Next week on 12 December, Liz O’Neill will be retiring after almost 35 years of service at Communities. A lifetime for some, but for Liz, a journey of growth, dedication and commitment.
It was 1991 and Bob Hawke was Prime Minister, Kylie Minogue released “What do I have to do” and The Simpsons debuted on channel 10.
Liz was just starting out in the Child Protection office in Tom Price. She began as a Relief Cleaner and later that year moved to a reception and administration role.
In 1993, Liz was then offered the opportunity to work as a part-time Family Support Worker whilst continuing her receptionist role. In her new role, she worked to support young families struggling with remote living, including isolation, lack of family support, loneliness and shift work.
“These can all lead to depression and anxiety and providing the right supports and tools was a critical part of my role.”
Liz also volunteered at the Nintirri Neighbourhood Centre which she credits to helping her to overcome the isolation of living remotely and supporting her personal growth as a Mum.
“Volunteering at the centre taught me the true value of helping others.”
She says she thrived on the daily challenges of working within a small community and believes it grounded her future with the department.
“I am very proud of where I have come from. The work in regional offices is wide and varied but I loved it. At times, it could be very challenging working and living in such a small and isolated community but it was one of the most rewarding times of my career. It set me up to be the best I could with whatever I took on in life,” Liz said.
Liz shares that during her time in Tom Price, she was fortunate to attend a number of District Conferences and found them to be very valuable, both on a personal and professional level.
“The events were held to share information with staff in the district. For me, they provided the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge and to get to know and meet other staff members. The team building exercises were always well thought out to suit the location of the conferences and by the end of the two days, after lots of fun and laughter, I walked away knowing all team members no matter where they worked. I’ve worked with many wonderful people in my time here and some will remain my friends forever.”
Later in 2006, Liz joined the Early Response Team (ERT), where she was deployed to assist and support people affected by natural disasters. During her time in ERT, she was deployed to Kununurra, Carnarvon and Karratha and assisted local Welfare Centres.
“I held this position for almost 10 years and then made the difficult decision to resign. At the time, my Mum’s health was declining. I had caring responsibilities and didn’t feel I could commit to the role 100%.”
Working with wonderful and dedicated staff
She shares that she had many wonderful memories of her time in this role, working alongside staff who were both wonderful and dedicated.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the ERT, helping others in their time of need. It was a very rewarding role, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it.”
After working in various Child Protection offices, including Cannington and Armadale, Liz then took on a Business Manager role in 2008.
“Each day was different and brought many different challenges whether it was Human Resources, Finance, property related or issues in reception with clients.”
Liz worked in Armadale for almost 21 years and shares that she loved her time there.
“I had the privilege of working alongside some incredibly talented, hardworking and committed staff. The Armadale office will always have a special place in my heart and leading the Business Support Team is something I will treasure forever.”
In 2024 Liz then began her current role, with Facilities, as the Coordinator Planning and Delivery.
“I share responsibility for coordinating and managing the Accommodation portfolio and project managing Statewide Capital Projects. It’s been a wonderful experience gaining new skills and knowledge especially in coordinating projects. I enjoy the varied work and seeing what it’s like on the “other side” at Head Office. I was able to bring my knowledge and experience of districts and regions to my role here to assist with relocations and fit-outs but one of the things that I have thoroughly enjoyed about this role is the opportunity to travel and assist staff in their transition to their new locations. I have travelled to regional offices, including Kalgoorlie and Kununurra and had the privilege of meeting and getting to know many more wonderful and dedicated staff.”
Looking back at her career here Liz says that it was both the work and the people that kept her coming back.
“Working alongside staff here that are dedicated, highly skilled and passionate has been a pleasure and a memory that I will always treasure.”
Liz says that during her time in the public sector, she has seen many things change.
“I think the most challenging aspect of working within the public sector are the changes and there have been many over the years. Most changes impact staff and while some people can embrace change, there are others that can’t. These can be difficult and challenging times to work through and lead.
When I first started in the public sector, we used typewriters. Everything was manual and this included typing up written notes and using shorthand. We have certainly come a long way since then!”
On her retirement plans, Liz says it will perhaps feel strange and may take some time to get used to but that she will give it a good go.
Liz wishes all staff a wonderful and safe Christmas and best wishes for 2026.
As she steps into retirement, she leaves with gratitude for her time here.
We wish Liz a retirement filled with joy, adventure, and well‑earned rest.
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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