Service spotlight: Grass is greener for Bronwyn on new career path

The closure of childcare centres during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a rewarding career change for Bronwyn Wojtowicz.

An early years educator with the City of Greater Geelong at the time, work dried up when lockdown restrictions meant childcare was unavailable to most families.

Bronwyn took up a redeployment opportunity, gaining experience working with the City’s Parks and Gardens team in the Kardinia Park precinct.

It proved the catalyst for a permanent move.

“I loved it so much that I decided to change careers,” Bronwyn said.

“It was a very big decision to make the change later in my working life, but I decided to take the chance and start night school to gain my certificate III in Horticulture, and kept an eye open for jobs in the field.”

An opportunity at Surf Coast Shire soon presented and, almost five years later, Bronwyn is a certified horticulturalist and a well-established member of Council’s Open Space Maintenance team.

The Open Space Maintenance team plays a vital role: they’re at the core of Council’s commitment of supporting a healthy, connected community.

“You can see the community is really appreciative when open spaces are well looked after,” Bronwyn said.

“If a park’s been edged and it’s been mowed, people will come and say, ‘thanks, that looks great.’

“That makes you feel good.”

The team’s remit includes upkeep of 7.67 million square metres of open space such as sporting and nature reserves and roadsides across the shire – the equivalent of about 383 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.

That’s in addition to maintenance of around 19km of sealed paths, 39km of unsealed paths, and close to 50 playgrounds.

On top of that, add skate parks, bike parks, public fitness equipment, tennis and netball courts, and streetscapes in towns and shopping precincts.

“I like to see the difference our work makes, I find that rewarding,” Bronwyn said.

And, while she holds great regard for the educators doing an outstanding job in Council’s Early Years services, Bronwyn is happy following her new path – with no plans to turn back.

“It was a bit daunting to start off with,” Bronwyn said.

“I wasn’t sure if the change would be successful, but I think you’re successful if you enjoy what you’re doing, and I am enjoying it.

“I really respect and value the people I get to work with, and I appreciate their willingness to share their experience and knowledge with me.

“They are always supportive, easygoing and make the work day fun. They have all played a part in my success in my position.”