Q&A with Jessica Colless, Team Leader of Engagement & Culture, Camden Council
Jessica Colless brings a vibrant blend of skills and passion to her role as Team Leader of Engagement & Culture at Camden Council. With a background that spans cheerleading for the Cronulla Sharks and representing Australia in baton twirling, Jessica’s journey into local government is as dynamic as her talents.
In this interview, she shares insights into her career, her role at Camden Council, and how her unique experiences have shaped her approach to her work.
Q: Can you tell us about your career journey and how you arrived at your current role at Camden Council?
A: I grew up right here in Camden, so I’ve had the incredible experience of witnessing our community’s growth from the very beginning. From a young age, I could feel the excitement of the area growing around me, and it made a huge impression. When I was in Year 12, I had to decide what I wanted to do next. Honestly, I had a genuine zest for life and a deep love for people, but I struggled to pinpoint a specific path.
I started out in personal training because I wanted to support and empower people to live their best lives. This led me to explore nutrition and dietetics, but I quickly realised chemistry wasn’t my thing. So, I headed to the University of Wollongong, where I did a Bachelor of Public Health with a major in marketing and communications. My goal was to help people by identifying community needs and addressing them through strategic initiatives.
While at university, I was also a cheerleader for the Cronulla Sharks NRL football club. I loved bringing people together and providing entertainment for families. I even did baton twirling, representing Australia and traveling all over the world. It was an amazing experience, and I continued to perform fire twirling as a cheerleader for Cronulla.
After university, I worked in marketing at the Mount Annan Leisure Centre, which is actually one of Camden Council’s facilities. Then came COVID-19, and I landed a role in corporate communications at Camden Council. Initially, it was just a short-term contract, but I found myself deeply engaged with supporting our staff during those challenging times. Four years later, I’m still here, now as the Team Leader of Engagement & Culture. It’s been a rewarding ride, and I see the synergies between my various roles – bringing people together, developing meaningful and strategic initiatives
and supporting the community.
Q: What are your primary responsibilities in your role as Team Leader of Engagement & Culture?
A: My main focus is to enhance the workplace environment and culture at Camden Council. This involves developing and implementing strategies and initiatives for employee engagement, fostering a positive work culture, and supporting professional development. I also oversee initiatives aimed at improving internal communications and continuously enhancing the employee experience to make Camden Council an even better place to work.
Q: Can you tell us about a project you’re particularly proud of?
A: One project I’m especially proud of is our recent Employee Experience Survey. It was the first comprehensive survey we’d conducted in years, and it really gave us valuable insights into our staff’s experiences.
The survey was a significant effort, aiming to capture feedback from a diverse workforce, including operational and offsite workers. We were thrilled to see an 80% response rate, with 79% of respondents highly likely to recommend Camden Council as a great place to work.
To engage our offsite workers effectively, we made sure to approach them personally. We learned that they prefer direct communication and easy access to surveys, so we ensured the process was straightforward and didn’t require complex logins. We even took the results to them, presenting the information in a concise and meaningful way.
The feedback from the survey highlighted the importance of relationships with supervisors and team leaders, which was a key factor in their trust and satisfaction. We’re using this feedback to enhance our approach, focusing on meaningful communication and continual improvement.
Our framework for consultation is now centred around listening, learning, acting, and measuring. This project has reinforced our commitment to consulting with our staff and making data-driven improvements to their work experience.
Q: What does success look like to you?
A: Success for me is all about progress, agility, and connectedness. It’s not just about ticking off tasks but about seeing real advancements in our work and how well we adapt to changes.
When I reflect on a successful week, I think about whether we’ve made tangible progress in our projects and initiatives. Success also means ensuring that our team members have the best possible experience at Camden Council.
I view my role as serving not just the broader community but also our internal community – our people. So, if our teams are thriving, if they feel supported, and if we’ve been able to effectively communicate and connect with them, that’s a win.
Q: How does your role impact the broader community served by Camden Council?
A: A positive workplace culture translates into better service for the community. When our staff feel supported and engaged, they’re more motivated and effective in their roles. This then enhances the quality of service we provide to our residents. By fostering a culture of excellence internally, we aim to reflect that excellence in our interactions with the community.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Camden Council?
A: The culture at Camden Council is very open. When you’re here, you’ll feel that we’re fully invested in delivering amazing services while being genuinely excited about what’s on the horizon. Working at Camden means being part of something that’s not just impactful today but also leaves a lasting legacy for the future.
I am Camden’s biggest cheerleader, honestly. I absolutely love it. I can’t hide my excitement about what we’re doing and where we’re going. I’m truly passionate about our mission and the future we’re shaping.
Q: What would you say to someone who was considering starting a career at council?
A: Local Government is fantastic for people who truly enjoy being part of, and serving their community. There’s something really special about that sense of belonging, and it’s something you get in spades here. At Camden, for example, we offer around 100 different services. This means you can find your niche within the organisation and still have the chance to explore other areas.
If you’re looking to be part of something bigger than yourself and want to dive into a variety of experiences while making a real impact, local government is where it’s at. It’s all about discovering the best parts of yourself through a diverse range of opportunities while contributing to something that benefits the whole community.
Ready to experience more in your career? Then it’s time to explore the diverse opportunities on offer across Australia in Local Government: https://www.careersatcouncil.com.au/jobs/
