Kristie Clark is one of the key people in Lismore's flood recovery, working for the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Earlier this year, Kristie was awarded the Public Service Medal in the King's Birthday Honour List. There is a perception that most of the NSWRA staff are from out of town, but Kristie was born in Lismore and still lives in the Northern Rivers. Maive McKenzie sat down with Kristie to get her life story.

I’m proud to call myself a true Northern Rivers local. I was born in Lismore, but most of my growing up happened in Coffs Harbour. Despite the kilometres between us, my heart was always drawn back up north to where my roots run deep with family and my fondest memories were spending time with my family and relatives who were scattered all across the Northern Rivers.

I'm the eldest of four girls, growing up surrounded by the vibrant energy and sisterly bonds that come with having three siblings. We were quite the team, navigating childhood together with our own unique blend of mischief and laughter. While we each eventually spread our wings, and they settled down in Brisbane, the heart of our family remains anchored in the Northern Rivers, where Mum and Dad and our extended family still reside.

As a kid, I was always diving headfirst into different committees and roles. Back in primary school, I proudly wore the badge of school captain, and in high school, I took on the responsibilities of vice-captain. Leadership has always been my thing – I thrived on organising, motivating others, and being a voice for my peers.

Sports were another big part of my life, and I love netball. Not only did I play with passion, but I also found joy in coaching others, a role I fulfilled at Tweed until just a couple of years back. It wasn't just netball, though; I was interested in a wide range of sporting activities and have always been quite athletic. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be active and involved. Athletics, tennis and other sports were also in the mix, keeping me on my toes and fueling my drive to do more, to push myself further.

When I was younger, my dream was to become a physiotherapist, driven by my passion for sports and the human body. From early on, I immersed myself in all things athletic, whether on the field or cheering from the sidelines. It was a natural fit for me, blending my fascination with movement and my desire to help others achieve their physical best, but eventually, I became incredibly interested in the human side of businesses going into HR later on.

Beyond sports, my upbringing instilled in me a set of core values that shaped my character. I was taught from a young age the importance of good manners and respectful communication, especially when engaging with adults. These skills in communication and engagement became second nature to me, guiding how I interacted with people and approached challenges throughout my life.

One of my earliest jobs was at the local newsagent, but even before that, I was already familiar with the world of work thanks to my mum, who was a hairdresser. As a kid, I pitched in, unofficially helping out with tasks like making appointments, sweeping the floor, folding the towels and any duties to help Mum keep the salon going.

My career journey took me through various roles in HR and Project Management, setting a solid foundation for what was to come. One highlight was my involvement in the establishment of Service NSW and later, I served as the Chief Customer Officer at a Telco Authority, where I honed my skills in customer relations, service delivery and telecommunication operations.

My passion for making a difference in the community led me to take on a significant role with Service NSW following the devastating floods. Living in the region at the time, I was deeply committed to supporting recovery efforts and helping my community rebuild stronger than ever. It was during this period that I worked closely with Resilience NSW to set up Recovery Centres and provide crucial assistance to those affected.

Education-wise, I initially studied at Southern Cross University in Coffs Harbour before continuing my academic journey at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, where I further developed my skills and knowledge in Business.

During my university days, I was always on the go, juggling work and studies. I held a part-time job at Myer, while I balanced the course load. Working part-time at Myer and attending classes kept me busy, but I loved the service environment at Myer and the opportunity to connect with people.

One particular memory stands out from my time in the dinnerware section at Myer. There was a colleague, a friendly lady, who often shared stories about her son. Over time, we struck up conversations beyond the usual customer service interactions, forming a bond over our conversations.

As fate would have it, this lady eventually introduced me to her son. We grew closer, shared experiences, and later in life, we tied the knot. Looking back, I cherish those Myer days not only for the valuable work experience but also for the unexpected twist of fate that brought love into my life.

Those university years taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and the unpredictable ways life can unfold. They shaped not only my career path but also my personal journey, reminding me that every interaction, whether at work or elsewhere, can hold the potential for meaningful connections.

After wrapping up my university years in Brisbane, life took me on a whirlwind journey across Australia. Initially, I settled in Adelaide and Canberra for a spell, where my husband served in the army. The unique experiences living in different cities were memorable, but soon we found ourselves back in Brisbane after he transitioned out of military life.

Back in Brisbane, I delved deeper into my career in HR, while my husband embarked on a new chapter with the Federal Police, leading us to Sydney. In 2006, we exchanged vows, marking the beginning of a journey that has spanned nearly 18 years and counting. Our family grew with the arrival of two gorgeous girls, and as they were young, we made the decision to relocate back to Tweed to be closer to our extended family in the Northern Rivers.

Two years ago, we made another move, this time to Kyogle, where we found ourselves settling into a tranquil lifestyle that felt like coming full circle. Nestled back in the Northern Rivers, we embraced the rural charm where we now tend to cows, chickens, and other critters while my husband has transitioned into a fulfilling role as a primary school teacher.

I had been settled in the region here before the flood hit. When disaster struck, the CEO of the Service NSW reached out and asked me to return to service. It was a call to action that I couldn't ignore, and I felt deeply honoured to be able to contribute to the recovery efforts in the region I grew up in.

After working in the initial response, I realised I wanted to continue to be involved in the recovery and rebuild of the Northern Rivers and stepped into a role to lead the delivery of the temporary housing program with Resilience NSW and then a role with the Reconstruction Authority leading one of the largest adaptation and relocation programs in Australia.

The Resilient Homes and Resilient Lands Programs are not a simple rebuilding exercise, we’re working to make significant long-term changes to where people live, how we plan and prepare for future disasters and how we reduce risk across the Northern Rivers. At the same time, we want to help maintain the community and spirit of this great region.

Outside of my professional life, I find joy and relaxation in a few cherished hobbies. Netball has been a passion of mine since childhood, and I still relish the opportunity to get on the court whenever I can.. It's not just about the game itself; it's also a chance to connect with others and stay active. There are many life lessons that can be applied from the game of netball.

Another love of mine is gardening, which has evolved into a cherished pastime, especially since settling on our farm. There's something deeply satisfying about nurturing plants from seedlings to harvest, and it's a great way to unwind after a busy week.

Overall, one of the most profound lessons my career has taught me is the importance of building lasting relationships. Throughout my journey, I've come to understand that these connections are not just professionally advantageous but rewarding on a personal level. Collaborating closely with others and fostering strong relationships has been instrumental in successfully delivering programs and initiatives aimed at supporting our community. When we prioritise making the community the heart of our efforts, we create a unified force capable of achieving meaningful impact.

Being part of a team has also been a source of great fulfilment for me. I thrive in environments where teamwork is valued. Together, we can navigate challenges more effectively and celebrate successes as a collective. This collaborative spirit not only enhances productivity but also nurtures a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, making the journey more rewarding and enjoyable.

When reflecting on my career journey thus far, one of my proudest achievements has been contributing to the recovery efforts following the 2022 flood. This region holds deep roots for my family, spanning generations and shaping my own upbringing. Having a personal connection to this area amplified my commitment to supporting its recovery and rebuilding.

Being able to deliver impactful programs during such a challenging time stands out as a defining highlight of my career. It was not just about fulfilling professional duties but making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. Witnessing the tangible impact of our efforts, from providing essential services to fostering community resilience, filled me with a profound sense of fulfilment and purpose.

This experience has reinforced my dedication to serving communities and utilising my skills to positively impact the places and people I care deeply about. It's a reminder of the importance of empathy, resilience, and collective action in overcoming adversity and fostering sustainable growth.

Looking ahead to the future, my focus remains steadfast on continuing to deliver impactful outcomes for the Northern Rivers community. There is still a significant amount of work to be done, and I am committed to addressing key priorities such as the delivery of the Resilient Homes and Resilient Lands programs, long-term mitigation and adaptation strategies, and building community and business resilience for potential future flood events.

My goal is to contribute to the resilience and sustainable development of this region that holds such personal significance for me and my family. I am passionate about leveraging my skills and experience to tackle these challenges, working collaboratively with my team and the community to achieve lasting and positive impacts. As I look forward, I am motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference and contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of the Northern Rivers region.