60 seconds with… Theresa McGavock

Theresa McGavock is the Director of UWS Early Learning – Penrith. The childcare centre provides care for 60 children each day, including children of staff and students at UWS and children from the local community.

“I am really lucky to have a team of exceptional staff who work with me to provide quality care and education, resulting in a number of awards and recognition this year,” says Theresa. “They truly are a wonderful group of committed and dedicated people. The families of the children are fabulous – they trust us with the most precious people in their lives and we are blessed to be able to participate for a period in the development of their children. My professional interests include sustainability programs for children, Aboriginal culture and knowledge, and professional development.”

Here, Theresa takes 60 seconds (and a bit) to share some light on her time at UWS and beyond.

How long have you worked at UWS and what’s the best thing about working here?

I commenced at Djalaringi Childcare Centre as the Director in March 2009. Djalaringi ceased under that name mid 2011 and is now UWS Early Learning – Penrith. I love the feeling on-campus – the grounds are beautiful and conducive to children’s (and adults’) learning – and the high level of support and encouragement from the academics and students. There is always a very positive vibe.

Which campus are you based on?
My service is based on Kingswood campus.

What is your favourite place on one of the UWS campuses and why?
I love the tranquillity of the courtyard outside the School of Education buildings, where the big jacaranda tree is, but also the view from my office onto the hill is beautiful. But really, I just love going outside and sitting in the playground with the children – listening to them laughing and playing, hearing the birds and enjoying the atmosphere – it is a very special place to be each day. I also love the tranquil feel I get when I visit the UWS Office of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Employment & Engagement (OATSIEE) – the staff there are so caring and accepting, and I feel really energised and supported after visiting them.

When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing?
The past two years have seen most of my spare time studying for my Masters of Education (Leadership). However, now I have finished this and I can go back to quilting – all hand-stitched – it is something I can just get lost in for hours at a time. Then there are always three children, a husband and a grandchild to keep me busy! We also have just finished building a new home, so there is a lot to be done in the gardens there.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a pre-school teacher and have spent the past 35 years doing just that, at various levels of children’s services and in various roles but, essentially, making a positive impact on the lives of children. I think I am really lucky – not many people decide what they want to do when they are little then achieve their dream and enjoy it along the way.

What was your first job?
I worked in a small supermarket every day after school and all day in school holidays – after two years of earning $5 a week, I had saved enough to travel to Sydney (from Auckland) with a girlfriend when we were 16, staying with friends of her parents. I loved it and immigrated here in 1980.

What has been your greatest success?
Wow – that’s a hard one! I never thought I’d be able to complete a Masters, work full-time and build a new house all at once.

When you work with small children, every day is a success as you see the learning and development of young minds as they accomplish so many things adults take for granted.

The relationships I have been able to build over the past few years with the Aboriginal community will be what stick closest to my heart forever. I have been very humbled by members of the Elders on Campus program who have shared knowledge and culture with me, trusted me and welcomed me like a family member. I don’t look on this as my success, rather my acceptance by the community, and I feel very privileged. It is like ‘going home’ when I spend time in their company now – it’s special.

If you could go to just one country in the world for a vacation, which country would that be and why?
I have travelled quite a lot but would love to go back to Ireland and spend more time there – it is the country of my father’s family and there is a strong connection with the earth there. There is something about walking barefoot in the green Irish grass and connecting with your ancestors…

What is your favourite book, movie and/or album?
I really enjoyed The Long Walk to Freedom, the Nelson Mandela biography. It is contemporary and highlights one of the most amazing men of our time, forgiveness and tolerance. Mississippi Burning was also a great movie (you can see a thread here!). I enjoy listening to modern music and some classical stuff, but have to be in the mood for that.

If you could invite anyone to dinner who would it be and why?
There are so many interesting people I’d love to meet – Madeline Albright’s autobiography was quite inspiring – I like to meet women of substance and incredible inner strength. Imagine putting her at the table with Hilary Clinton and Mother Teresa and listening to how they would run the system if they’d had the chance!