MUSSE

What is your unit?

Burnley campus grounds maintenance

What is your job title?

Gardens co-ordinator

How long have you been with the University of Melbourne?

Since 1988

How did you come to work at the University?

I was a student at Burnley and was offered a job as a gardener.

Describe your typical day.

It varies considerably, from helping and answering queries from the public and students and organising student practical classes, to managing the day-to-day maintenance and development of the heritage gardens.

What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly
satisfying?

Being involved in the development of students’ horticultural education. Being responsible for reducing water consumption on the site by more than half.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

It was from my dad. When I was in my final year of school, I told him I wanted to be a chef and he said ‘remember you’ll be working when everyone else is having fun” It made me think of my second choice, Horticulture, as the better option!

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn’t
know?

The fact, once upon a time, I had a beautiful full head of red curly hair!

Where do you buy your coffee on campus?

At Tansy’s, the student canteen, we can’t believe our luck to have a fabulous restaurateur all to ourselves.

What do you like most about the University?

The flexible working conditions available. Over the past 20 years I have been able to take leave without pay to look after my infant children, work part-time when they were in primary school and now that they are in high school, work full-time.