As a Senior Project Officer at DTF, Kavish is the creative force ensuring that vital government information isn't just data on a screen, but an accessible, engaging and trusted resource for every South Australian. Discover how Kavish is making a serious impact at DTF while enjoying a culture where he truly belongs.

A journey of determination

For Kavish, finding his place at the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) began with a choice to forge his own path. Originally an electrical engineer in India, Kavish spent nearly two years working as a site engineer before he realised his dream of studying abroad. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as straightforward as simply getting on a plane. First, he needed the support of his community.

“It was a bit of a social battle. My parents were supportive of me going abroad, but other relatives were not. So, I was put to a challenge,” Kavish says.

“In India, it’s a really big deal to work for the government. There’s a series of examinations you have to pass before you even get an interview; you might be fighting with as many as two million people for only 2,000 spots. I prepared for 15 months and managed to get through the exams for a probationary Bank Officer job. But I didn’t even go to the interview.”

Once Kavish proved his potential, the stars aligned. He was accepted to study Engineering Management at the University of South Australia, and quickly fell in love with his new home.

“Before landing in Australia, I thought Sydney was the capital! I didn’t know much about the cities here, but Adelaide has a really friendly, laid-back attitude. I just love the peace here.”

With his newfound appreciation for the state, it’s little surprise that Kavish pursued a career working for the state government, joining SA Health and quickly rising through the ranks. However, when his COVID-19 vaccination project lost its funding, Kavish found himself hunting for a new challenge. That was when the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) SA appeared on his radar.

“I found out about the opening here in April 2023 and landed an interview,” Kavish says. “The team were really excited to know that I had been working on the digital side of the COVID vaccinations.

Designing for the state’s future

As a Senior Project Officer, Kavish manages 10 websites and platforms - four of which he has built from scratch in his time at DTF. When it comes to delivering information to South Australians, he sees his impact most clearly when complex policy is translated into language the public can easily understand.

“In Treasury and Finance, sometimes the policy language can be quite technical and tricky. We try to make it as creative and engaging as possible, but you don’t want to lose the information, so we have a whole process of review and feedback within the team to ensure we keep that balance.”

This challenge was most pivotal for Kavish and his team when they created the new website for the Government of SA’s Office for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Kavish saw the project as a way to build a bridge of trust between the SA government and the state’s residents.

“AI has been really overwhelming for people in the last few years. So, it was a really good feeling to develop the Office for AI website and know people would read it and feel more confident about how the government is adapting to and using the technology for their security. We were able to build it and get it live within three months, which was a great outcome.”

Because the department responds to real-world events, Kavish must be agile. During pivotal times like the State Budget, Kavish and his team often work late into the night. For Kavish, the satisfaction comes from knowing that behind every click on the State Budget site, a fellow South Australian is getting the clear information they need.

“Budget time is extremely important to the entire state and the public. It may feel like it’s just the technical part of things, but I like to think people are smiling while they’re reading through it. That’s the outcome we work for.”

A foundation of support

Despite his background in engineering, Kavish has thrived on the creative challenges of the communications space. He credits much of his success to the mentorship and support he’s received at DTF, and is grateful to have found a team that cheers him on every step of the way.

“It really has been an amazing experience - like exploring a whole new world. I'm genuinely excited to go to work in the morning. It means a lot to know that everyone is there to back you up; they know your work and how well you are doing. Especially when we launch a project or website, there’s a real sense of celebration, which is a great confidence booster.”

Coming from a background where simply landing a government role was a major challenge, Kavish has found a refreshing change of pace at DTF. The supportive, non-hierarchical atmosphere made him feel instantly welcome. For Kavish, it’s truly a place to call home.

“Everyone is so friendly. Even if you don’t know a person, they’ll say hello to you in the lift or chat to you in the hallways. It’s definitely not what I expected - in an extremely good and positive way.”