Jo Kemp is now at the helm of FRRR’s IRCF Victoria program, so we’ve taken the opportunity to ask her a few questions, so you can get to know her better – including some of her insights and hidden talents.
Based in Macedon, Jo has more than 15 years’ experience in the community development and social services sector.
Thoughtful and creative in her approach, Jo enjoys forming connections to achieve great outcomes across community, philanthropy, government, business and educational settings.
She is passionate about engaging with communities to understand their strengths and priorities and building new capabilities to support them to lead meaningful change.
Read on to learn more about her.
What does your job as FRRR IRCF Victoria Program Manager involve?
I’ve had the privilege of visiting and learning about the many things that make rural Victorian communities unique and special places to live – their people, organisations and environment. With three communities joining us on the journey for the next five years, I’ll be coordinating workshops, supporting local Community Facilitators, working with our evaluation partner and overseeing funding to activate ideas to help strengthen NFPs.
How long have you been at FRRR and what have your previous roles been?
I’ve been at FRRR for six years. In my previous role as Philanthropic Services Manager, I helped NFPs and Community Foundations increase their donor networks and worked with private foundations to design and deliver grant programs to rural and regional areas.
What did you do before you came to FRRR?
I have a background in community development and have worked in NFPs and local government, with a focus on supporting migrant and refugee communities to settle well in Australia.
What do you do outside work?
When I’m not working, I’m always outside – cycling, hiking, gardening or keeping up with my three teenage boys and their many sports!
What are you most excited about as we enter this new chapter of IRCF?
Most of all, I’m so looking forward to getting to know each of the communities much better, sharing ideas and supporting great projects to get off the ground. We have experience with the program in NSW, but I know we’ll learn so much through working with our Victorian partners.
Can you tell us about your hidden talents?
I’m pretty sharp at frisbee golf and a handy campfire cook from my early days as a tour guide.