Farlie Taylor
Director City Strategy, Community and Culture
Authentic connections are at the heart of Farlie Taylor’s personal and professional ethos.
Farlie’s early childhood was spent just off Churchill Road in Prospect. Relocating to the country at age 13, she felt at home in the close-knit community of Clare and balanced her time between schooling and riding horses.
Farlie began her career knowing she wanted to make a measurable, positive difference in the lives of others. It was at the Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources that she learnt how high-level policy is fundamental to achieving this goal. Since then, Farlie has undertaken several strategic policy roles, including at the then-Department of State Development, Office of Senator Edwards and St John Ambulance.
Her shift to local government came in 2018, when Farlie commenced as Group Manager of Community Connections at City of Burnside. Managing the provision of services to strengthen community resilience, participation, and wellbeing, Farlie built on her passion for local government, knowing the impact pro-active communication and engagement can make within a community. Whilst at City of Burnside, Farlie completed an MBA at the University of Adelaide, which she completed in 2021. With a community-centred approach and backed by her enhanced knowledge, she now manages the heart of City of Prospect, overseeing library, youth, events, art, aged care, volunteering, communications, engagement, and customer services.
Throughout both her personal and professional life, Farlie has identified her true passion is giving back and paying it forward. Outside of her regular office, Farlie gives back to her wider circle of local government colleagues through the Vice-Chair of the Community Managers Network with Local Government Professionals SA. As a former professional equestrian in her teens, she is now a passionate Non-Executive Director of SEDA College SA, aimed at providing alternative options to ensure young athletes can finish high school.
Raised by two generations of strong, hard-working women, Farlie now continues this generational tradition with her young daughter. Her love of animals remains, and she’s also the proud fur-parent of a Golden Retriever named Moose, and a cat called Ivy.
As the Director City Strategy, Community and Culture at City of Prospect, Farlie brings her desire to create a thriving, empowered and engaged community, where everyone is welcome and included.