Tuesday, 31st January 2023
Staff Focus: Joyce McKee
We'd like to introduce you to our terrific staff, one at a time! This month we meet our Manager of Groups Accommodation, Joyce McKee.
Joyce came to New Norcia just over four years ago after an employee mentioned to her husband (while he was painting her house) that New Norcia was looking for staff. She had just left her previous workplace so was open to checking it out. Living just down the road in Bindoon was a bonus and she was hired as Manager of Groups Accommodation and School Activities Team Leader.
Her job involves organising all accommodation bookings and itineraries for those groups staying at the Hostel, Old Convent and St Gertrude’s and St Ildephonsus' Colleges. She also organises the school day trip visits and leads activities with the school kids – a personal favourite.
What does she love about New Norcia? "The old buildings and the history of New Norcia", she said. "I also love meeting people. In my job I get to meet new people all the time as well as welcome back all the regulars who I love catching up with".
Prior to coming to New Norcia, Joyce worked as a personal assistant for a commercial real estate company in Perth for many years. Before that she was a secretary for a yacht builder in Henderson, and for few years after her second son was born, she was a stay-at-home mum. One of her most challenging jobs was working at a recycling centre driving loaders, excavators, etc – completely out of her comfort zone but fun to learn!
In her spare time she loves to read and she's currently reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Her current TV binge is Yellowstone on Stan. She also enjoys family time with her husband and three awesome sons – Connor (20), Jake (18) and Ethan (13).
When asked what would be the one thing she would change if she could, Joyce responded with: "The one thing I would change in the world is to make people more understanding, inclusive and empathetic towards those living with a disability".