“AS a leader, it is such a big responsibility to be your best and do your best… and to say what you mean and mean what you say,” Mildura Council’s chief executive officer Sarah Philpott says.
Leadership is not something Ms Philpott takes lightly.
She recognises the weight of her leadership role, especially when it involves guiding Mildura Council as an organisation directly accountable to the Sunraysia community.
Ms Philpott attributes her immense passion for community to her years of experience working at an executive level in local government.
“For me, being in local government has been the majority of my career. It’s a real privilege to work in local government and to work with communities and to be a part of community,” she said.
“I’m really passionate about the difference we can make and the ways we can do that.”
Ms Philpott moved from Adelaide to take up Mildura Council’s CEO position in August – a challenge she was eager to take on.
While familiarising herself with the operations, projects and policies which fall under the council’s umbrella, Ms Philpott said she was enjoying immersing herself in Sunraysia.
“I was really deliberate when I moved here to buy a house and settle before I started work because I want to be in the community and part of it,” she said.
“It’s important not to feel like your transitional… but that you’re committed… you’re here and you’re part of the place.”
Ms Philpott said she is already noticing the difference in quality of life coming from a metropolitan city.
“I do think there is something about coming to a regional area which is a bit freeing. I used to spend 35 minutes getting to work, but in peak hour it would be about 45,” she said.
“I’m now 10 minutes away so just in that regard, there’s an easing of commuting pressure which is really valuable.
“I now get to work at the same time, but get up an hour later which is impactful in terms of quality of life.”
But finding a work-life balance is a concept Ms Philpott refuses to have on her radar.
“I don’t tend to think about managing things as a work-life balance,” she said.
“To me, it’s life… and work is a great part of my life. I live a life which work is a part of.
“It’s a part of me and my everyday existence. It’s not separate and something I treat as different.”
Work is the common denominator in Ms Philpott’s world, but home is her oasis.
Home is her place to recharge.
“Outside of work, I tend to spend time on what I’d call more reflective or quiet pursuits,” she said.
“Home is where I gather my energy and it allows me to be in this work in a way where I’m completely in it.
“I also share that space with my husband of one million years and two dogs, Florence and Daisy. “
Ms Philpott leads the Mildura local government area as a female; a role that has traditionally been filled by a man.
She is willing to admit while she has fortunately faced little barriers, her experience is not necessarily “uniform” for other women.
“There needs to be merit always in these kinds of processes. I don’t feel at any point my merit has been impacted by gender,” she said.
“It does happen though. I haven’t experienced it for myself, but I think it does happen and the numbers do tell us something.”
But Ms Philpott was encouraged leadership was gradually evolving in different types, shapes and sizes.
“I feel really optimistic there has been change and opportunities for women and men, and there is a place for leadership that looks different in a way that wasn’t necessarily the way before,” she said.
“There are a bunch of women leaders in this community in more informal roles. There are strong community leaders fighting the good fight for their people.
“But I don’t see it in gender terms, I see it as people finding a place where they have their voice in community and that’s not about gender.”
Looking to the future, Ms Philpott is excited about watching her team of colleagues and newfound community grow.
“As a more senior member in an executive team, you do end up in a role with positional power. The role has authority. But you’ve also got the opportunity to watch people grow as individuals,” she said.
“There’s always work to do, things to be done, the obligations of the role… but I think it is giving people the opportunity to be the best they can be.”
