We recently spoke with Fiona Worden, Project Manager, Capital Delivery, from The Rural City of Murray Bridge to hear about her career journey from being at her council for over 25 years, her favourite work memory, and her advice for other women working in depots across South Australia. 

What does your role at the Rural City of Murray Bridge entail?

As a project manager within Council Capital Delivery team, I oversee projects from the concept design phases, construction and delivery, monitoring of the budgets, through to the hand over phase for council’s: Kerbing Renewal and Expansion Programs, Footpath Renewal and Expansion Programs, Playspace Renewal and Expansion Programs, Public Toilet Renewal and Expansion Programs, and Renewal of Christmas Decorations within main street. This year, I am also overseeing the Boat Ramp renewal program.

You’ve been in local government for over 25 years! What an achievement. What’s your favourite work memory?

Too many memories to pick from! Working in local government has given me the opportunity to act in various roles – from Group Leader for the Open Space and Operations teams to Customer Request Liaison Officer and Planning and Development Administration.

I enjoyed my role as Depot Administration Officer, which I held for 19 years before transitioning into my current role as Project Manager for the past five years. In this role, I’ve been proud to contribute to the growth and revitalisation of the Rural City of Murray Bridge through projects such as playspaces, public toilets, footpaths, kerbing and holiday decorations.

I still smile when I think back to when I was pregnant with my first daughter. From the moment the depot crew found out, they wouldn’t let me lift even a tissue box – they just wanted to protect me and the baby.

One of the biggest highlights for me has been forming lifelong friendships. Even as people have moved on or retired, being able to keep those connections beyond their time with council is something I will always treasure.

I feel lucky to have created a career in local government at the Rural City of Murray Bridge – a progressive council that welcomed new ideas and encouraged me to push boundaries in my career.

You have been instrumental in creating world-class play spaces in Murray Bridge. What’s the key to making these spaces fit for community?

Asking the community for their opinion on what they would like to see in a playground.

Having lived in Murray Bridge my whole life, I have a connection to the community. Having also raised my two children here, I also use that knowledge when considering the potential for each play space. In collaboration with that, engaging and building working relationships with Playspace consultants.

You were one of the first female depot workers in your council. What advice do you have for other women who might be in a similar situation?

Working in a male-dominated environment is not for everyone. When I first started, the culture was very different from what it is today.

I was fortunate enough to be supported by the workers, but I do remember it took a few years for some workers to adjust to having a full-time female in the workplace. They weren’t always sure how to talk or act, but over time, simply being open, down-to-earth, and willing to help – whether with the smallest task or a larger, more complicated job.

For me, the key has always been to have fun in the workplace, interact with people and be willing to help with no hidden agenda. Be open, ask about their life outside of council and share a little of your own too – that’s how real connections are built.