We recently caught up with Pam Hall, a key member of our RISE2 Advisory Group, to learn a little about her career and how she supports The RISE2 Foundation and the wider Sunshine Coast community. Read on to find out more!

You have a background in education with previous roles as a Primary School Teacher and a Principal – what prompted you to choose education for your career path?

My love of education was sparked by my Grade 1 teacher. After teaching I moved into leadership roles in education and then started my own business, consulting to non-state-based schools. I also knew that I wanted to help others. I come from a privileged home and by that, I mean I’ve had a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, meals on the table and a safe, caring environment. I believe that with privilege comes responsibility and part of my responsibility is to support and care for others in the community.

Education remains central to what I do, and I still provide mentoring to school leaders and guidance on risk and compliance in areas such as teaching and learning and child safety. Some years ago I was national co-convenor  of The Association of Women Educators – empowering young women to gain the skills they need to succeed in their careers and I still have an interest in that.

You’re a past Zonta Caloundra City Inc President and Member, tell us about this.

I was looking to put my skills I honed as a teacher to good use. I had recently moved to the Coast and discovered the local Zonta club.  Zonta International are primarily involved in the empowerment of women through advocacy and service. Back when I joined, in 2015, there was far less awareness of domestic and family violence. Zonta Caloundra were engaged in a very direct way – helping and supporting the families impacted by DFV. I was involved in the first stage of the RISE project and have seen it grow from the first two homes to the 10 homes it is today.

Why is the RISE2 program important to you?

It’s practical, community-based support, that’s what resonates with me.  RISE2 provides these women a home and safety but also the support, the services, the counselling – to heal and then restart and reintegrate back into the community.  For those women and children impacted by DFV, anonymity is important and RISE2 offers them that. To just to be in an everyday home in a residential street. To have normalcy, where the kids can be kids and not live in fear or have to defend their mum. To blend in and to start to become a member of the community in their own time.

Now, with the partnership of The Salvation Army and Coast2Bay, the program can provide the specialist housing, counselling and support that these women and children need to restart.

You’re now an Advisory Member for The RISE2 Foundation – what do you wish to achieve in this role?

I have my community contacts and networks that I’ve built and through these I can keep DFV part of the conversation. I can assist with connections and arranging discussion with supporters. My husband’s local network has also been key for support and involvement, and it’s great to see male members of the community get behind the cause.

It’s a difficult time for many, with the pressures of the cost-of-living and finding an affordable place to live. What are the little things we can do that make a difference?

I believe the Sunshine Coast is a community with a great heart for helping. There are many opportunities to be involved with and support the community. I regularly volunteer at the Uniting Church’s free breakfast on Mondays. At the Caloundra Community Centre, I join others to offer connection and a cuppa – we can learn so much from these conversations. Another program I support is Uniforms 4 Kids. We repurpose donated law enforcement and emergency service uniforms into unique clothes for kids who have a need.     

Our community wants to help others – particularly the children, who are not safe in their homes, or have no home due to DFV. Together we can provide that support and facilitate change.

And tell us, what’s up next for you in your role at RISE2?

The Melbourne Cup! Our fundraisers are meant to be fun, provide fellowship and information. We also want the supporters to know that the money goes directly to the project – they are helping fellow residents, with practical, locally based support and that they’ll have a good time.