Community Partner Profile // Picton

Meet Kim, Sarah and Amanda, your Business and Tourism support team in the Wollondilly. Wollondilly Shire Council is a proud Community Partner of WorkLife Picton, and if you have not yet had the chance to meet these wonderful women, now is the perfect moment. We asked them to introduce themselves and share a little about their roles at Wollondilly Shire Council, and the work they do to support our local business community.

Kim: My name is Kim McGuinness, and I’m the Tourism & Business Support Team Leader at Wollondilly Shire Council. In this role, I lead the strategic planning of key projects and our team’s work program, oversee budgets, and manage a range of destination and business initiatives. I review our outgoing marketing and communications, build strong relationships with local businesses and organisations, and provide guidance and support to my wonderful team.

Amanda: I’m the Digital Marketing Officer in the Tourism & Business Support team, responsible for managing the Visit Wollondilly and Business Wollondilly digital platforms. My role includes promoting business opportunities, news and events through Business Wollondilly’s Facebook page, website and fortnightly e-newsletters. I also support tourism operators by promoting their businesses across Visit Wollondilly’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and e-newsletters. In addition to digital marketing, I’m part of the team that delivers Tourism Connect networking events and other key projects that support our local business and tourism community.

Sarah: My name is Sarah Burke, and I’m the Tourism & Business Support Officer. I promote local businesses, connect them with growth and learning opportunities, and provide concierge-style support across the Wollondilly region.

What brought you to Wollondilly originally / or what inspires you to stay connected to this community?

Kim: I was originally drawn to work in Wollondilly because I’ve always loved the region, its natural beauty, and the exciting direction it was heading in. Nearly nine years on, I’ve formed strong connections and made lifelong friends through my work and the community.

I’m genuinely passionate about supporting tourism in the area and helping local businesses grow to their full potential. One of the things that inspires me most is our local business organisations. It’s incredibly heart-warming to watch someone join as a shy introvert and, over time, gain the confidence to present in front of a room full of peers.

Wollondilly also still has that wonderful country charm where people truly know one another and go out of their way to support each other’s businesses. That sense of community is something rare, and it’s a big part of why I love being here.

Amanda: I was born in London and moved to Sydney in late 2016 to experience living and working in Australia, after previously spending time in Canada and New Zealand. I’ve always had a passion for travel, meeting new people, and embracing new adventures. I met my now husband at a BBQ in Wollondilly in 2017 and moved to Buxton in 2019. Whenever I arrive somewhere new, I love discovering the hidden gems and exploring everything there is to see and do; and I even introduced my husband to many local places he’d never heard of! I feel inspired to stay connected to this community, which is home to so many unique and wonderful small businesses. Supporting them through Business Wollondilly and Visit Wollondilly is something I’m truly passionate about.

Sarah: I was born in Wagga Wagga and moved to Picton when I was two. After travelling the world and living in many different places, I chose to return to Picton to raise my children in a country town. The community lifestyle here is wonderful for supporting and raising a family.

What do you personally love most about the people, energy, or spirit of the Wollondilly region?

Kim: There is a genuine spirit in the people of Wollondilly. Locals are down to earth, yet they’re not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Our community is full of people who are always willing to lend a hand, volunteer, and show up to support one another. It’s lovely to witness how quick people are to cheer others on when they’re succeeding.

I also love how locals are willing to give small businesses a go and support people chasing their dreams. Their business neighbours are right beside them celebrating every win, I see this in action particularly at Wollondilly Business Chamber, Wollondilly Women in Business and Wilton Business Network meetings. At the end of the day, it’s that collective spirit – people lifting each other up, that allows Wollondilly to truly thrive. It’s rare these days, and it’s one of the things that makes our region so special.

Amanda: Wollondilly is a beautiful region with so many scenic spots – one of my favourites is Burragorang Lookout. Having spent much of my life in London, it was refreshing to walk through the area and have people greet me with a friendly hello or good morning! I live in Buxton and it was incredible to see how the community supported each other during the 2019 bushfires – something I had never experienced before.

Sarah: The people in Wollondilly are incredibly friendly and community-focused, always willing to help however they can. This community spirit has been shown time and time again, especially during the devastating 2016 flooding event. I was working on the main street of Picton at the time and was overwhelmed by the support and kindness shown by the entire community.

You work closely with small businesses every day. What motivates you to support local business owners and entrepreneurs in the region?

Team: What motivates us most is the desire to see our region thrive. When our local businesses succeed, it truly feels like a shared success for the whole community. We celebrate every new business and every milestone, no matter how big or small, and we’re always here to offer support whenever it’s needed.

We genuinely enjoy getting to know our business owners and their staff, learning their stories, understanding their business, and being part of their journey. Promoting them through our marketing channels and initiatives like the Faces of the Dilly program is one of the most rewarding parts of our role and being able to connect them when needed is a great feeling. Seeing their passion, dedication, and resilience firsthand is what drives us to support them each day.

Each member of our team brings a different perspective that helps us support businesses in a meaningful and well-rounded way.

• Kim has a strong focus on project planning and leadership, ensuring our work is strategic, coordinated, impactful and aligned with Council requirements.
• Amanda draws on her extensive experience working in tourism and with tourism providers, which helps us better understand the needs of the visitor economy and those operating within it.
• Sarah, having been a local small business owner from 2002–2009, understands the commitment required to sustain and grow a business and is passionate about making sure others feel supported on their journey.

Together, these insights and experiences strengthen our shared commitment to championing Wollondilly’s business community every day

What kinds of challenges or opportunities are you seeing for Wollondilly businesses at the moment?

Team: From our team’s perspective, there are some exciting opportunities emerging for Wollondilly businesses and tourism. The upcoming Western Sydney International Airport will bring increased visitation and new economic activity to the region. Population growth is also creating a broader customer base and new demand for services, retail, hospitality, and experiences.

We’re also seeing positive movement in planning policies that better support agritourism and the night-time economy, opening the door for innovative business ideas and expanded trading opportunities. In addition, ongoing infrastructure upgrades—including improvements to local roads, parks, amenities and sporting fields—are helping make Wollondilly an even more attractive place to live, visit, and invest.

At the same time, we recognise that small-town businesses can experience fluctuations in customer demand. This challenge also highlights the value of Wollondilly’s strong business networks, such as the Wollondilly Business Chamber, Wollondilly Women in Business, and the Wilton Business Network. The growth seen in businesses that actively engage with these groups has been truly remarkable.

Together, these developments create a strong foundation for future growth across the region—making it an exciting time to be supporting business and tourism in Wollondilly.

When you’re running business advice sessions at WorkLife, what types of conversations or breakthroughs do you enjoy being part of?

Sarah: Every business is unique, and I love discovering what each one needs to grow. Since launching our newly revamped Business Advice Sessions during Small Business Month on 30 October, we’ve already had 10 businesses take up the free or subsidised support. It’s been wonderful to sit with owners, hear their stories, and help them find clarity and confidence. My favourite moments are when a business is able to embrace the opportunities available and starts to see real growth.

What does a rewarding day at work look like for you in your role at Council?

Kim: A rewarding day at work for me is seeing the growth of my team—watching them learn new things, step into their strengths, and build confidence, while I also continue to develop my own skills and knowledge. Supporting them to be the best they can be is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.

I especially value the days when all our planning and hard work come to life through successful events. Whether it’s running workshops, hosting Visit Wollondilly stalls and engaging with community and visitors, or delivering larger industry events like Tourism Connect, it’s incredibly satisfying to see the team’s efforts come to fruition and make a positive impact across the shire.

Amanda: A rewarding day for me is knowing I’ve helped a small business in some way, whether it’s through our Business Online Health Checklist, promoting their business or event on Visit Wollondilly, sharing a quick digital marketing tip, or helping them create a profile on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse. The combined efforts of our team all contribute to supporting the growth of small businesses and strengthening our local visitor economy.

Sarah: A rewarding day for me is helping a small business discover promotional or support opportunities they may not have known were available. I love seeing the excitement when they realise the ways they can grow, connect with the community, and reach new customers. Knowing that I’ve played a small part in their journey and helped them feel more confident and supported always makes me smile.

Your team is known for being incredibly dedicated. What drives that commitment to helping local businesses thrive?

Team: Our dedication comes from the diverse skills, experiences, and strengths each of us brings to the team—and how intentionally we lean into them to work effectively together. We also have a team motto, “We are not precious,” which guides how we operate every day. It allows us to speak honestly, give and receive constructive feedback, and share our thoughts openly and without judgement. This culture helps us stay focused, adaptable, and united in our purpose.

Good communication and thoughtful planning sit at the core of everything we do, and we’re constantly asking ourselves, “What’s next?” or “How can we support our businesses even more?” to ensure our work remains fresh, meaningful, and genuinely helpful.

We truly enjoy bringing businesses together through events, networking sessions, and workshops. Creating spaces where business owners can connect, exchange ideas, learn from each other, and build new relationships is incredibly rewarding. Seeing those connections evolve into real collaborations—and watching businesses grow because of it—is a big part of what drives our commitment every single day.

The world of business support is always changing. What recent trends or shifts have had the biggest impact on the way you work with businesses?

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is the sheer amount of online support now available, through webinars, virtual meetings, and online learning. If a business owner wants to learn something, it’s literally at their fingertips and can be accessed anytime.

We understand how time-poor business owners are, but embracing these tools and committing to continuous improvement is what helps their businesses stand out from the rest. It’s exciting to see how technology and online resources are enabling local businesses to grow, innovate, and stay competitive.

What does work–life balance look like for you personally? How do you recharge outside of work?

Kim: I love to spend time with my hubby and family. Now that the kids are a bit older, we enjoy early morning or afternoon walks around Wollongong Harbour or Shellharbour Marina and sometimes sneak in the occasional brekky, coffee or share an acai bowl as a treat. My husband and I also schedule a bi-monthly lunch’s with our long-time friend group, there are 8 of us and we take turns at picking a location and splurging a little. 

Amanda: I recharge outside of work by being active, gym classes, bushwalks and the occasional parkrun. Working for Wollondilly Shire Council allows me to switch off after hours, so I can be fully present with my husband, family and friends, enjoying brunch dates, road trips and other fun activities. The flexible hours also give me the opportunity to volunteer with Kookaburra Kids Foundation, a wonderful charity that resonates with me.

Sarah: For me, work–life balance means being available for my children when they need me. Wollondilly Shire Council has a fantastic culture that truly values work–life balance, which makes it easier to manage both work and family life.

Do you have hobbies, passions, or favourite ways to unwind when you’re off the clock?

Kim: To unwind, my hubby and I have little rituals like a cup of tea after dinner and before bed and an early morning walk around Wollongong Harbour on the weekends. I also love pottering around the house, gardening, cooking and spending time with my friends.

Sarah: I love gardening, travel and food, all 3 of these things are a great way to unwind.

Amanda: I enjoy travelling, challenges (running events) and spending time with family and friends.

If you were showing an out-of-town friend the best of Wollondilly, where would you take them and why?

There are so many things to see and do in Wollondilly, it really is shire of natural beauty and little pockets of wonderful treasures, but let’s narrow it down for a day. We would include  the NSW Rail Museum, where we could enjoy a ride on a steam train, a truly iconic experience! Then, add in, one of our stunning dams, maybe Cataract Dam for its scenic beauty and proximity to one of our crowd favourite bakeries – Appin Bakery. For some hands-on fun, we’d visit Berrylicious or Cedar Creek for pick-your-own fruit adventures and round the day out with a visit to Burragorang lookout and for lunch or dinner a stop-in to one of pubs, hotels or café’s, there are loads of great ones to choose from.

What do you appreciate about running your business support sessions at WorkLife? Is there anything about the space that helps make your work easier or more enjoyable?

We really appreciate WorkLife providing such a welcoming and professional space for our local businesses to meet for their business support sessions. The layout allows for seamless collaboration between our Business Advisor Joe from Sarina Russo, the Service NSW Business Concierge Julie Lewis, and Sarah from our Tourism & Business Support Team. Having everyone together in one place means businesses can access a range of support efficiently and effectively—it truly becomes a one-stop shop.

The atmosphere at WorkLife also plays a big part in making our work enjoyable. Kate and Romany are incredibly accommodating and approachable, which makes it a pleasure to run our sessions there. The space itself is ideal, offering separate areas for private meetings as well as collaborative group discussions. This setup helps the sessions flow smoothly and ensures business owners feel comfortable and supported.

It’s also a great opportunity for businesses to experience what a modern work hub can offer, and in turn, it creates a mutually supportive environment that benefits both the business community and WorkLife.

From your perspective, what is the most valuable part of the WorkLife model for local professionals and small business owners?

WorkLife provides a safe and secure environment for local professionals and small business owners to work, with unrestricted connectivity and access to meeting spaces for professional engagements. It also offers the opportunity to work alongside like-minded people, encouraging networking and potential collaboration.

With a range of flexible and affordable options, from dedicated office suites to casual passes, WorkLife is an invaluable resource that supports and strengthens our local business community at every stage, from start-ups finding their footing to established businesses looking to grow to business people visiting town and needing an office to work from. Its welcoming atmosphere, professional facilities and sense of community create the ideal environment for local businesses to connect, learn and thrive.

What’s one productivity or organisation habit that helps you stay on top of your workload?

For larger projects and events, our team relies on a structured project planning framework and a shared document that clearly outlines roles, responsibilities, and next steps. We plan by utilising each of our own strengths, ensuring everyone contributes in areas where they excel. We are all firm list-makers and make full use of our Outlook calendars, sharing them so we stay across each other’s tasks and movements.

We hold regular scheduled meetings to address questions, review progress, and work through challenges together. After each project or event, we debrief to share learnings and identify improvements to incorporate into future plans. Open communication, whether face-to-face, via Teams, or email is key to keeping everyone informed and aligned.

We also encourage regular breaks, making sure lunch is away from the desk, and participate in staff lunchtime activities such as walking groups, painting groups, and we’ve even given belly dancing a go! This collaborative and balanced approach ensures our team works efficiently, supports one another, and consistently delivers successful outcomes

Do you have any strategies for keeping healthy boundaries between work and personal life?

We’re fortunate to work in an organisation that supports flexible working, including the option for work-from-home days, providing it suits our work needs. While our roles often involve networking outside of standard hours, we make it a priority that family comes first, ensuring these commitments don’t interfere with important family events or personal time.

We also try to limit after-hours events whenever possible and actively encourage staff to take time off when unwell, as well as regular leave to rest and recharge. Maintaining these boundaries helps our team stay healthy, motivated, and at our best both professionally and personally.