Fortnightly Five - Get to know Miranda Harwood

1. In 100 words or less tell us a little bit about a day in your job?

Every day is different in a communications team and that is one of the reasons I love it.

In a day I can be working with teams on communications plans, writing content, briefing in communications campaigns, doing website redevelopments and supporting the team to deliver Council communications. In one day I can be working on waste, theatre, arts, Reconciliation, family violence, level crossings and more! I tend to know a lot about so many things, though am an expert at none. I rely on the rest of you who are subject content experts across Council to do my job. I have a continuous improvement lens, so am always looking at ways to make things easier and better.

2. Favourite achievement in your time at Council.

I am going to answer this around two topics. The first is people. I lead Council’s FLARE committee and am passionate about supporting staff wellbeing. Hearing how even small initiatives have made a difference to staff wellbeing feels like a huge achievement, as supporting people is really important to me. I also love to empower staff and love to watch my team and others across Council grow and develop. Anyone who knows me well, knows my catch-phrase is "Teach a person to fish". In fact, one of the team photoshopped me fishing once...

When it comes to deliverables, one of my biggest achievements was leading a team to deliver a total website redevelopment of all of Council’s websites. This was a mammoth project delivered in the middle of the COVID pandemic, and an amazing achievement for such a small team on a very small budget. In saying that, it wouldn’t have been able to be delivered without the help and support of a hard-working communications team as well as teams across Council for which I am still really grateful. So again, even that was really about the people.

3. Favourite thing about Greater Dandenong?

The vibe. (Yes, I am fan of The Castle). Our community and organisation has a level of gratitude you don’t see everywhere. It is one of the reasons I love working here as I believe the work we do really makes a difference and not only that but is appreciated. 

4. Outside of work, what fills your cup? 

I love walking particularly on the beach which I am grateful to live near. This year I have been fortunate enough to have seen both dolphins and seals on my morning walks. I also love making and drinking coffee, reading, listening to podcasts and music and spending time with my people. I won’t say I love running, but I love the way I feel after I run particularly after I achieved my goal of doing the 14.4km Run for the Kids earlier this year.  

5. Quick Take: 

Dogs or cats: Depends on the week as I have one of each. Dogs and cats together is hours of entertainment. You can see my two Mali and Milo below. 

Grateful for: Two wonderful adult daughters Tyla and Kira who make the world a better place.

Favourite sporting team: Essendon Bombers and the Melbourne Vixens (so a good sporting year for me so far - even if it doesn’t show in my footy tipping).

Currently reading, watching or listening to: So many things and often all at once. But I will say that my favorite current podcasts are The Imperfects, Bang On and How to Fail - all which I have actually seen live this year.

Want to be part of Fortnightly Five?

Email website with answers to the above questions and any images you like and we will feature you.