Geraldine Dean, the chief executive officer of Youth Solutions, was heading out the door of her office yesterday when she bumped into this old journalist coming in.
A few moments later the Member for Campbelltown, Greg Waren also waltzed in, followed by a photographer from a local paper.
“I knew something was going on when I saw all these people coming in,’’ Ms Dean said moments after Mr Warren announced that she was the 2016 Campbelltown electorate woman of the year.
Her team knew about the award but had organised it so it would be a surprise for the Youth Solutions boss.
And so it was.
Mr Warren told her she would have an ambassadorial role in the next 12 months, representing our local MP at various functions and activities.
“Our area has a lot of wonderful people whose work makes us a better community,’ Mr Warren said in announcing the award in the board room of Youth Solutions on the fourth floor of Macarthur Square.
“And Geraldine, along with the great team at Youth Solutions are certainly making a difference in our area.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“This award for Geraldine reflects her leadership at Youth Solutions and the great work the organisation does in helping our local youth,’’ Mr Warren said.[/social_quote]
Ms Dean, once she regained her composure, said she was proud to be part of the Campbelltown community.
“I am truly honoured to receive this award,’’ she said.
“This award also acknowledges all the people around me as well.
“I’m incredibly lucky to lead an organisation with people that are very passionate about what they do and about making a difference in the lives of other people.”
Geraldine Dean has been with Youth Solutions for 13 years, the last five as CEO.
Ms Dean has worked in the community sector of Macarthur for almost 18 years in both paid and voluntary positions, starting her professional career at Campbelltown City Council.
In addition to her role as a Macarthur region community leader and CEO of Youth Solutions, Geraldine is also the proud mum of two young boys.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I went to school here, I have made lifelong friends here, I started my professional career here and I bought my first home here, so I really know how much Campbelltown can be a place of opportunity and I have benefited from that,” Ms Dean said.[/social_quote]
“I also understand that Campbelltown is a complex community with unique challenges, and for young people in particular, not everybody starts off on the same playing field and are afforded the same opportunities.
“It’s up to leaders in our community to ensure that we address the challenges that our community faces and continue to improve the social and health outcomes for all of our community members.
“There are a lot of passionate people in this community and there is a great feeling of community spirit, with so many people and organisations working together to improve people’s lives.
“I feel privileged that in a small way I am able to contribute to that.”
Ms Dean has led the Youth Solutions team to numerous honours, including the 2014 highly commended Youth Service of the Year award, and has successfully led the team through rigorous accreditation appraisals.
Under her leadership, Youth Solutions has worked with more than 50 partners per year, not including corporate supporters, and has reached more than 1200 young people through face-to-face project work in the past year alone.
“I am passionate about this community. I’m particularly passionate about our young people; providing them with access to opportunities and supporting them to be resilient, engaged and healthy,” Mrs Dean said.
Youth Solutions is a health promotion and youth drug and alcohol prevention charity. For more information about Youth Solutions, or for drug and alcohol education, information, referral, or the current activities of Youth Solutions phone 4628 2319, email info@youthsolutions.com.au or visit their website.
