you provide?
I liaise with a wide range of stakeholders across the region, including Local Governments, community groups, government agencies, industry representatives and regional organisations. A big part of my role is helping connect people, ideas and opportunities. That might involve identifying funding pathways, facilitating partnerships, providing strategic advice, supporting advocacy efforts or helping others navigate government processes in general. Often, it’s about bringing the right people together to progress an opportunity or combat a challenge!
What do you like best about living and working in the South West?
Without a doubt, it’s the diversity of this region, the South West offers so much variety right on your doorstep. If I want to spend time at the beach, we have the best here. If I want to head into nature, I can walk amongst the amazing Boranup Forest, spend the day sipping the country’s finest wines – it’s down the road! Most importantly, my kids get to grow up calling some of the most amazing natural landscapes home, the endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation, this region has the perfect balance…..And to work in a role that contributes to the future of a region I love calling home – how fortunate am I!
