Gold Coast staff member stands out
Published on 03 October, 2002
Kim Schirmer, the CQU Gold Coast International Campus’ Bookshop Manager, is described by colleagues as "a bright, positive person .... always flexible and always willing to go the extra mile." CQU Gold Coast, International Campus (and CQU as a whole) is fortunate enough to have Kim as part of the CQU team.
She began her CQU career in July 2001 at CQU Brisbane International Campus Bookshop as an assistant.
An opportunity arose for the Bookshop Manager position in September 2001 and Kim jumped at the opportunity.
“I had been searching for a career in an organization where customer satisfaction is important, somewhere I could utilise and further develop my customer service skills. It was clear to me, very early on, that this was an organization I would be proud to be a part of,” Kim explained.
The Bookshop at the Gold Coast campus is open three mornings per week, making Kim’s position part time. Her dedication, skills and knowledge did not go unnoticed, so in May 2002 when Bill Ballagh, our Manager Business Administration needed an assistant, Kim was an obvious choice. When the Bookshop is closed, she becomes the Campus Finance Assistant – and a blessing to Bill.
Kim lives in Brisbane with her husband, Greg, and has no problem with travelling to the Gold Coast each day.
“I enjoy my work. Both positions are enjoyable and challenging. The students and my work colleagues are all great people, so the drive each morning is relaxing and enjoyable. It doesn’t seem that far when you are looking forward to reaching your destination,” Kim said.
Greg and Kim are in the process of building their first home, in Brisbane. To a lot of people this is a daunting, stressful task, but not for Kim, she deals with it in her usual calm manner. Kim and Greg enjoy camping and four-wheel-driving on weekends and Kim is a keen netballer.
Greg has a successful business partnership in the building industry, specialising in renovations and restorations. In their ‘spare’ time they both enjoy providing some respite care for a foster family.
CQU is not new to this family. Greg is originally from North Rockhampton; his brother attends CQU Rockhampton where he is studying to be a Science Teacher, his sister studied Psychology at CQU, with a third family member studying Engineering. Where else? Central Queensland University.