Residential Manager

John Overton

Term 3 is off to a flying start with a series of events highlighting the vast range of activities on offer at the College but also demonstrating the varying set of skills our students are developing throughout their time at Denmark Ag.

Being new to the role of Residential Manager I have been so impressed by the operations of the College, but more so by the level of investment by the students. There is a clear passion and sense of enthusiasm on display everyday which is infectious and has made an immediate impression on me and my family. To the point any apprehension of taking on a new role has quickly subsided, which has genuinely made me feel like this is the environment I want to work in.

A little about me, I have recently moved onsite at the College in toe with my best friend (wife Eva) and two young children Jackson (8) & Gracen (5), who have all been really welcomed by the College community. As a family we love the outdoors; fishing, camping and exploring our beautiful region by 4wd which seems to take up a lot of our recreational time. We are very fortunate to live in such an accessible and beautiful part of the world, but I might keep a few local spots we have discovered a secret for now 😊.

Before moving to Denmark in 2016 I previously worked as a Teacher, predominately in Education Support whilst also across the Physical and Outdoor Recreation departments. I absolutely loved working as a teacher and in a school setting, but felt I needed a circuit-breaker from the industry and I fell into the Sport and Recreation sector and, in particular, Leisure Facility Management. Working most recently at the Denmark Recreation Centre and Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre I feel has had a positive impact on rounding out an educational set of skills. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Sport and Recreation and second to my family sport has played a pivotal role in my own personal development and level of interest.

What I am hoping to bring to the role is the same set of values and thought process I have applied to various workplaces I have worked in:

Building and forming relationships
Developing trust
Present leadership style
Human centred approach

The role of Residential Manager is a privilege and an appointment I have been genuinely working towards for the past 5 years. By attending leadership forums, investing in self-development programs, additional study and honestly trying to enhance my ability to lead in a way that best supports the people I work with.

I have learnt to listen and learn, and that remains my focus, but this College is a fantastic platform for young people and I hope I can contribute in a way that best supports the needs of our students and staff at the school.

John Overton

Residential Manager

WACOA - Denmark