Danielle Cross

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

I commenced in the Northern Territory Public Sector in December 1983, with the then, Water Resources Division of the Department of Transport and Works. I've worked in a variety of agencies and always supported through professional development and tertiary studies.

Obviously with a 40 year career, I've worked under the leadership of many Chief Executive Officers which has shaped my public sector career. I came through the Col Fuller era, where a phone was answered within 3 rings; we are public servants, here to serve the public and the government of the day.

Clearly times have changed with very different response times nowadays with staff walking around offices wearing ear pods, oblivious to ringing phones! I guess I am now a dinosaur in the workplace with my 40 years service.

I am grateful to the leaders that have guided me over the past 40 years and to the people I have had leadership responsibility for. For me, you are only as good as the people underneath you and I really have been supported by teams of skilful and hard working people.

There’s been good times, fun times and challenging times, but I’ve been lucky to work with people who are agile, encourage being frank and fearless and have a good sense of humour.