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Jackie Oam
Chair, Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network City of Melbourne Councillor (Knowledge City & People City Portfolios) Board Member, OffShore and Specialist Ships Australia
Professional Background
Jackie Oam is a highly respected and accomplished individual within the public service and education sectors. With an impressive track record of leadership and advocacy, she has served as an elected Councillor for the City of Melbourne for three significant terms. Her dedication to her community is evident in her founding role and current position as Chair of the Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network, where she works tirelessly to preserve and promote Melbourne's rich maritime history.
Jackie's expertise extends to the maritime industry as she serves on the board of Offshore and Specialist Ships Australia, reflecting her deep commitment to the strategic development of this vital sector within Australia. Additionally, her role as a former President of the Coalition of Residents and Business Associations (CoRBA) in Melbourne showcases her ability to bring together diverse community voices and foster collaborative dialogue among various stakeholders.
Before entering public office, Jackie made her mark in academia as a former academic at the School of Management at RMIT University, where her insights and teaching helped shape future leaders. Her commitment to education continued as she held the position of Co-ordinator in the TAFE Division at Swinburne University, followed by her role as Executive Director of VISTA, a TAFE Professional Association. Through these roles, Jackie dedicated herself to enhancing vocational education and training, positively impacting a broad range of students.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jackie is also a founding member of Friends of the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Carlton Gardens, an organization aimed at preserving these iconic Melbourne landmarks. This role not only highlights her passion for heritage and culture but also demonstrates her active participation in community initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Jackie's educational journey has played a significant role in her professional development. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from La Trobe University, a foundation that equipped her with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for her multifaceted career. Driven by her passion for education, Jackie pursued further studies culminating in a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) concentrating on Vocational Education and Training at RMIT University. Her advanced academic credentials underline her commitment to enhancing education and training opportunities for others.
Jackie's educational pursuits also included studies at the University of Melbourne, one of Australia's leading universities, further refining her knowledge and expertise in management and education.
Notable Achievements
Jackie Oam has made significant strides in advocating for her community, particularly through initiatives that highlight Melbourne’s cultural and historical assets. Her authorship of three delightful children's books showcases her creativity and passion for storytelling, further reflecting her dedication to inspiring the next generation. Moreover, she expresses her artistic talents through found-object artistry, which connects with her desire to promote sustainability and creativity in everyday life.
Her extensive involvement in various community organizations and her commitment to the heritage sector earned her recognition as a formidable leader and changemaker within her community. Jackie's ability to cultivate relationships and collaborate with diverse groups demonstrates her exceptional leadership skills and unwavering dedication to serving the public, making her an invaluable asset to the City of Melbourne.
Achievements
Organizations and Contributions
- Elected Councillor for the City of Melbourne for three terms, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to public service and community advocacy.
- Founder and current Chair of the Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network, focusing on the preservation of maritime heritage.
- Board member of Offshore and Specialist Ships Australia, contributing to the strategic advancement of the maritime industry.
- Former President of the Coalition of Residents and Business Associations (CoRBA), leading community engagement initiatives.
- Former Academic at the School of Management at RMIT University, shaping future professionals.
- Former Co-ordinator for Swinburne University's TAFE Division, enhancing vocational education and training.
- Past Executive Director of VISTA, the TAFE Professional Association, advocating for TAFE professionals.
- Founding Member of Friends of the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Carlton Gardens, promoting heritage conservation.
Hobbies and Interests
In addition to her professional achievements, Jackie is an esteemed author, having written three children's books that blend her artistic sensibility with educational themes. Her talent as a found-object artist highlights her innovative approach to creativity and sustainability, as she transforms everyday items into unique art pieces. Through her hobbies, Jackie continues to inspire those around her, especially the youth, encouraging them to engage in creative expression and value their artistic capabilities.
