Meet Steph Thorne, Governance and Compliance Manager at Fed Square

My role is about providing advice on our responsibilities in line with public and government expectations, to help keep Fed Square operating as the city’s favourite gathering place and public square. It’s a varied, collaborative position so this means I could be working on things like leading a workshop to identify areas of risks to our organisational goals, presenting information for decision makers or developing a plan to deliver a strategic project.

I also have responsibility for Board and Committee secretariat functions, supporting strategic planning and facilitating reporting to Government.

I was drawn to the role as an opportunity to give back to the community in a sector that I’ve enjoyed as a patron for so many years.

Being part of the Victorian Department of Health’s COVID-19 response was certainly a highlight. I joined the Testing and Vaccination team during a wave just when rapid antigen tests were being rolled out. It was certainly intense but I got to work with an amazing diverse group of people and it was so rewarding knowing the positive impact we were facilitating.

It’s a time to reflect on bias and discrimination, celebrate the amazing achievements of women and drive further action towards equality.

Lou Langdon, an incredible Vineyard Manager I met while volunteering in Denmark, who teaches regenerative agriculture, strives for self-sufficiency and has taught herself over five languages (and counting). I admire her tenacity, passion and courage in pursing her goals.

“What baking can do” – I absolutely love baking and musicals, and this is a song title from one of my favourites, Waitress. It has a rare all-women production team too. Baking for me is really relaxing. I enjoy being creative and of course the joyous reactions when sharing treats with friends, family and colleagues.