We say farewell to Kellie Lamont who has been with SPHERE since its first days.
When did you start at SPHERE?
In 2016, I started work at SWSLHD as a Project Officer to assist with the development of an Academic Health Science Partnership (AHSP), as we were known before we had our official name. For six months before I started, there had been roadshows and townhalls rallying academics, clinicians and researchers across Sydney. When I arrived, the call for Expressions of Interest for Clinical Academic Groups had just gone out.
What role did you play in the development and growth of SPHERE?
The first 12 months was all about bringing the partnership together. At the end of the year, we were gifted our Aboriginal name, Maridulu Budyari Gumal, which translates to: 'working together for good health and wellbeing'. We were welcomed alongside the Parramatta River to a smoking naming ceremony in November and in December our Memorandum of Understanding was signed by all 16 partners.
In June 2017, I transitioned from SWSLHD to become the Executive Assistant at SPHERE. The next couple of years were extremely busy and successful. Highlights for me include: being accredited as a NHMRC Academic Health Research Translation Centre, accrediting our first 12 Clinical Academic Groups, 2017 International Symposium, Ministerial visits and the 2019 Partnerships for Better Health International Symposium.
What was the best thing about working at SPHERE?
During my time with SPHERE, I have enjoyed the opportunity to be more than just an EA. I have had my hand in nearly everything we’ve achieved including our accreditation, our first symposium, and one of my career highlights was co-leading the 2019 Symposium. It was an amazing event bringing people together from all over the world. To say I am proud to have been a part of SPHERE is an understatement. The achievements made by our network of people are wonderful examples of working together for good health and wellbeing.
I have had the privilege to meet and work with some wonderful people including those in leadership roles, Council, CAG Leaders, Program Managers and all the amazing clinicians, researchers and academics and especially our Project Officer/EA team and wonderful support staff. I have enjoyed working with you all.
