JULIE Pelliciari has hit the ground running as the new community development officer at the Collie Shire.
Ms Pelliciari, who started her new job two months ago, said her role was broadly ranged.
"I've done some grant applications, helped with other organisations' grant applications, been involved in the Collie Early Years Network family day, the Shire of Collie senior citizens luncheon, the Collie Show and the sports person of the year awards."
Ms Pelliciari's job at the Shire is a new direction for her. She originally started work in an accounting firm then moved to Premier Coal, or Western Collieries Limited as it was known then.
She occupied various roles at Premier while juggling her role as mum to her three kids.
Coming back from maternity leave she was part of the first job-sharing process at Premier.
Ms Pelliciari moved into an executive assistant role in early 2007. Although the role provided interesting and varied work, it was time for a change in direction.
"I'd been in the executive assistant role for almost eight years and thought it's time for a change, I needed a different challenge, a different direction.
"I thought the role of a community development officer would interest me because I've always been involved in and enjoyed community work when my children were growing up."
Her new role consists of liaising with different people and committees in the community and seeing if there are any groups that she can help to improve the facilities and activities that are offered in Collie.
Ms Pelliciari said the main challenge of her job was working with a diverse range of people and groups and trying to achieve a win-win situation for all the parties involved.
She found dealing with people the most rewarding aspect of her role.
"I really enjoy the interaction that I have with people and helping them," she said.
Into the New Year Ms Pelliciari said she would be focused on organising the council-run event for Australia Day and other public events to be held at the Skate Park.