Celebrating 100 years: Bron’s Story

‘Every few years it feels like a new organisation.’

Since starting her first public service role as an Executive Assistant on a one-month contract, Bronwyn Aitken, Senior Manager Customer Engagement Program Delivery, has witnessed a lot of change during her 26-year CSC tenure.

The organisation has shifted from an administration function to a customer-centric focus; and moved from print to digital technologies. Bronwyn acknowledges that the organisation has travelled far — she’s experienced the demise of the fax machine and the tea lady!

‘When I was fresh out of college, there was a group of us who started new jobs at the same time and we used to send funny faxes to each other. I’d hear the fax machine at the end of the day and hope it was one of my friends!’

From early publications and reporting roles collating information for the Board each month, to creating different communication pieces, to managing the Communications Team, Bronwyn has made a significant contribution to the evolving CSC brand identity.

‘I get my energy from being challenged.’

She credits the organisation for her career progression and eventually stepping into leadership. She’s watched colleagues progress their careers too, and this has taken some of the hierarchy out of the all-important relationship building.

‘I work with some people I’ve known for more than 20 years and I think that’s pretty special.’

As someone who usually doesn’t have a lot of customer contact, Bronwyn highlights the 2003 ComSuper Open Day as a memorable event. The oldest and youngest members from each schemes were invited as guests of honour. Of the ten guests in attendance, there was an older member from the Papua New Guinea Scheme. Ninety-year-old Madge, accompanied by her daughter, spent the day touring Canberra with Bronwyn as one of their guides. Bronwyn drove them to the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Museum of Australia.

‘It was such a lovely experience! We weren’t even chatting about super; we just had a really fun time and shared stories! It was such an awesome day!’

Bronwyn says, being on this journey with the organisation has been exciting, and she can’t wait to see where we’ll be once the Transformation Program is implemented.

‘But I know that the opportunities and challenges will always be there!'