After more than 30 years in the Western Australian public sector, Jacqui will soon be closing an extraordinary chapter as she departs the Department of Communities (Communities) and public service.
Jacqui's journey began in November 1989 with what was meant to be a temporary role at the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor, implementing an infringement system.
"It was only ever supposed to be a short-term job while I figured out what I wanted to do," she recalls. Instead, she found herself drawn to the public sector's sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a difference.
Over many years at Racing, Gaming and Liquor, Jacqui progressed through a range of roles, including awarding liquor licences to hotels and retail outlets. She later moved to the Public Sector Commission to experience life in a central agency but soon realised what mattered most to her.
"While the work was important, I missed the frontline and the connection to agencies that actually deliver services," she says.
That desire for impact led Jacqui to the Department of Housing in 2010, inspired by a leadership team focused on transformation. Her career then evolved alongside the machinery-of-government changes that saw Housing become part of the Department of Communities in 2017.
Since joining Communities, Jacqui has held a range of senior roles, including Regional Executive Director Community Services - North Metropolitan, Executive Director of the Office of Homelessness, and most recently Executive Director of Commissioning and Contracting. Across each position, her focus remained consistent:
"I've always looked for opportunities where I can actually have an impact - but to do that in partnership and collaboration with others."
One of the standout moments of Jacqui's career was the Boorloo Bidee Mia project. What began as an ambitious idea in response to homelessness at the Lord Street encampment became an award-winning, culturally grounded accommodation and support service.
"At the time, it was almost a pipe dream," Jacqui says. "But by working closely with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation, we were able to create something grounded in culture first, with the right wraparound supports."
In Commissioning and Contracting, Jacqui returned to an initiative she had helped shape years earlier: embedding a commissioning approach within Communities. Under her leadership, the framework has now been fully designed, implemented and operationalised.
"Seeing commissioning move from concept to practice - and embedded through our governance and operating framework - has been a significant achievement for the division and the department," she says.
Jacqui is quick to credit collaboration across the organisation.
"When you bring people together, the collective knowledge and experience is what delivers the most impactful outcomes," she says.
On leadership through uncertainty - including elections, machinery-of-government changes and COVID - Jacqui points to communication. "Being kind, honest and transparent is critical. Even when you don't have all the answers, people need to know they're supported."
When asked what she will miss most, Jacqui doesn't hesitate. "It's the people. People don't work in government just for the money - they work here because they want to make a difference." She will also miss the opportunity to influence policy and create positive change from within government.
As Jacqui steps into the next phase of her career in the not-for-profit sector, she plans to use her deep understanding of government to advocate for better outcomes.
"Having that insight means I can help organisations navigate the system and leverage opportunities for real impact," she says.
While she won't miss the commute, leaving the public sector was not a decision taken lightly. "It was a tough decision," she reflects, "but these opportunities don't come along often, and you have to take them when they do."
Communities thanks Jacqui for her remarkable service, leadership and dedication over more than three decades. Her legacy - built on purpose, partnership and impact - will endure well beyond her time in the public service.
The Department of Communities is always looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. To view our current career opportunities, visit Careers at Communities .
