National Dinosaur Museum: Bringing history to life!

The team at the National Dinosaur Museum, led by General Manager Carole Arulantu, is dedicated to creating an engaging and dynamic experience for visitors of all ages. With diverse backgrounds and a passion for learning, the women behind the museum bring creativity, leadership, and innovation to every aspect of their work.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and how did you get started?

Carole: I love a good challenge! I am passionate and creative and never repeat an idea twice! As my expertise is not in the field of palaeontology, the thought of managing a dinosaur museum was both exciting and undeniably tempting for me. I commenced at the museum in January 2023, after 20 years of working in the world of performing arts and event management. I wanted to inject fun and entertainment into the National Dinosaur Museum. I didn’t know much about dinosaurs except that I love all the movies, so I became creative and produced new products such as our 18+ adults ONLY tours and our pop culture tours. My role requires me to manage all day-to-day operations, including the building upkeep, finance, marketing, partnerships, staff (HR), contractors and stakeholders management, events, and much more.

Athena: I believe there is a cosmic amount of knowledge this world has to offer. My sense of curiosity has led me to pursue a career as a tour guide at the National Dinosaur Museum. I love the diversity in the workforce and my amazing team members!

What moment in your career are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?

Carole: I was most proud when we won Best Tourist Attraction in 2023! I had only been at the museum for 6 months at that time. The submission only contained 6 months’ worth of content compared to the 12 months’ financial year content that is required. I had to quickly acquire deep understanding of the business and build a winning strategy. Our own Communications Officer wrote the 10,000-word submission on our behalf! Since winning, I have witnessed confidence and pride in my staff’s attitude. They walk and talk with a sense of belonging and self-pride and understand that even a small attraction like ours can be a force to be reckoned with. I am exceptionally proud of all my staff! My daily mantra – “We cannot change the past but we can create an excellent future!”

Judy: I was shy and lacked confidence when I first commenced as a customer service officer. Becoming a tour guide and then later being offered a role as Retail Supervisor boosted my confidence to a level that I never expected. I am now able to manage staff assertively.

What are your favourite things about living and working in the Canberra region?

Carole: Anyone who knows me, will tell you that I am a great advocate for Canberra. What is there not to love?! I moved to Canberra 23 years ago as a single mum with a two-year-old daughter and never looked back. It is a great place to raise a family, you can easily get from point A to B within minutes, no congestion on the road, great people, fabulous fusion food, and umpteen festivals!

Canberra has so much more to offer when it comes to tourist attractions than just the Parliament House! I love the fact that all the embassies are right at our doorsteps – nowhere else can you hop on a bus to see the world in one day! So, during ‘Windows to the World’, Canberrans can proudly declare that you can go around the world in 1 day instead of 80 days!

Nicole: The safety! I can walk home without worry!

What advice do you have for young people looking to enter the working world?

Carole: Be prepared to put the phones away, look people in the eyes when you speak to them and care about what you do. Be open to learning because you don’t know everything.

What drives you to continuously enhance your professional skills?

Carole: Interaction with visitors and staff is my absolute drive. To learn about the unknown! Being at this museum and soaking in all the thrilling facts about dinosaurs makes my professional journey a captivating ride. I have always loved training and nurturing staff. I am a huge advocate of diversity. I strive to continuously create a cohesive workplace and add new opportunities.

I have managed to build a diverse team of staff from all around the world and provided them with the opportunity to offer museum tours in 16 different languages. I know from firsthand experience that there is nothing more satisfying than hearing your own language being spoken in a foreign land.

How significant is the support of family and friends in helping you throughout your career and life?

Carole: I went through a significantly difficult time in my life early this year. My family and friends have been the catalyst in making that healing journey easier for me. They are a very important part of my life and I am forever grateful for them.

Sandy: Absolutely important! Without them, I will not be able to join the workforce and do what I am passionate about, as in my culture, most women are expected to be housewives.

Have you faced any major challenges in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

Carole: I have faced many challenges whether it’s personal or at work. I don’t let anything bring me down. I must be strong for my daughter and my staff in my everyday life. I have a saying, “Every problem has a solution”. I believe in always forging ahead and never looking back.

What are your top tips for creating a healthy work-life balance?

Carole: I am a self-confessed workaholic. However, I like to work hard and play hard! My tips: Take time for yourself. Never feel guilty about pampering you! Practice mindfulness, even if you can only afford 10 minutes at your desk. Turn away from the computer and breathe.