Ashley Clarke joined CQUniversity’s Office of Social Innovation this year and hit the ground running as course supervisor for the Social Innovation Studio in Gladstone. Based in Melbourne, next up Ashley is coordinating CQUni teams for The Big Idea competition and recruiting students to “Change Champion” social innovation ambassador roles across all our campuses.
What was a recent highlight of your life?
Delivering the eight-day intensive Social Innovation Studio in Gladstone. It was an absolute honour to work alongside the Gladstone community and a group of CQUni students and staff who were so passionate about new ways to achieve positive social outcomes and change.
What is the best thing about being at CQUni?
Working for an organisation that has such a focus on social innovation and civic engagement.
What’s the biggest idea you’ve had?
There have been many! Once I ran a social venture called Friends of Mind that held events throughout Melbourne during 2010. Participants would meet and be taken on a journey to a secret location - by being thrown into the unknown they unconsciously connected, formed positive relationships and new networks. Our biggest success was when we put 120 people on a bus at the State Library, drove them two hours out of Melbourne and threw them into a mini festival we had created. The festival had activities, live bands, food and drink and a DJ on the roof of a truck.
What is a motto or phrase that you live by?
The time is now – aim high and hustle!
The house is burning down, what’s the one thing you grab on the way out the door?
My dog – though not sure I could carry her as she is a Great Dane and weighs 70kg!
If you had no responsibilities where would you be right now?
Exploring a part of the world that I haven’t been to yet - South Africa and Jamaica are next on the list!
