Life Before Kambala

Many of our staff did not begin their working life in schools, whether as a teacher or in another role. Amongst our current staff we have a selection of lawyers, a draftswoman, a jewellery maker and a policeman, among others. Here are a few who told us about their previous jobs…

Louise Donaghy has a degree in finance and accounting and has completed some of the professional accounting examinations. She has also taught classes in web design, animation, spreadsheets and databases.

After completing his Science degree, Ali Riza undertook an Honours year in Physics, where he investigated quantum well devices. He then worked for two years researching the spectroscopy of aluminium impurities in silicon, while doing some Undergraduate teaching to science, engineering and nursing students. 

Melissa Archey started her work life as an Actuary at Ernst & Young in Chicago. She lasted a few years before she decided to retrain as a Mathematics teacher. In the year between resigning as an actuary and returning to study, Melissa took a job for the summer season working at South Pole Station in Antarctica. Melissa says “It was one of the most exciting adventures of my life.”

Anna Messariti was a producer for the ABC for 12 years and Executive Producer of ABC Radio Drama, creating drama and features within the Audio Arts. She has also worked in independent film production, notably on The Projectionist, winning 11 international awards and featuring as part of the Australian Embassy Roadshow program for a decade. Anna’s work as a theatre director includes her role of Artistic Director for Playworks (National), St Martins Youth Arts Centre (Melbourne) and PACT (Sydney). 

Anita James worked as a programmer and then an IT Systems Analyst. In that position she implemented financial accounting software for Fortune 500 companies, both in Sydney and in Chicago. This also involved user training and customer support, as well as travelling around Australia and Asia.