At the heart of Northside Community Service is a shared commitment to inclusion, education, and connection. Through its five early childhood centres across Canberra, Northside provides nurturing, high-quality care that supports children, families, and community. Led by a passionate team of early childhood professionals, the organisation empowers children to learn, grow, and thrive in environments built on respect, curiosity, and belonging, shaping bright futures from the very beginning.
Tell us about your organisation, how long you have been there and your role within it.
Ash: Northside Community Services delivers services to members of the Canberra community who are experiencing vulnerability, seeking connection and looking to access high-quality education and care. I have been with Northside for around 3 years; I am the Executive Manager of Children’s Services.
Nazish: Along with other services, Northside Community Service provides exceptional early learning to give the best start in life to our children in our care. I am working as the centre director at Majura Early Childhood.
Chris: As Centre Director at Yurauna Early Childhood Centre, I lead a team committed to nurturing children in a culturally safe and inclusive environment. Yurauna supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families by creating a space where children feel strong in their identities, while their parents pursue further studies.
Mel: I have been with Northside for seven years and currently serve as the Centre Director at one of our early childhood centres.
Abby: I’ve been with Northside since March 2019, working across various roles. I’m currently the Centre Director at Harrison Early Childhood Centre.
Can you share your career journey so far and how it brought you to your current role?
Ash: With my mum working in Early Education, my teen years exposed me to the world of education. An apprenticeship in an Early Learning Centre was my next step. I knew this was for me at the age of 14. Having worked in casual, Lead and Management roles over the past 20 years, I am now in my most important and impactful role yet!
Nazish: My journey started as an educator at Northside, and I have been in a variety of roles before taking over the centre director position at Majura.
Chris: I’ve been an Educator for around 20 years, working across a variety of settings including family daycare, Cranleigh School, supporting children with significant intellectual disabilities and autism, and other organisations across Canberra. I began my journey with Northside as an educator and have been fortunate to grow into leadership roles over time. Each experience has shaped my practice and led me to my current role as Centre Director, where I feel honoured to support children and families every day.
Abby: I began as a Team Leader in our preschool classroom, then progressed to Assistant Director in 2021, and later that same year stepped into the Centre Director role.
Mel: Early childhood education has been my lifelong passion and the only career I’ve pursued. With nearly 20 years of experience in the sector, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles that have deepened my understanding of child development, leadership, and community engagement.
What advice do you have for the next generation of women in business?
Ash: Don’t wait for someone to open the door for you, put on your favourite shoes, smile and open it yourself – opportunity waits for no one, go get it!
Nazish: The advice for next generations of women is to know your worth and surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge and support you and keep learning and evolving.
Chris: My advice is to embrace the mistakes; they’re part of the journey and some of the best learning comes from those moments. Don’t be afraid to lean on your colleagues when you’re feeling vulnerable; you’re never alone. “There’s always sunshine after the storm, so keep going and back yourself.” My mum told me that quote once, and I live by it.
Abby: Always be open to learning and growth. Stay positive and embrace challenges as opportunities.
Mel: Surround yourself with mentors and peers who uplift and challenge you. Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask questions, and advocate for what matters to you.
What methods do you use to unwind from work?
Ash: Spending time with my family out in our garden, feeding the chooks and exploring our community parks -unwind time is usually a busy time with twin 5-year-olds!
Nazish: Methods I use to re-wind from work, listening to music, go for walk and talk to family and friends who recharge me through active listening and positive intent.
Chris: I love to cook and try out new recipes to feed family and friends. I don’t mind having a couple of glasses of my favourite red either.
Abby: I prioritise life-work balance by making time to relax and disconnect, allowing space for personal wellbeing.
Mel: To unwind, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading a book or watching my favourite comfort show.
Northside Community Service
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