Everyday Heros - Roz Neville - 05.05.18

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR?
A: Since 1977.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE AQUATICS AND LEISURE INDUSTRY?
A: I was a swim teacher from 1977 working for Sport & Recreation and then went to work at Warringah Aquatic Centre when it opened in 1979.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
A: The ability to be able to help people, whether its customer or staff. My job now is more about managing facilities, but I still really enjoy developing and mentoring staff coming into the industry.

Q: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR MOST CHALLENGING DAY?
A: My most challenging day, was when a loved and well respected staff member passed away after a long battle with cancer. It affected the staff and members yet we still had to open and carry on even though we were all grieving at the time.

Q: WHAT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT IN YOUR JOB / WHAT IS IT THAT YOU VALUE IN YOUR JOB THE MOST?
A: TECHNOLOGY! We rely on it for everything. Just about everything is done on computers. BMS systems allow us to view functionality of plant equipment from our computers while other systems have allowed us to work more efficiently.

Q: WHAT SKILL WOULD YOU LIKE TO MASTER? (PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY)
A: I would love to have a better understanding of all our systems which would allow me to get the most out of them.

Q: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVISE FOR SOMEONE STARTING IN THE INDUSTRY?
A: Ask the dumb questions. Don’t worry about looking silly, just ask!

Q: WHAT COULD YOU GIVE A 40-MINUTE PRESENTATION ON WITH ABSOLUTELY NO PREPARATION?
A: Probably anything to do with swim school, staff management or WHS.

Q: WHAT WOULD MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER?
A: At the moment, it would be to have more swim teachers come and work at Willoughby Leisure Centre

Q: WHO HAS BEEN AN INDUSTRY / AQUATICS INSPIRATION TO YOU?
A: Gary Penfold, Lorraine Smith and David Macalister.

Q: IF YOU COULD TRAVEL WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
A: Bali!