After 11 years with the State’s sport and recreation agency, Wendy Gillett is taking a new career direction in the community care sector.

Wendy’s energy and commitment has lead to genuine service improvements and her
strong championing of the rights of women, the underprivileged and equity of access for
all has been her key legacies.

Wendy joined the department in 1996 as the inaugural manager of the Women’s Sport Unit. In 1997 she was appointed as Director, Industry Partnerships. She was acting Deputy Director-General, Operations and ended her tenure as Director, Commercial Services.

Wendy came to the department from senior policy roles at the WA Department of Training and specialised in policy analysis, issues management and capacity building.

Throughout her career, Wendy has focused on increasing the participation of women and girls in organised sport and recreation and has had an ongoing commitment to the mentoring of young women undertaking business and finance studies.

Another highlight has been Wendy’s keen interest in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. She sees it
as an excellent vehicle for young people who experience social disadvantage to reap the benefits of participation.

Wendy believes she is leaving with everything in place for her successor, Phil Andersen, to move onwards and upwards in continuing to improve sport and recreation outcomes.

Phil Andersen, the new Director, Commercial Services, started his career as a secondary science teacher and decided to trade his white coat in to become Principal of the Field Study Centre at Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre.

Phil became a Program Director there for many years, moved to Hawkesbury River as General Manager and later as Regional Director, managed the merger of the Sydney regional offices.

He has recently held business information, process improvement and other strategic roles and is relishing the opportunity to lead the Commercial Services group.

“The work we do has an impact on the community and works towards improving lifestyles. I want to see children and adults in our community become more active,” Phil said.

Phil is concerned about sedentary lifestyle trends resulting in poor health and nutrition. Children tend to be shunning organised sport for more solitary, anti-social activities such as computer games.

“Children who experience recreational challenges such as bushwalking, climbing, adventure challenge activities and other outdoor pursuits can improve their self-esteem and confidence.
It’s vital we give everyone a chance to experience this and to build on the experience to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and the community,” Phil said.

Phil also wants to influence lifestyle choices and see a long-term change in behaviour where more people appreciate their environment, eat better and maintain healthy, active lives.

Phil intends to work closely with the Outdoor Recreation Industry Council to continue to improve Centre operations and ensure consistency with industry standards.

“Through working together we can achieve a consistent approach in everything we do and
improve programs and community outcomes even further,” Phil concluded.