From Newman to Busselton: Mary Everuss

Leisure Centres Coordinator | City of Busselton

As Leisure Centres Coordinator, Mary Everuss oversees the City of Busselton’s aquatic and recreation facilities, including Geographe Leisure Centre (GLC) and Naturaliste Community Centre (NCC). She works closely with staff, members, user groups and the wider community to make sure the facilities offer positive experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

How did Mary get started in the industry, and what has her career path looked like?

Mary’s journey into the industry was anything but planned. She began her local government career at 17, after completing work experience with the East Pilbara Shire in Newman. She started in administration and finance roles, but outside the office she was always involved in recreation and sport.

Mary took part in as many sporting activities as she could and worked casually as a gymnastics instructor, group fitness instructor and sports umpire. She especially enjoyed team sports and the teamwork, community and sense of achievement they brought.

In the 1990s, Mary had a short stint in the rates department at the City of Stirling. She then returned to Newman and spent several years working with BHP. Mary and her husband also owned and operated the local pool and spa business for five years, strengthening her connection to the aquatic industry.

When they eventually moved to Busselton to be closer to family, Mary worked at a local winery for four years. She had initially missed out on an opportunity to join the City of Busselton in a full-time role, but continued working as a netball umpire and returned to study at TAFE and ECU. She was determined to find a role with the City at the GLC.

That persistence paid off. Mary started as a casual gym instructor and later moved into full-time work as a Customer Service Officer. From there, she progressed through the organisation to Centre Supervisor and then Leisure Centres Coordinator. She has held the Coordinator role for almost six years and is proud to have spent the past 18 years with the City of Busselton.

It’s been a journey shaped by opportunities, learning and saying yes to challenges.

What does Mary enjoy most about working in the industry?

Without question, it’s the people.

Mary genuinely enjoys connecting with members, patrons, user groups and staff. She likes having a conversation, listening to people and helping where she can.

The City’s facilities play an important role in the community. Every day, people learn to swim, improve their health, connect socially and take part in sport and recreation. Being part of that is incredibly rewarding for Mary.

When people ask where she works, Mary often tells them, “I work for the City of Busselton in the fun department.” She sees recreation as a special industry where people can contribute to wellbeing while helping create positive experiences and memories.

What’s happening at Mary’s facilities and in her role?

One of the things Mary is most excited about is being part of a growing community. Busselton and Dunsborough continue to expand, and more people than ever are enjoying the City’s sport, recreation and aquatic facilities.

That growth brings new opportunities as well as challenges. The team is focused on continuing to provide quality services and experiences, while finding innovative ways to make the most of existing facilities and plan for the future.

It’s a busy but rewarding time. Mary feels lucky to work with an enthusiastic team committed to helping the community stay active, connected and healthy.

What’s one thing Mary has learnt in the industry that has stuck with her?

What has stayed with Mary most is how much she has grown as a person because of the opportunities she has been given.

She often reflects on how fortunate she has been to progress through different roles and take on responsibilities that challenged her both professionally and personally. Being Leisure Centres Coordinator has taught her a tremendous amount about leadership, relationships and resilience.

Mary has also learnt the importance of simply being yourself. Whatever the role, she believes people value authenticity. She still tries to be the same person she has always been: someone who cares about the community, values relationships, supports staff and brings positive energy into the room.

For Mary, success isn’t about titles. It’s about people.

What might Mary’s LIWA colleagues not know about her?

In her younger years, Mary was involved in speedway sidecar racing as the “swinger” alongside her brothers. It was fast, noisy and probably a little bit crazy. She still carries a few scars from injuries, but it’s a chapter of her life most people don’t expect to hear about.