Wendy Forsyth
Senior Online Publisher, Queensland Health - Population Health Web Team
Written by Briana Holmes on 2009-10-07
Wendy Forsyth is a Senior Online Publisher for the Population Health Web Team in the Queensland Health Information Systems and Data Management Unit.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in the media and communications industry?
Over 10 years ago as a receptionist in Queensland Health, I was given the opportunity to specialise. Everything to do with online publishing was in its infancy so it was an interesting field to be in. I helped out with a project to upgrade the Division’s computers so that staff could eventually view the intranet from their workstation. Now I enjoy a quality role and strive to advocate for the users of our websites.
Where have you worked previously to working for Queensland Health?
I have worked in local government, federal government, as a Lollypop Lady and as a community volunteer using CB radio at sporting events as an emergency communications system. I think that whatever job you do, good communication skills help smooth the way and get the job done.
What has been your most memorable achievement or experience working as a part of Brisbane’s media landscape?
Queensland Health has over 100 online publishers as part of a distributed publisher model. Each year the publishers get together for a day of sharing information, ideas and skills and to discuss challenges and the future direction. In 2006 the team I’m part of won a certificate for Best Website. We were very proud and it meant a great deal because it was a peer award.
What are the biggest challenges you and your organisation face?
Because we are a government organisation, our content has to be accessible to all. This is a good thing and there are templates and web management systems that help that to happen. The challenge is to have a site that is accessible as well as engaging for the user. The public’s perception of Queensland Health is mostly about hospitals. Our Division is about prevention and protection. Getting the lifestyle messages out on a limited budget is a challenge.
What features, both positive and negative, differentiate Brisbane-based media organisations to other national and international media hubs?
Because Queensland is a relatively young state, covers such a vast geographic area and until recently had a fairly low population growth, I think we tend to be more conservative and less willing to push the envelope. Queensland’s population is now growing at a fast rate and is a diverse and multicultural community. We attract and welcome tourists and young people and people from different backgrounds. I think that Queensland Health now needs to prioritise the development of its internet site as a valuable communication channel with multiple target audiences.
In your opinion, what is the most prominent trend in your industry at the moment?
Accessibility of information is the number one issue for governments around the world. Legal battles have already been fought and won. After a demonstration by a visually impaired person using a screen reader to “see” the content of an internet site, I was astounded at how slow and difficult the process was for him because of the many accessibility issues he encountered on the site he’d chosen. Thankfully our society is maturing to take into account the needs of others for basic things like open communication.
What are the most important/valuable skills that graduates can bring to your industry and what advice could you give to those wanting to pursue a career in the government sector?
Don’t lose your enthusiasm for wanting to make a difference. If you feel enthusiastic for user centered websites that still fully engage their users, you will be valuable. For government, be aware of government web publishing standards and what they mean before applying for a job.