I was invited to join an evaluation project back in the 90s. At the time I knew nothing about evaluation but was keen to know more! Then, increasingly, over the years, I got further involved and got to understand what evaluation was and how it applied to programs, events or initiatives. I have to admit that it took me out of my comfort zone, particularly as I had started in education, then I moved further into other areas, such as justice, domestic violence etc..

My main area of interest lies in education as my professional background is in vocational training and adult education – although it has now extended into schooling and early childhood. Although I am now not just interested in the practical evaluative work but am extending my interest into the theoretical and philosophical side of evaluation. So, over the years my interest and direction has changed. I have also moved in and out of evaluation over the years.

For me the highlights have been my growing awareness about the important role that evaluation has in making change as well supporting good practice and informing policy. I feel that evaluation has the opportunity to contribute new knowledge, particularly in the fields of social endeavour and social change. I am re-framing evaluation to think about how it can contribute to the bigger social issues. As my particular area is focussed on Indigenous issues, I see some great opportunities for evaluation to contribute positively.

To be honest, at first I felt like an outsider who really did not have anything to contribute. But living and working in the Northern Territory you really cannot avoid it. You are right in the middle of the situation, particularly in terms of the number of challenges which First Nations people face, particularly in the remote communities. The problems faced by Indigenous people are right in your face and are impossible to ignore. The challenges are more often than not caused by poorly designed and implemented policies and programs. At first I was reluctant to be involved, then I found myself being invited into spaces and invited to contribute. I was building valuable relationships and continued to be invited into spaces where First Nations peoples operate. I have found that because I have been invited into First Nations spaces the benefits are being recognised by the Indigenous Elders as well as the community members. Evaluation can shine a light on the strength and resilience of people living and working in communities and support their aspirations for better programs and sustainable funding. Evaluation has been and continues to be, an important part of my work and of others at Batchelor Institute.

Along the way I have had some good mentors who influenced me in a number of ways. Those key people in your life who showed you how to do things, how to value, and as well how to bring in the money and do good stuff! Looking back to my PhD I had a really good supervisor whose judgement I valued and in my early career I had outstanding mentors who worked with me.

If I look at the impact of my work and what in it has influenced others, I can see a set of values which encompass social justice, equity and treating people with dignity and respect as well as ensuring that those who are most marginalised are given voice. Those things influence the way that I work. I guess my passion is to see that my work is not just used for writing reports but is also transformative for those marginalised peoples.

That’s a good question. I think the field is a lot more professionalised than it was when I started. I think there is now a much stronger awareness of ethical conduct in evaluations, particularly in relation to work with First Nations communities.

I think that one of the best skills to have are ears that hear what people have to say. Conversely, you also need to be aware of what is not being said. Coupled with that is the ability to read and understand what others have done, read the literature and engage in the academic thinking around the issue. Also, to engage with those people who are outstanding in their field and listen to colleagues and other evaluators.

There are so many social issues at the moment and in my space they are all interconnected. I am passionate about education, but also the connection between education, health and wellbeing, self-determination for Indigenous people, also with housing and the criminal justice system. These issues will define us. If we get them right, the future will be bright. I really feel that we can play a role in evaluating those issues and contributing to policies and programs.

I joined the AES around 2006. I was at a conference and felt that it would be a good idea to join! Being a part of the Society has been great for the networking opportunities and just being part of a group or a tribe who thinks the same way. That is what motivated me to join the AES. I see an intrinsic value in being part of a professional group and the shared values which are generated as being part of a group.

I think the camaraderie is fantastic and having that shared understanding which is gained from working together in this space. It is really good to belong to an organisation which will inform practice.

For me a professional society like the AES has to be member focussed and its main purpose has to be to offer members what they need. It also should be an advocate for the profession and to ensure that those we engage with (e.g. government) really understand the profession, as well as the position of the society and its members. Clearly the AES should be aware of issues around the field of evaluation so that they can advocate on our behalf.

At this stage I cannot see where the Society could contribute any further. I think the opportunities to do professional learning are really good. I also love the opportunities for networking. I belong to the local Darwin group and there are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the profession. I generally do a couple of seminars each year, so no need for any major changes to the AES.

The first piece of advice is to join the Society! The other thing is to read widely and get involved in understanding the theory and practice of evaluation. Understand that we do not want to see evaluation portrayed as a “second tier” and that it should be seen as something valuable and transformative – it has got to make a difference to the people in the programs which we evaluate. Get involved, get immersed in the space, connect and get a good mentor. On the subject of accreditation, I personally don’t see the need for it, but encourage an emerging evaluator to engage in their own professional learning. Every profession needs to grow and develop its own members. For a new person coming in, assume nothing and learn as much as possible. A lot of us drift in and out of evaluation, but the important thing is to develop evaluative thinking which includes the ability to make judgements, to assess things and weigh things up!