Heather Hulett was born in Coburg. She worked in Melbourne as a teacher before moving to Beechworth with her husband Robert 24 years ago.
“I love the country and having family close,” Heather said.
What do you do work wise?
I work now as a casual librarian in the Indigo Shire libraries after a satisfying 40-year career in teaching. I taught Home Economics, Health and Human Development and retrained as a teacher-librarian. I loved teaching and mentoring students of all ages. My last full-time position was Head of Reference at La Trobe University.
What bought you to your career?
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My love of learning came from my parents and my grandfather. Despite having little secondary education themselves, they were well read, self-taught and had successful working lives. I wanted to pass that passion onto others, so I became a teacher.
I have always loved the creative arts. My own learning journey has led to co-authoring textbooks for VCE Health and Human development and completing a Master’s research degree at La Trobe University, focusing on Information Literacy at Wangaratta High School.
I have been lucky enough to also peruse a PhD in creative writing which I completed in 2022 at La Trobe University. I authored an intergenerational family realist novel and documented the recognition of women’s writing historically and in contemporary settings.
What do you love about your work?
In working as a casual Librarian for Indigo Shire, I am still in a learning environment surrounded by books. I can assist with print and online reading selections and engage with people at various activities and speaker sessions.
Why do you volunteer in the community?
As a volunteer I assist at BEAT (Beechworth Exercise and Activity Training) and recently completed a training course enabling me to lead the exercises. It is wonderful to see the over 55s maintaining their fitness and flexibility. I am also secretary of the Beechworth Senior Citizen’s Club (BSCC).
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
There is always a need to support older people in the community. This includes providing basic services and enabling people to keep connected to friends, family and their culture.
What would you do to solve or change the situation?
I think the many volunteer services Beechworth offers helps maintain closeness and inclusion in the community. But as volunteers age, it is becoming a challenge to maintain services. ‘Use it or you lose it’ comes to mind. Each of us together with the shire has a responsibility to step up and be counted to keep services going.
What do you see as one of the most current world issues?
I think inclusion, tolerance and caring for one another and our environment are issues we must continually keep addressing.
Who would you most like to meet in Indigo Shire and what would you show them, and why?
I would most love to see my mother Betty (who sadly passed away) enjoying more fun and companionship from the social activities and outings of ‘Club Connect’ again. We need to promote such services as they offer kindness and care in keeping our most precious citizens connected.
What book are you reading?
I love reading Australian novels by contemporary women authors. I found ‘The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison’ by Meredith Jaffe, and Josephine Moon’s ‘The Jam Queens’, to both be heart-felt stories showing that emotional attachments and family bonds are stronger than the issues that try to divide us.
