Cristina Buenviaje

Department of Health

We arrived in Alice Springs in September 1988 and I started working for the Department of Health in October 1989.

In the Philippines, I completed a five-year course in Pharmacy on full scholarship and was on the way to getting a Master's degree. I taught Chemistry in university before coming to Australia. Being advised not to be ‘choosy’ with work and grab whatever comes, I did odd jobs before landing a job in the Alice Springs Hospital, first in the kitchen, then Pharmacy, then Supplies, and finally in Finance.

I took courses in Leadership, Procurement and Business Accounts among others.

The highlight of my career is always the chance to learn something new from colleagues, clients and the work itself.

In anything I do, my motto has always been "Do it well or not at all".

After nearly 31 years in the Department, I still find the work challenging and interesting.