Sally tackles the big issues By Kate Sears

Sally Hines, the chief operating officer of The Big Issue and Homes for Homes, grew up in Frankston South and now lives in Mount Martha. She talks to Kate Sears from Frankly Frankston Magazine about helping disadvantaged Aussies help themselves.

How did you get to be the COO of two organisations?
Following a brief dabble in the corporate sector I have spent my entire career in the not-for-profit sector with a strong interest in working with those most disadvantaged in society. Prior to commencing at The Big Issue and Homes for Homes, I worked in employment services, community development, youth mental health and health for over 10 years. I have held various strategic, service delivery and operational management positions, including experience in establishing new not-for-profit businesses across Australia in diverse communities. 

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 What’s your day like?
No day is the same, that’s for sure. The diverse nature of my roles means I can spend the morning watching the new edition of the magazine being launched by our editor with our vendors celebrating with a breakfast, followed by a meeting with a property stakeholder discussing Homes for Homes and then an afternoon with staff working through strategic plans to maximise the income generated for homeless and marginalised Australians working in our social enterprises. 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of what you do?
Seeing the people we work with (homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged) making positive changes in their lives. Our mission is to “help people help themselves”.

Being part of the staffing group that provides these work opportunities to those in our community unable to access mainstream employment is incredibly rewarding.

What do you love about Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula?
I grew up in Frankston South, and after moving around metropolitan Melbourne in my 20s I was very happy to move back to Mornington and now Mount Martha with my husband and daughter. I love living in a holiday destination - everything is at your doorstep and there is always something to do. It is a relaxing place to live.

 What’s your favourite quote?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Sally Hines will be speaking at the 2018 International Women’s Day Breakfast, presented by Frankston North Rotary with the Rotary clubs of Frankston, Peninsula 2.0 and Mount Eliza, on Wednesday, March 7 (tickets from eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-breakfast-event-2018-tickets-38694946627). You can buy The Big Issue from a vendor in the city or subscribe at thebigissue.org.au