“I assumed finding a job might take some time, but to my delight, I was surprised at how many opportunities were available.”

Kelly grew up in the Jervis Bay area, attending St Michaels Primary and local high school. She remained in the area until she was 21, working in a variety of roles including her first job at Huskisson Bakery. Growing up with horses, she loved riding her horses on the beach and going motorbiking through the bush. “It was just a fantastic place to grow up, and I feel very blessed for that,” she reflects.

At the time, she couldn’t envision any career opportunities on the South Coast beyond being someone’s secretary for the next 40 years, which didn’t align with her aspirations. Seeking growth and opportunity, she moved to Sydney to study and build a career, eventually pursuing a traineeship in accounting. Upon completing her studies, she found herself enjoying the hustle and bustle of Sydney and chose to stay.

Kelly eventually stumbled upon a role in Human Resources (HR) while working in payroll. As she participated in implementing a payroll and HR module, she realised she could merge her passion for systems implementation with HR. This led her back to university, where she pursued a Commerce double degree in HR and Information Systems, initially believing her career would revolve around HR technology. However, she soon discovered a deep appreciation for the people-focused aspects of HR.

“Helping a business with the most valuable resource it has, its people, ultimately helps it achieve its goals, strategies, and commercial outcomes. It’s a really nice balance of both people and business needs,” Kelly explains.

Throughout her career, she has worked as a Generalist in HR, covering all aspects of the employment lifecycle. “It’s nice doing a little bit of everything. You still get to be creative in areas like employment branding and showcasing why people would enjoy working for your business.”

In 2024, Kelly’s partner was posted to a Navy role based out of Jervis Bay, prompting her to explore career opportunities on the South Coast that would allow her to apply the skills she had developed over the past 25 years.

“My initial thought was that I’d be a stay-at-home dog mum for a few years. I assumed finding a job might take some time, but to my delight, I was surprised at how many opportunities were available. Of course, things have changed a lot in 25 years.”

“Moving gave me the opportunity to come back to my hometown to spend more time with my extended family,” she adds.

By late 2024, Kelly had secured a role with Shoalhaven Ex-Services Group as the Chief People & Culture Officer. She hit the ground running and immediately found joy in both the role and the team she works with.

Discussing her responsibilities, Kelly elaborates on the various facets of her role at ExServos: “Sure, there’s the policy- and compliance-oriented side, which is a bit like building a house. It’s the foundation, and when done right, it provides confidence for everyone to build upon. That’s something I’ve been focusing on recently.”

One of her favourite aspects of the job is helping individuals grow. “The development piece is especially rewarding. Seeing young people gain skills, knowledge, and experience that shape their careers is fulfilling. Similarly, it’s great when you can identify opportunities within the organisation that employees may not have considered for themselves.”

Before relocating, Kelly and her partner made a pact: horses would once again play a significant role in her life. Horse ownership in Sydney isn’t feasible financially, and it was something she dearly missed.

“The bond you develop with your own horse is really special. Riding other people’s horses in Sydney was enjoyable, but it doesn’t compare to having that close connection with your own.”

Living back in Jervis Bay while working in Worrigee and Nowra allows her ample time with her horses. “He’s agisted close to where I work, between the clubs, so I can feed him and spend time with him before and after work. Plus, walking my dogs on the beach every morning is so much better than walking the streets of Sydney.”

Looking back, Kelly feels she has gained far more than even she expected by moving to the South Coast. The transition has provided her with the perfect balance of lifestyle and career opportunities on the South Coast.

Want to learn more about a Career in Human Resources and People and Culture?

A career in HR and People and Culture offers diverse opportunities to shape workplace culture, support employees, and drive business success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your expertise, understanding the key skills and capabilities required is essential.

Explore the Australian HR Capability Framework to learn more about the competencies, career pathways, and professional development opportunities available in the field.