Haven Magazine - "Mamas That Rock"
In The Media: Haven Magazine
Hirewell Director, Linda Callander, recently appeared in Haven Magazine. Here's a small extract from the article. You can read the full interview here.
MAMAS THAT ROCK // LINDA CALLANDER
We chat to Linda Callander, wife to Paul and mum to Mia (9) and Macy (7) and pound-rescue kitty Yasi. Linda is an HR consultant with her “fingers in a few pies”, including as an integral member of the Mother’s Day Classic fun run committee.
BUSINESS
Tell us about your role with Mother’s Day Classic.
I’m on the organising committee for the Gold Coast and responsible for coordinating the children’s area this year. Lots of fantastic local Gold Coast businesses have jumped on board, which we are so excited about.
Where did the concept for the Classic come from?
The Mother’s Day Classic walk or run for breast cancer research was established in 1998 – it started as literally a walk in the park and has grown into a major national community event. The founding organisers saw a similar event overseas and came back to Australia and spoke to Women in Super about organising an event in Australia. The event, now in its 18th year (and with 104 events nation-wide) raises money for research into breast cancer, a disease which impacts one in eight Australian women. The event, initiated by Women in Super, will this year pass the $25 million mark in funds raised for National Breast Cancer Foundation research. My family will be walking the 8km on Mother’s Day this year along with more than 8,500 families across Australia participating in the event.
What’s your business background?
I have a degree in Hotel and Human Resource Management and have been working on the Gold Coast in HR for 20 years! I’ve worked for some fabulous companies (hotels, department stores and theme parks) and now am lucky enough to be using all that experience to work as a consultant to help Gold Coast businesses with all their Human Resources needs. Being a consultant offers me great family-friendly work hours and versatility.
Who were your mentors along the way?
I’ve worked with some fantastic people who have helped me grow and develop skills that have been useful in my career, and as a mum (for example, my time management skills!). My fondest work memories are from when I worked at Daimaru at Pacific Fair with an amazing manager and team that taught me so much about business and different cultures, about patience and respect. One of my early mentors was a colleague whom I sat alongside on a Tourism Committee and worked with on some amazing projects. She died from breast cancer after a battle that lasted a number of years. I often wish I could pick up the phone to ask her advice on a work problem I am struggling with. She is one of the reasons I feel so strong about MDC and the fundraising effort to help find a cure.
