Meet Linda Malone, PLC’s new Head of Service and Community Partnerships. We asked Linda a few questions to get to know her better.
Prior to joining PLC, Linda has worked in not-for-profit organisations for many years; UnitingCare West being one of them, where she worked with vulnerable clients, helping them find a sense of belonging.
Linda also managed a social enterprise café that provided a learning environment for people living with disabilities to have experience working in a café.
“This role gave me so much joy as the clients loved coming to the café, making and serving the food to their customers.”
Other roles within the not-for-profit space included fundraising for Cancer Council WA, operating a community centre, and managing a non-government membership-based peak body for community learning.
Who inspires you most?
Hard question. I am inspired by people who get up each day, have a smile on their faces and do the best they can. We all have our own stories but there are so many people every day who face difficult decisions, working through traumas or are survivors still able to smile and make someone else’s day better.
What would you like to achieve at PLC this year?
By the end of 2019, I have three main aims:
- To be able to reflect on the year and say I have done my best to support the School Captains achieve their leadership objectives.
- To have a clear strategic pathway for Service that aligns with PLC’s strategic plan.
- To find ways for the community to utilise the PLC Lighthouse spaces.
What is the best part of your job?
So far, the best part has been meeting so many new people! Last week, I had my first meeting with the School leaders involved with Service, Wellbeing, Environment, Civic and Social Justice, Reconciliation and Boarding. It was exciting to hear all the ideas and plans they have for the year. First on the agenda is Make a Difference Week (March 11 – March 15), closely followed by World’s Greatest Shave in April.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love reading books and spending time with friends and family.
I have been in one book club for over 14 years with the same group of six women. I am not sure we talk about the books much anymore but the get togethers really are a big part of my wellbeing. Last week, six neighbors who are also great friends, started another book club! The ‘rule’ is reading books that could be turned into movies or tv shows.
When my two grown children moved out I asked them to pick a day that I could have a meal with them each week, so Sunday dinners have become a tradition. It doesn’t matter if they come alone or with all their mates, but Sunday afternoons are precious to me.
