Introducing ........ Colleen Johns

Today we are going to take a look into the world of our wonderful Masterpoint Secretary - Colleen Johns.

   1. Why did you decide to attend bridge lessons?

I had been living in Taree for two years and realised that I hadn't really made any connections in the community. I saw the bridge lessons advertised on Facebook and thought I would give them a go. I grew up playing cards, but bridge was a game I had never played before, so I thought it might be both an interesting challenge and a good way to meet people.

   2. What do you enjoy most about being a member of TBC?

First and foremost, it's the people. I love coming along each week, catching up with everyone and playing bridge. I also really enjoy the challenge—every hand feels like a new logical puzzle to solve. I've always enjoyed learning something new, and bridge certainly keeps me learning. Even though I've done the lessons twice, I still learn something every time I play.

   3. Tell us about your role as Masterpoint Secretary.

My role as Masterpoint Secretary has been both challenging and, at times, a little confusing! When it was first explained to me, I thought it sounded easy enough, but I've discovered there is quite a bit more to it. Simply put, my job is to make sure members receive the masterpoints they've earned by checking and submitting results and liaising with Bridge NSW and the ABF when necessary. Most of the time it runs smoothly—then along comes a multi-session event to keep me on my toes! I've made mistakes along the way, but every one of them has been another opportunity to learn something new.

   4. As you are still a member of the workforce, can you share a little about your current employment?

I currently work for the Department of Communities and Justice and have been there for 23 years. I started as a Child Protection Caseworker and later became a Manager Casework, supporting children, young people and their families. These days I work as an Implementation and Change Manager, developing resources, guides and training packages to help departmental and non-government casework staff understand and adapt to changes in the child protection and out-of-home-care database system.

   5. Tell us something about yourself that we may not already know.

If you really want to know the real me, I’d probably describe myself as a bit of a “Pollyanna”. I’m an optimist at heart and believe there is good in everybody—sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find it.

I have four children and nine grandchildren, and that outlook has always been part of our family life. When my children were young and the inevitable arguments broke out on car trips, I’d distract them with our own version of Pollyanna’s “glad game”. Each had to take a turn saying why they were glad to have the others as a brother or sister.

It didn’t always stop the squabbling, but it reminded us to look for the good in one another—and I think that probably says quite a lot about who I am.

Yes, Colleen, it certainly does! We are very glad you have decided to make your bridge home with us at Taree.