Much more than a cleaner: at Hunters Hill Public School, Serco’s Akessa Seru is a leader, teacher, innovator and parent figure

A vibrant green garden is busy with activity at Hunters Hill Public School, a thriving K-6 primary school tucked among the lush tree canopies of Northern Sydney, NSW. Over time, the garden has grown a variety of diverse fruits, vegetables and spices – silver beet, beans, Bok Choi, eggplant, oranges, lemons and even chilli. Some of the fresh ingredients are destined for the school canteen to enrich student lunches with homegrown nutrition, while others are donated to the staff room for teachers to share. 

This garden is the labour of love initiated and maintained by Akessa Seru, who has been working in Serco’s cleaning team at Hunters Hill Public School since 2020. 

“I still remember the day I started here – my very first day,” Akessa says fondly, her smile audible in her voice. 

“It was Australia Day week, in January, and I started at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.” 

When she joined Serco’s NSW Schools Cleaning team, Akessa had already been working as a cleaner for 18 years. However, upon starting with Serco at Hunters Hill Public School, Akessa found a unique, instant connection with both the school and her Serco management team. 

“It’s not just the money you’re coming in for – you have to dedicate yourself,” Akessa says, when asked what her role means to her. 

“You have to be honest, trust yourself to make an impact – the school has to be clean, that’s the first priority. If I see a job that needs doing, whether it’s small or big, even if it’s an extra thing, I’ll always do it.” 

Akessa’s high standards and diligence radiate to her colleagues, inspiring them to bring their very best selves to work every day. 

“It’s what I’ve always taught younger cleaners I’ve worked with,” she says. 

“One of them called me even after she moved from cleaning into nursing, saying that she was grateful because she’s learnt a lot of things from me. That’s stayed with me.” 

Akessa’s leadership and passion for quality, operational excellence and mentorship have not gone unnoticed by staff, management, students and families at the school. 

“The recognition I receive is very special,” Akessa says.  

“Laminated in my room I have an email – a letter the principal wrote about me with good feedback. And every year, I’m invited to the school Christmas party. The parents and kids, they give me a Christmas present, and the kids write letters. ‘Akessa’s so amazing’, they say, and they talk about me at home – the parents know me.” 

Akessa says it’s not just annual recognition of her dedication and work ethic she experiences, but significant meaning and connection from being welcomed and appreciated every day. From teachers’ invitations to eat lunch with them in the staff room, to her pride in providing clean and safe learning environments for students – always with the care and attention she would give her own grandchild – Akessa plays a vital role in the cultural life of Hunters Hill Public School. 

“The students and teachers will always say, ‘Akessa, good morning, how are you today?’ I’m a friendly, outgoing person and I love talking to people, and helping wherever I can.”

Kim Dudgeon, Principal – Hunters Hill Public School, NSW, says, “Akessa Seru from Serco began working at Hunters Hill Public School over five years ago, and from her very first week, she has made a profound impact on our school community. From her exceptional quality and standard of work, to her friendly disposition and genuine care and integrity when she interacts with school leadership, staff and students, Akessa is an integral part of Hunters Hill Public School.”

For Akessa, who moved to Australia from Fiji in 2006, family and faith are close to her heart. An early riser who prioritises attending Zoom calls with her Church group at 4am, and loves cooking meals for her family, Akessa says it’s the flexibility, kindness and support from her managers at Serco that enable her to balance work and home life, and thrive in her role at Hunters Hill Public School. 

“Charlie is my best friend,” she says, speaking of Serco’s FMS Contract Manager, Charlie Haddad. “It’s always, ‘Whatever you need, you’ve got it.’ Any support I ask for is delivered. My Area Supervisor, Roman Poudel, is also very supportive.” 

There’s a voice in the background. It’s Akessa’s husband, letting her know that the meal she’s been preparing on the stove is boiling over. Akessa giggles mischievously. “It’s because I have so many great stories from this school and Serco,” she says.  

“Did I mention when a kid told me, ‘When I grow up I’m going to be a cleaner like you too’? No? Maybe I’ll tell you just one more story…”