Q&A with Jennie Dang, Community Development Officer – Seniors & Disability Inclusion at the City of Ryde.
Meet Jennie Dang, the Community Development Officer for Seniors and Disability Inclusion at the City of Ryde. With a career grounded in fostering inclusivity and community engagement, Jennie has been a passionate advocate for cultural diversity, disability support, and seniors services. In this Q&A, she shares her journey, the projects she leads, and how she strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in her community.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and how long have you been working in your current role?
A: I joined the City of Ryde in 2022 as the Community Development Officer, initially focusing on cultural diversity and currently managing the seniors and disability inclusion portfolios. Prior to my role at City of Ryde, I worked at Georges River Council as a Diversity & Inclusion Officer. My career has included a variety of roles related to multiculturalism, seniors, disability, children, and families, with specialisation in community development and engagement, event planning, and project management. Before joining local government, I worked in the not-for-profit sector, where I supported people with disability, as well as their carers and families.
In my free time, I love going for walks, practicing Pilates, and traveling. As a proud Vietnamese migrant who moved to Australia in 2007, I value the diverse experiences that have shaped my life and work.
Q: What inspired you to join Council?
A: I grew up in a family where both of my parents worked in local government, which greatly influenced me. During my time working at not-for-profit organisations, I noticed many gaps in the community but felt limited in what I could do. I made a promise to myself that I would join the Council and work to address those gaps.
Q: Can you explain your main responsibilities in your role?
A: I thrive on staying busy and have a broad range of responsibilities. My main tasks include managing the Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, supporting aged care consumers and providers under Sector Support Development, managing a part-time staff member and a group of volunteers with disability, and driving initiative to influence other teams on accessibility and inclusiveness. Additionally, I organise and run various workshops, events, and projects for the community throughout the year with my team.
An example of this is the annual Disability Forum where I bring together people with disability, their families, carers and schools as well as disability service providers and stakeholders from state and federal government such as Services Australia (Centrelink), Service NSW, and NDIS Local Area Coordination program. I give them updates on Council’s disability project disability projects that have been completed, and introduce new initiatives that they may be interested in. It’s a great networking event where people can stay and have a chat and get to know other people in our community.
As well as this, I collaborate with other teams on delivering disability awareness training, review and simplify information on the website, and develop strategies to promote social inclusion and community empowerment. Within the City of Ryde, one in ten people have a disability, therefore I see this as vital work in our community.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at City of Ryde?
The Council operates efficiently and contributes significantly to the community which aligns with my values. You’ll find excellent opportunities to connect and collaborate with diverse individuals from various teams, all of whom are friendly and welcoming. I’ve made many good friends here and I appreciate the opportunities to work on different portfolios, as well as my participation in an Aspiring Leadership program that supports my career goals.
Working with the community is deeply rewarding, and I find it fulfilling to see positive changes in their lives. Engaging with various portfolios also broadens my knowledge and experience.
Q: Is there a particular project that you’ve been involved with at City of Ryde that you’re proudest of?
A: Choosing just one project to highlight is challenging, however, the standout project is “Supporting Inclusive Volunteering for People with Disability.”
The first part was development of a volunteering booklet directed towards people with disability addressing relevant questions they may have regarding volunteering. The resources were designed and reviewed by those with lived experience of disability and subject matter expertise.
They have been translated to Easy Read, Simplified Chinese and Korean and adapted into a video format to enhance accessibility. These translations were essential for reaching the diverse population of Ryde, where many residents speak languages other than English. The second part is the involvement of people with disability at Council events.
The project has received an award “Highly Commended” at Local Government NSW Excellence Awards in June 2024. This award is not only a recognition for the Council but also a celebration of our community, our volunteers with disability, and all the organisations involved in the project.
Q: Can you tell us about the upcoming Ryde Shine Ability Competition that you’re running?
A: I’m leading a talent quest competition for people with disability – Ryde Shine Ability which features prizes totalling $7,500. We are calling out for all talent with disability who are living, working, studying, or engaging in social activities in the City of Ryde area.
The top three winners will receive FREE recording sessions/music lessons with Katcha Music, a three-month contract with Diverse Talent Management and will be invited to perform at Council’s events in 2025. This is a great opportunity for people with disability to showcase their talents, receive recognition and get support to shine and find jobs that aligns with their passions.
Q: What was your first job in Australia?
A: My own journey began with a job at a cake shop while on a student visa. Then I worked across different hospitality and retail stores which I soon found out were not quite my cup of tea. During my second year of my Bachelor of Commerce, I volunteered at a preschool and discovered my passion for working with children and families. From there, I gradually challenged myself by exploring various areas within community services, including working with children and families with additional needs, home care, and the NDIS.
Disability has always held a special place in my heart because it connects with my commitment to inclusivity. Advocating for and empowering people with disability is deeply meaningful to me, as it ensures they have equal opportunities and a voice in their communities.
Q: What advice would you give to migrants who are interested in applying for Council jobs?
A: I encourage all migrants to have confidence in themselves and believe in their abilities. It took time for me to discover my strengths, passions, and career direction. I recommend exploring different roles and environments, embracing challenges, and being open to learning and receiving feedback. If possible, try volunteer work – it’s a great way to determine if you like a particular industry.
Be sure to thoroughly prepare for the interview by researching the Council you are applying to. Prepare questions to ask at the end, as this is also your chance to assess whether the role and organisation are a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and have a chat with the hiring manager if you have a question about the job description – if you never ask then you will never know!
I also urge all Council staff to consider hiring more migrants and embrace the diversity. We have a lot to offer, and given the opportunity and support, we can truly shine.
Are you ready to explore meaningful career opportunities like this one? Search our jobs to discover how you can make a difference in your community.
