Making an impact at a State-wide scale

When Amy joined DTF as a Commercial Advisor, she knew she wanted to contribute to work that directly benefits South Australians.

What she didn't expect was finding a workplace where she would feel so supported, both professionally and personally.

"Knowing I could be involved with work that made a direct impact to the South Australian people while working in a safe and inclusive environment was a huge attraction for me."

In just over a year, Amy has worked on some of the State's most significant commercial initiatives, contributing to projects including the Bedford Industries case, the State's travel contract and due diligence activities for major agreements.

What surprised her most wasn't just the scale of the work.

It was the reach.

"HUGE, MASSIVE, STATE-WIDE... dramatic but true," she says.

"Our team provides commercial advice on some of the State's most impactful issues, and I am so proud to be in this position, never taking that responsibility lightly."

For Amy, the opportunity to influence outcomes that benefit the community is unlike anything she has experienced before.

"The impact we create is unmatched to anything I have done before."

Interesting work that challenges you

Before joining DTF, Amy worked in project-focused roles where her attention was often directed towards a single initiative.

The move into Commercial and Procurement opened the door to something different.

"I thrive when doing work that's forever changing, challenging and different," she says.

"This role allows me to develop a range of skills across multiple workflows. No two days or cases are the same, no repetitive work and I love that."

The variety keeps her curious, engaged and constantly learning.

Along the way, Amy has developed the confidence to trust her instincts and challenge conventional thinking.

"I've definitely learnt to back myself in."

"At DTF you hear a lot of 'If not, why not?' I try to take that into my everyday thinking and challenge the status quo."

A culture where people come first

While the work is challenging, it is the people who have had the biggest impact on Amy's experience.

She was surprised by how approachable DTF's senior leaders are.

"They are always open to a chat about work, life or even the weekend sport results."

"I've worked in places where you wouldn't dare approach senior leaders, but at DTF I've found the exact opposite."

For Amy, that openness creates something powerful.

"It makes for a psychologically safe working environment, starting from the top down."

As a parent, carer and someone managing chronic health conditions and learning difficulties, that sense of safety matters.

"Work-life balance is tough. I want people to feel seen and heard in the workplace so they can do their best work."

Amy says she has never felt defined by her circumstances.

"My team - they're so understanding. Within my role they know these things about me and still say, 'Cool, and what else can you do?'"

"I've never been treated like a burden. If anything, I've been met with grace, kindness and surrounded by people who want me to succeed."

Supported to thrive

When Amy reflects on what has accelerated her growth most, the answer is simple.

Supportive leadership.

"My manager and director, wow. I have so much gratitude working for them."

"As a parent to a child with a disability, some days can be very hard and very lonely. Never once have they made me feel like I am alone."

That support has helped Amy produce some of the best work of her career.

"The quality of work I am producing is better than I ever have before."

"Sometimes I look at things I have done and think, 'Wow, look at me go.'"

For Amy, the connection is clear.

"When we have safe and understanding work environments, I think a person's potential is truly limitless."