Team Spotlight: Mandy Hourigan Deputy Director of Professional Standards and Intake

Tell us a little about your role at Kooyoora.

I am a Deputy Director of Professional Standards. My role is to investigate Professional Standards and Child Safe Standards within organisations. I am also part of our intake team and assess all new complaints that come in.

What inspired you to work at Kooyoora?

I was previously a Victoria Police member, and during my time with Victoria Police I was a Detective at the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT). When the opportunity to work with Kooyoora arose, I identified that the skills I obtained while with Victoria Police were transferable and could be used to make a difference within other organisations.

What do you like most about working at Kooyoora?

The team at Kooyoora is super supportive, friendly and helpful.

What does a typical day ‘in the office’ look like?

I work mainly from home, doing three days of investigation work and one day of intake.

On an investigation day, I manage all my jobs by prioritising the more urgent work. During the day I may take statements from complainants, interview respondents, assess new matters, prepare investigation reports, attend meetings, etc.

On an intake day, I work on my investigation jobs until I receive notification that there has been an intake call. I assess the complaint and make contact with the person who is making the complaint, and make any enquiries required. I then create a file ready for the matter to be assessed and, if required, allocated to an investigator by a Director of Professional Standards.

What is a hobby or interest you have outside of work?

I walk my dog twice a day and sometimes attend the gym. I have two granddaughters who I love to spend time with.

What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?

I like spending the weekend with family and friends.

Coffee or tea (or neither)?

Coffee.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

I would like to think I am compassionate, understanding and loyal.

What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to? Why?

I love to travel anywhere I haven’t been before. I have been to Noosa quite a few times and love the main beach and walking the boardwalk. The shopping is pretty good as well.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Nope. Not talented at all.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I have a black Labrador called Duncan.

Cat or dog (or neither)?

I have had both; however, I currently have a dog, so I would have to say dog.

Would you rather sing karaoke (solo) or be part of a choir?

Definitely karaoke, although it is definitely not a hidden talent.

Do you have a favourite quote or motto you live by?

“If you keep looking back, you’ll get a sore neck.” Meaning: stop looking back at what you should have or could have done, and look forward to what you can do.