Nicolla Fanning

Designer & Entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning creative business ownership, healthcare management, hospitality and community education. Currently operating a boutique art venture, Journeytothewhale, alongside co-managing a successful long-term physiotherapy practice. Adept at navigating high-pressure environments with empathy and calm problem-solving.

Now seeking to leverage architectural design knowledge and proven relationship-building skills to add value within a heritage space.

Exercise & Sports Scientist | Practice Co-Owner/ Rehabilitation Case Management at PHONAPHYSIO (AUSTRALIA) (2007 – Present)

• Developed and executed post-operative exercise programmes for clients’ by fostering collaboration, implementing solutions to complex challenges to achieve clients’ goals.
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, dedicated to motivating clients reach levels of prehospital fitness.
• Committed to delivering best practice in our Physiotherapy business, authoring progress reports and a final analysis liaising with case managers and health professionals for a successful outcome.
• Managed end-to-end events execution for athletes to compete interstate at all levels including elite. Administered first aid, trauma response, return to track or emergency evacuation decision.

Founder & Creative Director at JOURNEYTOTHEWHALE (2023 – Present)

• Directing the artistic vision, product curation, and online/offline branding for an independent venture @journeytothewhale.com
• Maximised customer engagement at the Tactile Arts Makers Market by proactively sharing the stories behind the local artists' products, resulting in the stalls highest daily customer retention rate

INCLUSION SUPPORT ASSISTANT at DRIVER PRIMARY SCHOOL (2007 – 2010)

• Empowered students requiring extra educational support through targeted 1-on-1 assistance, enabling children to successfully transition to independent classroom tasks.

NIGHTFILL at WOOLWORTHS

• Proven strong work ethic and physical stamina by working to deadlines, stocking shelves, managing inventory, maintaining product placement and knowledge.

Betting Shop Cashier at CORAL BOOKMAKERS RENFREW (1996 – 1996)

4-month contract

• Processed transactions accurately using on-site betting systems, adhered to industry regulations, built rapport with customers, collaborated with Bookmaker/Shop Manager to ensure smooth daily operations.

WHOLESALE RETAIL SALES ASSISTANT at CASTLE CASH N’ CARRY/UNITED CASH N’ CARRY (1988 – 1990)

• Memorised hundreds of 10- digit product codes to process high-volume wholesale transactions with speed and accuracy, assisted shop floor replenishing stock. Reconciled daily takings in collaboration with cashier at end of day count.

Croupier/Inspector at STAKIS CASINOS/SUN INTERNATIONAL/CASINOS AUSTRIA/CELEBRITY CRUISE LINES/ADELAIDE CASINO (1990 – 2000)

• Cross-trained across the complete suite of casino table games, including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Poker variants, Craps and seasonal games.
• Worked with high-capacity memory and precision in sharp mental recall, attention to detail, proven ability to process high volumes of information, strict regulatory compliance and security protocols.
• Stayed calm decisive and highly adaptable under pressure during fast-paced events.
• Demonstrated long-term loyalty, cash handling skills, experience working in high-end/high-stakes customer environments,
• Collaborated with the co-workers to execute strict end-of-day cash counts and balance table with auditing accuracy.

Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science in Exercise & Sports Science – CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY-AUSTRALIA (2009 – 2011)

Bachelor of Design (Architecture) in Architecture – CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY-AUSTRALIA (2016 – 2019)

High School education in O’ Grade: English, Biology, History, French, Secretarial Studies, Maths; H' Grade: Biology & Secretarial Studies – BELLAHOUSTON ACADEMY-SCOTLAND