My name is Samantha (Sam) Doove. I am a number cruncher, a researcher, a change maker and a community builder. I am a passionate, positive person, driven to create a communitythat is connected and empowered, and a local economy that is socially and ecologically just.
From a traditional economics background, my experience in business, motherhood and my connections with a broad range of people, led me to question the effectiveness of the prevalent economic system. My curiosity for a more socially and environmentally just system has led me to explore and promote the alternatives. My diverse background provides valuable skills for creating innovative ideas and strategies in this space.
I have 21 years work experience in varied roles including research economics, government policy and advisory, accounting and business. I have been involved in varied research work and consultation processes whilst working for the Productivity Commission and the Department of Treasury South Australia, including published research work on the price effects of regulation.
In business, I founded and operated a successful accounting practice for 8 years. I built the business to over seven hundred clients in less than three years by focusing on the importance of individual connections and being able to communicate often complex financial and legal scenarios to a broad range of people. My time in public practice and as a practicing accountant has created an ability to relate to a broad range of people and exposure to a wide range of businesses and industries. From this has come the knowledge and interest in systems thinking and change.
At a grassroots level, I am a Board Member of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance, a committee member of Warners Bay Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group and a co-founder of Repair It Lake Mac, an initiative focused on providing inclusive community repair
events and promoting reuse and repair economies. Repair It Lake Mac has involved the coordination of up to 25 volunteers, at least 8 partnerships with various community groups, event coordination and funding proposals. Most recently, we have negotiated a contract with Lake Macquarie City Council to ensure that funding exists for this initiative to continue and prosper.
I hold a Bachelor in Agricultural Economics (Hons) and a Graduate Certificate in Business. I am a Certified Practicing Accountant and am currently updating my studies and following my interests by completing a Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability.
Together with my husband, two children, dog and many chickens, we strive to live a life connected to our natural surrounds and our community here in Lake Macquarie. When I’m not immersed in community projects, study or work, you will find me in my garden or on the
back of a horse at ‘the farm’ – a cooperatively owned farm on the Central Coast where we have been members for a number of years.
I welcome the opportunity to apply my multidisciplinary background to projects that challenge status quo thinking in the areas of localisation, environmental markets, circular economy principles and new economy initiatives.
