What is the Question – September

For Septembers What is the Question? Roland chatted with CEO, educator and author Dr Susie O’Neill.

 

What is your name?

Susie O’Neill.

What is your occupation?

CEO of the KIDS Foundation which I founded back in 1993. It’s dedicated to empowering children to prevent and recovery from injury.

I hold a PhD in Education; a pre-school and primary teacher specialising in children at risk; author of 11 children’s books; and creator of the SeeMore Safety Program.

What brought you to Ballarat?

I was born here. I lived in Mount Helen with my parents, and sister and brother. I was delivered by Dr Sloss who later delivered our four children.

What is your favourite spot in the city?

Lake Wendouree which I look at it every day from my lounge room. There is so much activity, and the sunsets are amazing.

What is your earliest memory?

Picking blackberries and daffodils with our cousins and then trying to make our fortune by selling them, usually to our aunts and uncles, from stalls which we set-up on the side of the road.

What do you like to cook?

Pumpkin soup and salmon risotto.

What is the most expensive thing you’ve purchased – property aside?

A pontoon boat on which we share fun times with family and friends.

What building would you choose to be?

My holiday house. It’s really homely and reminds me of a fisherman’s house from a movie.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Mum’s necklace which she gave me before she passed away.

What is the greatest love of your life – apart from friends and family?

My work, and making a difference to other people’s lives, especially children. I have five books on the go at the moment. I Just need to find the time to finish writing them.

What would you change if you could edit your past?

The deaths of my Mum, and grandmother, Nellie. They were the kindest people. Also, I wish I’d taken singing lessons. I would love to be able to sing.

What or who inspires you?

My mum, and grandmother, Nellie. They had such beautiful natures. Turia Pitt for her can-do attitude; Dr Richard Harris (joint Australian of the Year) for his humility; and the courageous and inspirational children with whom we work in the foundation, and who have endured trauma and pain that most could not imagine.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Noosa. We purchased a small townhouse about 20-years ago and now we have a house that fits the entire family.

What music and television do you like?

Musically, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and Pink; and love and feel-good movies, and those based on true stories.

What is your favourite quote?

No matter what the statistics say, there is always a way – Bernie Siegel.

What person – living or dead would invite to dinner party?

My mother, so I could see her one more time.

What qualities do you admire in other people?

Trust, kindness, and loyalty.

What was your first job?

A kindergarten teacher in a childcare centre in the mornings, and a specialist art and physical education teacher at a private primary school in the afternoons. I established the first afterschool and holiday program in Ballarat. It was a teaching experience which led me to establish the KIDS Foundation.

What did you want to be when you were growing-up?

A teacher.  I was inspired by my Grade 5 teacher, Helen Button, whom I thought was really cool! I couldn’t wait to be a mum. Luckily, I worked in a childcare centre so I was able to take my children to work with me and to start a family sooner than we otherwise might have. I was a mum at 22, and a grandmother at 44. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What scares you?

Cybercrime and social media sites which have a negative impact on people’s emotional health.