Philippa Percy, Manager, Camden Civic Centre

Philippa Percy

Philippa Percy has been nominated for the 2012 Women of the West Award for playing an integral role in the civic, cultural, celebratory and community life of Camden.

Employed by Camden Council 20 years ago Philippa became an integral part of the Camden Civic Centre team, establishing a reputation of reliability, enthusiasm, commitment and willingness broadly across the community. Her work with the community has enabled her to build a network of community and business contacts that she utilises to form linkages between clients, their patrons and local services.

As Manager of the Civic Centre Philippa's role embraces financial, marketing and human resource management; over the years she has continued to reduce the operational costs of the centre, improve the sustainability and manage a staff to deliver quality events for the community and her clients. 

Recognised as "the face of the Camden Civic Centre", Philippa provides assistance to an enormous cross section of the community including council representatives, residents, local clubs, community groups and churches. She has been involved in the management of their events and activities – often going above and beyond to ensure the success of each occasion.

Philippa was nominated for the 2012 Women of the West Award by Linda Campbell of Camden Council, who recognised her work over the past 20 years as nurturing the community spirit of Camden.

"Whether it is a fashion parade or a benefit night to assist a local family, Philippa will be on hand providing experience, advice and humour," says Ms Campbell.

"People may come to the Civic Centre as clients, but they generally leave as friends due to Philippa's spirit of generosity, kindness and belief in the importance of community."

The many regular clients of the centre boast a professional friendship with Philippa that is both welcoming and accommodating.

Debbie Tuckey, Manager of the Camden Family Day Care, supported Philippa's nomination for the Women of the West Award by outlining her support for a number of local community organisations and charities.

"From the Camden Survivors of Breast Cancer to the Watoto Ugandan Children's Choir, whose role is to raise awareness of the plight of Uganda orphans, Philippa takes great care to ensure all Civic Centre clients' needs and perspectives are considered," says Ms Tuckey.

Philippa has also managed the establishment of the ARTyCaf @ Narellan Library – a NSW DET program to promote market development for local aspiring and emerging artists from a range of genres and employment training and development for unemployed and people with disabilities.

Pastor Paul Stevens, of the Lifehouse Church in Camden, referred to Philippa Percy as "trustworthy, a very hard worker, and a woman of integrity."

"With her warm, friendly and outgoing nature, she is much loved by the church members, her staff at the Civic Centre, and indeed all who get to know her," says Pastor Stevens.

In recent years she has mentored six trainees, five of whom awarded title of Trainee of the Year. Her commitment to nurturing them to achieve their goals has enabled each to secure excellent career opportunities and on more than one occasion establish their own small business.

 

Photo: Sally Tsoutas

Contact: Danielle Roddick, Senior Media Officer