Celebrating One Year at Council and the Mobile Library Van: Meet Tian Harris

Tian Harris is well known in the community for her go-getting attitude, caring nature and passion for helping others. For the last year, Tian has been the Moree Plains Shire Council’s Mobile Library Services Coordinator. To celebrate the anniversary, she looks back on the success and reminisces over her favourite moments. 

Since the debut of the Mobile Library Van, its services have expanded and Tian is eager to get more people involved. 

“We are on the road nine out of every ten working days and have a total of 14 stops a fortnight. We also have added four new stops just this term”, said Tian.

Working closely with the Library’s Outreach and Programs Coordinator Larris, Tian noted the library van is offering more options for the community than ever before.

“From Story Time and Baby Sensory programs to helping the elderly pay their rates or register their pups, we are providing Council services on wheels to those who cannot access them or get to the Moree township easily”, shared Tian.

“Right now, we are working closely with village schools to provide programs tailored to their curriculums.”

From cobweb-covered books to dressing up as a witch, Tian admits Halloween has certainly been one of her favourite memories in the van so far. While the van was covered in fake spiders, bats and vampire teeth, the children in Ashley also embraced the Halloween festivities by dressing up in some “spooktacular” costumes! 

“Another memorable moment was when I rocked up in the van to Pallamallawa at the same time as a Variety Club Bash. The charity was having a big motor event including a range of vintage cars to raise money for children’s wellbeing and future, which is a fantastic cause.

There was some confusion, and they thought the van was part of it, which was funny. I even got invited by the charity to join them as the van stood out so much”, laughed Tian.

Warmed by the community’s appreciation for the van and its services, Tian gets a lot of job satisfaction from positively impacting the Shire. 

“All the Shire’s residents have really embraced the van. They’ll ring us up asking if we can bring things to them like books from their favourite author or newspapers”, said Tian.

While the van and Tian attract a welcoming crowd, a few residents are excited to see Tian’s trusty companion Winston the plush dog. A hit with the children, Winston joins Tian for Story Time and is always up for a cuddle. 

“Winston and I love seeing the kid’s faces light up during Story Time. As soon as I finish reading one book, a child is already reaching for another one for me to read. They love the van visits and really make the most of the opportunity, which is exactly what we were hoping for with the service”, explained Tian.

Tian added, “I am very lucky, but I couldn’t do it without such a supportive team”. 

“My first year with Council has flown by and I couldn’t be happier with my job. The career opportunities with Local Government are endless, it really is such a great working environment. I really want to encourage more people to consider a career with Council”, said Tian.

If you are looking for a role that positively impacts our community like Tian’s, then check out our latest vacancies by clicking the link 👉 https://www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au/want-a-job/positions-vacant