Hi, I’m Lara,  I work as a Community Development Officer – Safer Neighbourhoods at the Town of Victoria Park. I started here back in 2021 as a swim school teacher while I was still at uni, and I’ve worked my way up through a few roles since then.

My current job covers two big areas – community safety and homelessness. It’s a mix of advocacy, relationship building, and working with services like WA Police, the Department of Communities, and local support organisations. I also help run programs and events, and no two days are ever the same.

I first got into this space through my studies in criminology, and when a casual role came up in the Safer Neighbourhoods team during my final semester, I jumped at it. It’s not often you find a role that lines up so well with your degree, especially one that lets you build experience while still studying. From there, I moved into the full-time officer role, and I’ve been here nearly two years now.

What I love most is the trust and support I’ve had from day one. Whether I was teaching swimming or working in community development, I’ve always felt backed by management. I’m encouraged to share ideas, and I’ve had the chance to lead projects, take part in mentoring programs, and even act in higher roles like the Coordinator of Community Development.

One of the biggest challenges is managing community expectations. A lot of the issues people bring to us are actually the responsibility of state government, and we don’t always have the resources to fix everything. But I’ve learnt to be honest about what local government can do, and to bring people together to find solutions.

The Town’s culture is a big part of why I’ve stayed. It’s flexible, supportive, and genuinely values young professionals. I’ve never felt dismissed because of my age – if anything, I’ve been encouraged to grow and take on more responsibility. I now supervise casual staff and continue to build my skills through training like mental health first aid and leadership development.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the chance to create real, lasting change. I want to help build a community where people feel safe, supported, and connected – and I’m proud to be part of that journey.