In a near four-decade career in the Western Australian public service, there isn't much that Caron Irwin hasn't done or dedicated in support of better outcomes for women and children.
Having started on the frontlines in prevention of family domestic violence and youth work roles, there's a sense of poetic closure as Caron's Department of Communities (Communities) journey ends, once again supporting children, young people and women.
"Reflecting on my career, there is a certain synchronicity to my journey – starting in prevention of family violence and ending by leading the division responsible for strategies and partnerships including family and domestic violence prevention, early years, and young people," she said.
Caron's career has spanned small agencies, statutory offices, cultural institutions and major departments. A significant chapter was at the Department of Culture and the Arts, where she worked on many projects including the Per Cent for Art Scheme, setting up a young people's arts program and regional and community arts events.
While working at WA Museum she cites bringing the Nick Cave exhibition to Perth in 2009 as a highlight, walking a pink shag-pile carpet on opening night.
"Creativity and strategic thinking can manifest in some wonderful ways," Caron said.
"That was one occasion where I really had to pinch myself – is this my actual job?!"
Caron commenced as Assistant Director General, Strategy and Partnerships in December 2020. Among her proudest achievements are driving the implementation of the Royal Commission recommendations into institutional responses to child sexual abuse and establishing the Office for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence with Nicole Leggett, securing significant funding to support its work.
She has also proudly supported whole-of-agency initiatives including the Christmas present drive for children in care, the 16 Days campaign, the Rainbow Hub, and marching proudly every year at Pride.
Working alongside inspirational women
Caron credits much of her growth to working alongside inspirational women such as Dr Dawn Casey PSM, the first Indigenous woman to lead a government agency, and Michelle Scott OAM, WA's first Commissioner for Children and Young People. From 2017 to 2019, she served as Chief of Staff to Minister Simone McGurk MLA, collaborating on initiatives that remain central to Communities today. Some of these include Target 120, Homestretch, Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making, the Health Navigator Project, the Early Years Partnership, the Homelessness Strategy, Stronger Together Plan for Gender Equality, and the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Strategy.
When asked to reflect on what she would remember beyond the importance of Communities' purpose itself, Caron was quick to emphasise people.
"Communities is a great place to work, and I'm proud of the people in Strategy and Partnerships," she said.
"We work purposefully, with kindness, genuine engagement and evidence-based approaches. And it's important to have fun – I'll miss the people I work with the most."
Caron's advice to colleagues is simple.
"When you're rushing, that's when we make mistakes, so sometimes we need to stop and think carefully. One of my favourite sayings is, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."
Caron's final weeks have been symbolic, launching WA's LGBTIQA+ Strategy and the Sexual Violence Prevention Strategy – initiatives that will continue to protect and empower communities. She also attended the 16 Days events and Common Ground East Perth practical completion opening.
Looking ahead, Caron says she welcomes a break, knowing that when one door closes another opens.
"There's a lot of life to live and I've been practicing retirement by swimming at Cottesloe, taking lots of holidays, and I've recently been on a yoga retreat," she said.
"I plan to spend some time with my 32-year-old twin sons and four-year-old grandson as well as my Mum who recently moved into residential care. I also plan to travel – I'm going on an eight-week holiday in France in April with my partner, John."
In the meantime, Caron leaves with sage advice for her colleagues.
"Change is good, and there will always be change in government," she said.
"It gives us an opportunity to learn and grow, meet new people, enhance our skills and think differently.
Communities' purpose and values are enduring – the work we do is essential, and I wish the best for everyone."
The Department of Communities is always looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. To view our current career opportunities, visit Careers at Communities.
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