After 50 years in Australia, Taisoo Kim has obtained diverse pedigree of academic, family and community milestones. Meeting Taisoo in her home brings a sense of both awe and calm as her life essence flows to everyone she meets. Her hospitality and warmth envelops everyone with whom she comes into contact.
The importance of education and sharing learning began in that humble tent in war-torn Korea, and strengthened her resolve to grasp every opportunity offered to her. So her journey began in Canberra studying for a Bachelor of Science degree (ANU). This was difficult, and even though she was a good student in Korera, her educational path diverted to librarianship after graduation. She was employed by National Library of Australia in charge of Korean language collection. Later she was awarded Masters Degree in Business (RMIT). These qualifications have stood Taisoo Kim in good stead in her life’s journey.
Career Milestones
Not knowing Australian authors as a chief librarian in a public library system, she had to catch up learning and reading Australian authors and other authors’ books. She became the Chief Librarian in a Melbourne TAFE where she oversaw twelve branches and seven bookshops.
With a family, she moved to Queensland accepting the position of the Associate University Librarian at UniSQ from 1993-2002, with an Acting University Librarian role from May 1999-June 2000. The move to Toowoomba was a bountiful one for the Toowoomba, and the University community.
Alongside then mayor, Di Thorley, she was part of the sister-city program with Toowoomba and South Korean city, Paju.
During 1999-2002, Taisoo Kim was the Chair of the University Multicultural Staff Network, even though initially she was the only Korean staff member. Staff support has been a high priority, and her commitment as Vice President to Australian Federation of Graduate Women both at regional Darling Downs and as Vice-President QLD. shows how important this is to her.
When her husband became ill, her life direction had changed too. She had to finish her professional position very early.
Community Leadership
Across many different community levels in various organisations there have been executive and administrative roles where her wholehearted energy has made an appreciable difference. She believes “It’s important to be busy”.
However, Taisoo Kim’s wisdom understands that there is a time to let go – and she believes it is important to realise when that time is, and move on gently leaving space for others.
Taisoo had learned so much how some Australians need much help from community. From membership of the Lifeline DD and SW QLD, a member of Board of Directors from 2002-2012. She felt very humble to be elected as the Chairman from 2006-2010.
Faith
From 2006-2015, there was a strong commitment to the Quaker faith as a member of the Board of Governors for The Australian Quaker School in Tasmania, and was the Clerk for the Queensland Regional Meeting (Quakers) from 2014-2019.
Faith plays an important role in Taisoo Kim’s life and her many roles in the Inter-faith Working Group, executive positions with the Queensland Churches Together. She felt very honoured to serve as the first President of QCT who was not born in Australia.
The Arts
Music brings happiness to people, and as a founding member of Women in Harmony choir in Toowoomba, this group of women singing together has brought Taisoo much joy.
Cultural understanding and sharing have been important values and her commitments to ADFAS (now ArtsAustralia Toowoomba) as Chair from 2018-2020, and as President of the Toowoomba Literary Society from 2018-2024 have played a significant role in boosting the cultural capacity for this thriving Regional centre, and for newcomers seeking their place in the community.
Taisoo recommends the novel ‘ Pachinko’ by Min Jin Lee for those looking to expand their awareness and understanding of Korean history.
Recognition
The confidence of the community in Taisoo’s interpersonal skills and practical outcomes as an interpreter in the Korean language has been acknowledged by the Toowoomba Regional Council, the police, hospital, TAFE and other organisations.
Taisoo Kim was awarded as the “Professional Manager of the Year Toowoomba” in 1999 by Australian Institute of Management.
Harmony
As an active member in multicultural and interfaith programs, Taisoo has been given opportunities to attend Inter-faith Conferences in Bangkok and Sri Lanka; and the UNESCO Peace Conference in Paris in 2017 at the invitation of the Pure Land Learning College.
Taisoo Kim’s life journey has touched many. Education, family and service to the community have been the principles upon which she has lived her life.
Taisoo Kim Watson thanks to her adopted country Australia and still loves her home country Korea.
