In this issue of Gatherings, we profile IPEd Projects Officer Tay Winchester.
Tay and her dog Pip. Photo credit: M. Symons
When and why did you join the IPEd team?
I joined the IPEd team in 2017 after a series of major life changes. I was looking for part-time, flexible work and IPEd presented a unique opportunity because I could work from home and work for a completely new industry (editing).
What does your role with IPEd entail?
When I was in primary school, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I recall saying, ‘I don’t know, but I don’t want to be bored.’ I certainly got my wish! Like most of my work in small-to-medium-sized not-for-profit organisations, I deliver full-cycle projects and service management or support across different business areas. It is all good work but my favourite part is how diverse the tasks and people are that I interact with.
What value do you bring to the IPEd membership?
Like all IPEd staff and volunteers, I work towards achieving the best possible outcomes for members. A common challenge is limited resources. My background means I have a good understanding of this context and the ability to see what is achievable — rather than what is not — when we all work together. I love problem-solving, especially as part of the IPEd staff team. Collaborating with staff and members and learning from them is energising and rewarding.
What projects have you been working on recently for IPEd?
Recently I worked with EdTas on the 10th Editors Conference. It was a rare opportunity to work so closely with a branch and I feel proud to have been involved in delivering IPEd’s first online conference. Now I’m back to other projects including the 2023 conference in Wellington, New Zealand.
Some background on your career path – what led you to IPEd?
I’ve worked mainly in not-for-profit organisations in operational, human resources, staff and volunteer management. I’ve also worked in client service delivery in social justice-orientated organisations. My resume looks like a patchwork quilt of different places, people and roles that complement each other. There was no specific plan when it came to working for IPEd. I remember thinking it sounded interesting, and the rest is history. All my favourite jobs have started that way.
Do you have another job outside IPEd?
Sometimes. We all do what we must, at times, but I have learned some hard lessons about taking on too much. Occasionally I accept freelance work for individual clients and I’m fortunate I generally get to pick what I’d like to do. My work is very diverse and that’s not bad at all.
What do you do in your spare time?
Read and listen to music. Bushwalking is also good for my soul. During a recent lockdown, I took up genealogy and have found a delightful rabbit-hole to disappear down. I also draw, paint, write and love to compose handwritten letters for friends and family. My current project is learning how to draw a magpie, my favourite bird.
What’s your favourite holiday destination? Why?
Home. As a child, my family travelled extensively. I lived in a lot of places and attended many schools in the USA, New Zealand, Australia and the Fiji Islands. As an adult, I’ve been fortunate to travel in Nepal and China, and revisit New Zealand and the USA. I love to travel but my adopted home is Queensland and spending holiday time in the place I call home is very special to me.
Describe your family members:
My family is an eclectic bunch who fit together based on a shared sense of the ridiculous and a love of music, literature and popular culture. There’s a lot of silliness in our house and we encourage that as much as possible. Life is serious enough. Our family expanded this year with the arrival of my first grandchild, a healthy baby girl who is well on her way to putting her stamp on the world.
Do you have any pets?
I have a very sweet and extremely lazy border collie named Pip who is always at my side. Pip was fired from her job as a farm dog in northern Queensland and we adopted her about a year ago. Pip’s new job is Manager for General Shenanigans and she’s taken to it beautifully!
Who do you admire most and why?
The people I admire and look up to tend not to be famous or well known. One is a dear friend in her mid-80s, full of curiosity, wonder and amazing life tales. My daughter and her wife, who give their best to future generations as teachers. Friends who are from Afghanistan and facing unimaginable challenges. The barista who makes me coffee and is unrelenting in her kindness to people in our community. There are many others. I admire them deeply and I am grateful they are part of my life.
What would you never give up?
Coffee and books. And naps. I engage with all three as a kindness to myself and a public service to others. A favourite quote of mine that I’ll paraphrase is ‘sure I can get by without coffee, books and naps. Let’s be grateful today is not the day we find out what that is like’.
What are your favourite books/movies?
Bladerunner (1982) and all the Star Wars films, even the not-so-great ones. My favourite authors are Agatha Christie, Angela Carter and Krissy Kneen. The best book I’ve read in 2021 is Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, translated from Polish to English by Antonia Lloyd-Jones. Easily in my top five of all time.
What’s something very few people know about you?
I have ambitions to join the Redback Garrison, the Australian arm of the 501st Legion, a group of Star Wars fanatics, I mean fans, who dress in replica costumes and raise money for charity.