Workforce Council

The Workforce Council's 'Our People' photo exhibition showcases the many faces and stories which make up Queensland's Health and Community Services Industries. The exhibition recognises the vital contributions these individuals are making to our communities, while highlighting the vastly different pathways which can lead to these professions.

In addition to this online gallery, selections of the images and corresponding stories which make up the exhibition are displayed at a range of industry and community events. If you would like to find out more about the 'Our People' photo exhibition contact the Workforce Council Ph: (07) 3234 0190 or info@workforce.org.au.

PLEASE NOTE: The profession, organisation and experience details accompanying photographs reflect those provided at the time the image was captured. If you are a photo exhibition participant who would like to update your details please contact the Workforce Council Ph: (07) 3234 0190 or info@workforce.org.au.

15 years in the Health and Community Services

I began as a cook in the Hostels across Brisbane and the Torres Strait, I did this for a few years and then because of my people skills I was promoted to a Management position. I have completed Silver Service in Hospitality, Business Management Certificate V and have gained invaluable experience from within the organisation. The thing I love most about my job is working with families and children and supporting people, I think coming from a big family has helped me a lot in my work. In the future I hope to see more hostels being built to cater for the needs of families.

12 years in the Health and Community Services

I have a Degree in Nursing Science; the purpose was to help my people, providing health knowledge to them and I also work back home in Torres Strait. What I love most is giving my knowledge and skill back to my people in health. My hope for the future is to keep working for my people as an advocate in health.

4 years in the Health and Community Services

I am passionate about helping and encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to maximise their health capacity; socially, emotionally and physically as well as helping our mob enhance their potential with coping mechanisms to improve their lifestyle, their health condition or illness. I love increasing awareness and education from a cultural perspective when it comes to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.I plan to complete my Psychiatric Studies to personally ensure the consumers receive culturally and psychologically appropriate assessment or treatment.

12 years in Health and Community Services

I've always wanted to work in this industry, to lead by example, to mentor, to support and advocate for a more improved health status and outcomes for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I work to support and inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers to gain accredited qualifications to build the Health Worker workforce capacity. For the future we need to lead by example in mentoring and supporting others to achieve the best outcomes possible. "Making your dreams come true.

9 years in the Health and Community Services

Since going to high school I've always wanted to take care of people, especially the elderly, young mums and babies. I love this part of my work. I had a Certificate III in Primary Health Care and a Diploma of Indigenous Health and have since undertaken qualifications in assistant in nursing and health worker. In the future I hope to work in the medical unit, I'm in the middle of working towards a project and out of this I'm hoping to study pharmacy next year.

4 years in the Health and Community Services

Knowing that the health status of Aboriginal and Islander people is a lot worse than that of the non-Indigenous population I was driven to work in this area. I believe our people relate to each other easily and having a familiar face in the centre helps. I love working with children and in maternity in the Mums and Bubs Clinic. I am not from Townsville and have never worked with Torres Strait Islander people.  I love the diversity in our cultures. I am hoping to do midwifery once I have completed my Nursing degree. My hope is to educate our people in the importance of looking after our health so that the future generation can help work towards closing the gap.

22 years in the Health and Community Services

After being exposed to nursing in 1981 as an Assistant in Nursing and then completing the Enrolled Nurse Certificate in 1992, I decided to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to empower them to take control of their health. I love sharing knowledge gained through work and life skills and supporting others with access to health careers. My drive is to keep passing my experiences and knowledge onto health workers and other staff in the community controlled services across the state. And to learn more about what new software is available to provide a more efficient way of compiling reports.

26 years in the Health and Community Services

I was in high school when family were holding a meeting to operate the first community health service for Aboriginal and Islander people.  I strongly feel that I am doing my part to keep it going. My main job at Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Services has been payroll for the last twelve years. There's never a dull moment and I find it very challenging doing payroll for 120 staff.

My future plan is to continue to provide services to the Aboriginal and Islander Health Service and clients of the health service, and do my part to keep the service going.

3 years in the Health and Community Services

I started doing this work to help Indigenous people to understand their health and how important it is to get health checks. I have worked as a receptionist, in child care, and as a medical receptionist. I have a Certificate II in Medical Admin. What I love most is helping Indigenous people with their health, assisting with transport for the patients, and being professional in my job.

12 years in the Health and Community Services

Children keep you young" so I find it rewarding and challenging with no two days the same. I spent twenty years in office administration and computers, left for child rearing then returned to the childcare profession. I have since completed a Certificate III in Community Services - Children's Services, a Diploma of Children's Services and I am currently studying an Advanced Diploma. The rewards and happy faces when children achieve their goals drive my vision that children receive high quality care in all centres and are free to explore and are encouraged to reach their full potential.

30 years in the Health and Community Services

I have a passion for childcare, working with children, their families and carers. I enjoy helping to train young and older childcare educators for them to have a positive impact on the learning of the next generation. Maintaining high quality child care services and continuing to mentor and train child care educators guides my future vision.

14 years in the Health and Community Services

I have a wonderful job that gives me the flexibility to work part-time and also be a mum to my two children. The Health and Community Services Workforce Council is a very supportive organisation and encourages staff to further develop there qualifications and have supported me in gaining my Diploma in Business Management. I have the privilege to work with an excellent team of people who have a wealth of knowledge in the industry and who are dedicated in supporting the sector with Professional Development.

20 years in the Health and Community Services

My journey began at the TAFE in Townsville where I completed an Advance Diploma in Child Care and became the group leader at Galbiri Child Care and Preschool Centre in Belgian Gardens Townsville. Whilst continuing to work, I completed my Bachelor of Education (EC) at QUT. After completing my degree, I became a Preschool teacher, and after 10 years of teaching I became the director of Galbiri Child Care and Preschool Centre. I am still their longest serving director in their 30 year history. My wife was transferred to Brisbane and I started work at Workforce Council as a project officer in the Professional Support Coordinator Queensland (PSCQ) Project. Currently I'm back in Townsville at our regional office supporting the needs of child care professionals in the four North Queensland regions.

20 years in the Health and Community Services

I chose this job in community services because of the help I had received with my (visually impaired) child; I wanted to give something back to other children and their families. I started with a school certificate and since have completed a Certificate III and a Diploma of Children's Services. When I see the look on a child's face when they achieve something they thought was too hard it reminds me why I love my job. I hope that the developmental skills we share now assist the children in their endeavours in the future.

10 years in the Health and Community Services

I went from being a full-time mum to a career in childcare. When my children started school I wanted to go back into the workforce and thought a career in childcare would be both enjoyable and rewarding. Since starting work I have completed Certificate III and a Diploma of Children's Services. I love watching the children learn and grow and the excitement they feel and knowing that I play a part in it. My hope for the future is that all centres offer a high quality of care, that childcare workers become more valued and that everyone realises how important young children are and how the early years influence their lives.

10 years in the Health and Community Services

My deep belief in assisting people to reach their full potential, to have a productive and comfortable life and that everyone has the right to be respected and cared for led me to work in this industry. My jobs enable me to give encouragement and support to two different age groups. I had to study Certificate III and do a Diploma in Children's and Community Services to work in the Early Learning Centre. I am presently studying Certificate III and IV in Aged Care. Wages in Aged Care and Child Care are definitely a slap in the face for the carers who often have to expend energy and time outside of their prescribed work hours. My hope for the future is that carers will receive the recognition they deserve as being valuable assets to society and the community.

18 years in the Health and Community Services

After a short stint as a teacher, I was quickly led away to a new career in the early years as I found the sector vital for children in getting quality outcomes and becoming life long learners. I began my new journey as a Group leader in Long Day Care (LDC) before spending seven years as non-contact director of a small (42 place) Occasional Care Service. I have now opened my own 75 place LDC centre. I love that I am able to provide an environment where children are engaged, are taking ownership and creating learning experiences that reflect their interests and abilities. I hope that early childhood educators are recognised for the quality educators they are and that we continue to up skill them.

25 years in the Health and Community Services

One of the things I love most about my job is the flexibility & incredible opportunities to support, guide & extend the [child care] centres to provide a comprehensive environment that best meets expressed needs within the community. I feel such a sense of achievement when interacting with young people through my life, combined with my desire to help others of all ages to strive for their personal best. I hope the child care sector continues to be an active port of exciting changes so I can promote & encourage their implementation. I hope we continue to strive to always give and to be the absolute best that we can be.

28 years in the Health and Community Services

I have had children around me all my life; through my work in the child care sector, as well as through my four wonderful children. At 17 I chose to be a maternal and child health nurse to get a better understanding of the care and welfare of children. Since then I have been a justice of peace, manager, franchise owner, child care assistant, assistant director and now a director. I have worked seven years in Long Day Care and 21 years in Occasional Care. Through my work in the child care sector I have been able to gain my Certificate III as a childcare assistant, a Diploma as an Assistant Director and Bachelor of Education. I enjoy the challenges, variety, decision making and satisfaction of a job I love, in an industry that I am proud to belong to.

16 years in the Health and Community Services

My first nephew was born when I was 11 and I played a big part in his upbringing particularly in the first five years of his life where I taught him lots of 'life long skills' and found this 'teaching' very rewarding. Prior to entering childcare I did an associate diploma of education, since then I have completed an advanced diploma of childcare. The thing I love most about my job is that everyday is different. I get to work with children, families, staff and the community. The children are the real teachers they teach me so much about myself and my practices.In the future I hope for more integrated practices across services, having a sustainable workforce and that childcare is seen as a place of learning and educating.

31 years in the Health and Community Services

I always wanted to work with people and in particular children and families. Nursing was my passion, which I did for 16 years, but as I got older I became interested in preventative support for families, so I went onto to study Social Welfare and obtained a Bachelor of Social Science. Support of families and in particular children has always been a priority, and now I provide support to the wonderful women who work as family day carers. The thing I love most about my job is watching both the children and carers I support grow and develop into confident and caring individuals. Into the future I hope that childcare is recognised by everyone for the important work that it is.

35 years in the Health and Community Services

My love of children is what inspired me to choose this Career path, Since I began my career in Childcare I have completed a Cert III diploma in Children's Services and a Cert IV in Training & Assessment.  I owned a Long day care for 11 years, ran a Family Day Care, was a private nanny and have been an OSHC coordinator for 7 years. The thing I love most about my job, and what keeps me here, is playing and connecting with the children. I hope that in the future OSHC will have a recognised place in the industry and not just be grouped in with Long Day Care.

20 years in the Health and Community Services

Although I have explored work options as an enrolled nurse, a medical receptionist and a medical specialist clinic coordinator, my passion for working with and for people has kept me in the child care sector. Being able to help people enrich their lives and become empowered by their own self confidence and self esteem is one of the things I love most about my job. It is wonderful to watch people grow and develop. My hope for the future is that childcare workers, family day care and other service types are seen and treated as very important professionals; and therefore remunerated accordingly.

20 years in the Health and Community Services

After having my children I decided to get into childcare. During my time in the industry I have explored jobs in Outside School Hours Care, followed by Long Day Care, teaching at TAFE and currently I am a Senior Coordinator at the Gold Coast YMCA Family Day Care/In Home Care. Throughout my career I have gained my Diploma of Childcare and Education, Behaviour teaching (P-10), a Bachelor of Education and finally a Masters of Education. Presenting at the Family Day Care Conference in Alice Springs with Associate Professor Caroline Fewtser has been one of the highlights throughout my journey in the Health and Community Services.

18 years in the Health and Community Services

My passion for children and their right for excellent education and care is the inspiration I had for choosing a job in the health and community services. Having had to commute to the main land whilst living on an island, I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time when a job came up. I''ve previously worked as an Early Childhood trainee with KDIECS and prior to that worked in various roles in Long Day Care centres. Along the way I've obtained my Advanced Diploma of Children's Services and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

17 years in the Health and Community Services

I wanted to work as well as care for my own children; my work in the children's services allowed me to do that. The qualification I have completed whilst working in the industry is a Diploma of Community Services (Children's Services). The thing I love most about my job is being able to watch the children develop into people of their own accord. What I would pass on to future colleagues is to gain knowledge as you can through workshops, conferences, etc as you can.

13 years in the Health and Community Services

After working casually, I gradually worked through the ranks to get to my current position of Coordinator. My inspiration behind working in children's services is to ultimately be able to have an impact on their life and because I enjoy children's development. I currently hold a Diploma in Children's Services. An important lesson I have learnt that I would pass on is that if you are not having fun, the children are not having fun. Meeting different children and watching them grow as individuals, then seeing them ten years later has been the highlight for me.

17 years in the Health and Community Services

My job in children's services fitted in well with the raising my young family but after gaining my qualifications I became inspired to improve the services I provided and the outcomes for children and families. After working as a family day care provider, I took on a role as coordinator and then stepped into the Senior Coordinator role. Being able to attend network meetings and conferences to share and gain ideas as well as meeting support services in the industry has been a highlight, as it assists me in continuing to advocate for Family Day Care and Community. The knowledge I would pass on from what I have learnt is to share the inspiration of change and improvement.

13 years in the Health and Community Services

Redundancy from previous long term employment and a craving for a career change was the reason why I entered the children's services industries. I began working in a Family Day Care and moved into Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) all based in a small rural town. Later I moved to a larger service in regional Brisbane where I have been for the last 8 ½ years. I also currently work with other QCAN and offer training and support for other OSHC services. Opportunities to build relationships with other educators, creating experiences for the children that are stimulating and fun, building up my current OSHC service and working with other committed and supportive educators are the aspects of my job that I love. An important thing to remember is to have faith in yourself, network industry colleagues and take all professional development opportunities.

21 years in the Health and Community Services

When I enrolled my daughter into kindy and noticed that she was not settling in well because of difficulties with her English, I gave up my job as a high school teacher to assist her. After spending three months at the kindy I decided to take up a position in children's services. After my experiences, the words of wisdom I would pass on to anybody entering the industry is that we all smile in the same language. The parts of my job that stand out for me is meeting  all the directors, educators and children as well as seeing children's services implement cultural and indigenous programs into their organisations.

19 years in the Health and Community Services

The love of children and ensuring they have every opportunity to feel safe and protected whist encouraging them to progress and excel in all their needs and interest is the reason I chose a job in Children's Services. During my work in Family Day Care, In Home Care and Outside School Hours Care my highlight has been assisting children and educators to encourage children in their early stages of care and slowly both the educator and child excel. One of the reasons I love my job is being able to assist educators who have no previous qualifications in childcare and encouraging them to provide children with a fun day. However it is also important that as educators we are mindful of children's needs and ensure they are constantly supported with their interest and needs.

10 years in the Health and Community Services

Four years ago I began working as an Inclusion Support Facilitator (ISF) after working in School Age Care. This seemed to be a natural progression from the role I had been in, supporting positive behaviour in council school age programs in which I had a lot of contact with the Inclusion Support Agency (ISA). I have finally completed my Bachelor of Psychological Science and look forward to further studies, specifically in Children's Services. In my roles it has been wonderful to celebrate achievements and milestones with childcare educators when they have had successes including children with disabilities and team building with like-minded colleagues. The message I would pass on to future educators would be to enjoy the abundance of professional development being offered, stay motivated and know why you're here.

10 years in the Health and Community Services

I advanced to a Director role 4 ½ years ago after I recognised my passion to really have an impact. I originally started as a trainee and quickly progressed to be a group leader. The inspiration behind my chosen career path in the children services, is being able to work with heart and passion and really be a part of what I do. Along the way I have gained my Advanced Diploma in Children's Services. One of my highlights is building a close family centre, seeing it flourish and making a difference. It's integral to the job to always laugh and embrace all those you work with (families, children and colleagues).

15 years in the Health and Community Services

After working as a primary school teacher for ten years, I decided that the younger age group afforded more opportunity for creative learning. Along the way I've gained my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education & a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. I value working with a great team of people towards a common goal. Creating environments that reflect the local community & working with educators to support meaningful learning opportunities for young children is what I enjoy most about my job. It's important to make sure you feel passionate about early childhood education, as it's the passion that gets you through the tough times. My highlight has been winning a Workforce Innovation Award alongside my co-director Karen Broomfield for Effective Leadership by a Board of Management 2010.

3 years in the Health and Community Services

12 years in the Health and Community Services

5 years in the Health and Community Services

Having worked with Corporate Australia for 15 years, I did not want my child in a corporate run centre which at the time time, dominated the market. Instead I took an old run down centre and embraced an educational philosophy- Montessori- and joined the community! I've since gained a Certificate III in Children's Services and a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Children's Services. In my job I love the smiles from children who have discovered something new. If you are entering childcare it's important to know your industry, be willing to learn, remember that you have chosen to be part of someone else's family. Watching children learn to read and watching them leave for school has been my highlight whilst working in the industry.

1 year in the Health and Community Services

10 years in the Health and Community Services

10 years in the Health and Community Services

I knew I would enjoy working in Health & Community Services. I had a background in administration and computers and have completed training in Certificate III in Aged Care and Certificate IV Lifestyle and Leisure. Making a difference to people's lives and sending them away feeling happy. This is what I love most and what I want to keep doing in the future.

Jimmy Jong, Manager- Community

10 years in the Health and Community Services

While I was working in the hospitality area I had a few disability customers at my shop. One day I said to myself, I would like to get into the disability services area to help and assist people in wheel chairs.  I started as a support worker 7 years ago. I had a hospitality certificate from TAFE, but did not have any qualifications in disability service. I now have a Certificate III in disability service. I love to put smiles on other people's faces. At the end of the day I know I have helped the clients to get through the day. My work assists the client to develop skills to participate and achieve valued roles within the community. In the future I want to do the same - help people to realise their individual capabilities and quality of life.

Lorraine Hansen, Support Worker

1 year in the Health and Community Services

Two years ago I was working for RSL Homecare as a Care worker, my job description was helping with cleaning, assisting with shopping and doctors' appointments and basically being there when needed. I loved my role but I needed something more, something was missing. Then I was told about doing support work. Working with the clients, interacting with them, having fun taking them on outings, caring for them, being a good Support Worker, working with a good organization, working with other great Support Workers. These are the things I love about my job. In the future I hope to still be doing the same and just being myself.

2 months in the Health and Community Services

I wanted a job where I feel as though I am helping people. I had people skills but no formal qualifications.   I love my job because people are given dignity and respect. The clients get to enjoy a lifestyle the same as anyone else. In the future I am content to continue helping people.

7 years in the Health and Community Services

"I wanted to work with older people so I joined the aged care industry. I had worked for 2 years in a conference centre and then as a community support worker. I have since completed a Certificate III in Aged Care."

"I love making people's days enjoyable and I want to keep making people feel happy when they leave."

8 years in the Health and Community Services

7 years in the Health and Community Services

"The inspiration behind my career choice was because I wanted to help people out and break down social barriers for people with disability to make the community more inclusive. I love that I am forever learning new things through my job. One of the rewarding aspects of my job has been assisting people engage in their community and achieve their full potential."

10 years in the Health and Community Services

The thing I love most about my job is knowing that I have the power to stand up for someone when no one else will. The one skill I knew I had was talking and connecting with people so I think I always knew I would end up with this career. Now I don't think I could consider a position where my heart wasn't involved. I have worked in child protection, disability, juvenile justice and youth work. I started out in the industry as a support worker in disability and I have built my career. Now in management in the disability sector. It took me ten years to get back to what I truly love. It's always special to see a client connect and progress. Over the last few years the sector has become more accountable and therefore more legitimate for professionals in the sector. I have enjoyed watching the sector change over time. My advice is work while you study because there is nothing an employer wants more than experience.

18 years in the Health and Community Services

I started work in community services because of my passion for providing quality childcare that responds to the individual needs for children and families. This lead to a diverse pathway in the education and training sector. While I initially had no formal qualifications but plenty of common sense and life experience, I have since obtained a number of vocational qualifications as well as a Bachelor in Early Childhood Studies.My vision is for open education and training pathways to all secondary school students Australia wide and igniting the passion in all students and workers.

16 years in the Health and Community Services

Life experiences, strong interest in social justice issues, addressing disadvantage and empowering individual communities to enhance their quality of life and outcomes lead me to work in the health and community services industries I love nurturing people to achieve their potential, particularly students who are new to the industry and have a lot of challenges and barriers in their life - inspiring them. In the future I hope to see a community sector that is pro-active rather than re-active to emerging social issues and responses and training that is likewise.

17 years in Health & Community Services

I have always wanted to have high quality care for children so I worked in Health and Community Services to get the knowledge and skills required and then undertook the courses I needed in Education combined with a Training qualification.I always say 'I can teach skills but I can't teach heart'- it is amazing to watch the heart grow into skills and heart - AMAZING I love seeing a student blossom, develop self-esteem and self-worth. My dream is to instil a sense of the importance of caring and nurturing for all and to design and write courses that meet the needs of children, adults and the community both in Australia and overseas.

25 years in Health and Community Services

Working in health and community services provides an opportunity to work in collaboration with communities and build their capacity to develop solutions, work across private and public health community sectors and support the integration of services to work to improve services across all levels and ages. I love the ability to implement change in collaboration with community and continue to hope for greater integration of health and community services.

40 years in the Health and Community Services

I have always wanted to work where I contributed to safe patient care and I became interested in sterilisation Services 30 years ago. This specialty science in health is responsible for safely reprocessing reusable medical devices for patient surgical procedures.I love having the knowledge and understanding which gives me confidence to know the reusable medical devices (instruments) used for patient surgical procedures are safely reprocessed to international and national evidence based standards and that I have been involved in developing and implementing these standards and education. In the future I hope that the science continues to evolve both internationally and nationally and these Standards for reusable medical devices are incorporated into Industry education, clinical practice, accreditation and legislation to ensure safe patient outcomes.

19 years in the Health and Community Services

I love and enjoy working with people every day - it is very rewarding although every day is a challenge. I make the dental clients feel welcome and comfortable in the dental surgery. The service that I provide to every patient is exactly what I would do for my own family. I wanted to work for the community in a community-based organisation. And I wanted to make a difference in their life. It is always very rewarding to see them walk away with a smile. I did Year 12 and then I did Certificate 3 in Dental Assisting before getting this job. In the future I hope to continue to serve the community to the best of my ability.

14 years in the Health and Community Services

I am passionate about this industry. I love and enjoy working within the aged care and community sectors and have also worked within the disability sector. Knowing that I am contributing to improving quality of life for people gives me job satisfaction and much pleasure in my role. I also really enjoy the hands on approach we have within our organization in providing care and support to our clients and staff and most importantly I also enjoy developing and delivering education and training programs for industry workers and carers throughout the state. I get enormous enjoyment and satisfaction from everything that I do. The bonus for me is the knowledge that I am helping people with dementia and their families and carers to live a better quality life.

5 years in the Health and Community Services

I chose a job in health services because of the security in the job, the aspect of care toward the sick and injured and the amount of people you can meet. I was a qualified landscaper, which had nothing to do with the hospital. I received all of my training in-house. Receiving thanks and gratitude for the service I provide, and also pay day make my job worthwhile. I hope to work my way up the ladder and make a bigger and more important impact on this place. I'm a caring person; I feel I have a lot to give.

4 years in the Health and Community Services

I work in health and community services because it is professionally challenging and rewarding. It has complex problems requiring innovative solutions. I love the people and the challenges our environment brings and I hope that one day government policy is better integrated.

20 years in the Health and Community Services

My childhood dream of becoming a paramedic after watching the TV show 'Emergency' came into fruition as an adult due to my clichéd but honest desire to give something back and to be able to make a difference. Through my skills and qualifications as a paramedic and registered nurse, I am now an adjunct lecturer at James Cook University. Getting others interested and motivated in health promotion and disease/injury prevention programmes is gratifying after seeing rural and remote communities benefit from what I have taught students. Going to an accident with the skills and knowledge to decrease someone's pain and make a real difference for their prognosis is one of the things I enjoy most about my job.

40 years in the Health and Community Services

My mother was a registered nurse and I followed in her footsteps, I discovered divisions 6 yrs ago and their approach to helping general practice was very appealing to me. I did late entry Nursing Training then Health Admin Cert IV in what was then called Practice Management. Since entering divisions I have also completed a Cert IV in Training & Assessing and a Diploma. Throughout my career I have managed specialists, general practice and psychiatric practices.The thing I love most about my job is helping general practice staff and training medical assistant Cert IV with other members of my team. I hope to continue to train more people in the role of medical assistant and to see some advances in chronic disease management. 

4 years in the Health and Community Services

I chose to work in the health and community services industries because I have a passion for working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. I have a bachelor of Social Science and prior to my current role I worked in women's health. Since I began my career in Health and community services I have completed a Cert IV in Community Services, I have studied frontline management, training & assessment and a Diploma of Community Education. The thing I love most about my job is raising awareness in the workforce around working with LGBT clients; in the future I hope that service provision is improved state wide.

27 years in the Health and Community Services

27 years in Health & Community Services

The reason I ended up working in my particular role was because it was A natural progression from my previous employment in social welfare and income support work. Working with and for people have always been my personal goal. I have worked in Children Services at both the community and government levels then moved to welfare and income support role with social security. I always targeted areas of work that improve outcomes for people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. It’s important to stay strong and never lose faith in your work.

3 months in the Health and Community Services

I had no specific skills or qualifications in mental health but a lot of admin experience prior to this job. When I started, it was just another admin job, but after the few months I have been here I really have learned a lot and I am currently considering many options including qualifications to further my career in this sector. Great people and gaining a better understanding of mental health are what inspire me. This is something I see that will affect most of us at some point in our life.

16 years in the Health and Community Services

My love of working with different people inspired my move into this career. Support worker, camp coordinator for children with disabilities, and peer development worker are past jobs I have held that lead to this juncture. While I had a Bachelor of Social Science I have had the opportunity to participate in many more professional development opportunities. I love exploring new ideas and making a positive difference in people's lives and the community and my hope for the future is a community inclusive of diverse people and abilities.

3 years in the Health and Community Services

When I left school I wanted to study community health. I ended up choosing Psychology as I thought it was the most interesting degree. Once I was two years into my degree I applied at Envision (FSG a) as I wanted some more hands on experience. I have never looked back. Working as a Direct Support Worker in FSG was the first job I applied for after starting my degree. I love what I do and love that throughout each year that I work at Envision I will experience new things and grow with new knowledge and skills. When working in Mental Health it is important to always have an open mind to reasons why. My highlights would be when I see a client move into recovery. Recovery is the goal of envision and when someone's health is becoming well it reminds me that my job, my hard work and my programs are doing our best.

9 years in the Health and Community Services

I was a member of the Management Committee and the organization was going through a change review and I stepped off the Committee to take on the review. I have been here ever since. My degree in Bachelor of Arts has taken me from a Bank teller, private consultant, Acting Head of Department at CQU, Probation & Parole Officer, Employment Officer at CES to where I am today as service CEO having completed my Diploma in Business, Certificate IV in Government and applying to do a Diploma in Community Services Coordination. I love the flexibility and chance to make my own decisions, community engagement and involvement and working with young people. My dream is to see young people achieve their dreams, visions and goals and be who they want to be.

20 years in the Health and Community Services

I didn't choose this career it was more a case of it choosing me really. I was studying a Bachelor of Psychology and started working a little part-time at first. I was then offered full-time position when I finished my degree. I changed jobs a few times and I move into Management roles and the completed an MBA. Influencing good practice at every level but particularly on the ground for client services drives me. I love seeing people change their lives for the better whether they are workers or clients. To see the status of Indigenous Australians improve - to see increased participation in employment, education and economic development- that is what I hope for the future.

7 years in the Health and Community Services

Having my own business in both fashion and hairdressing prior to my counseling, I had a lot of young staff. Hearing their struggles and being on hand as an employer to support them inspired me to move into the field fulltime. As a hairdressing salon owner I was asked by a school psychologist to design and deliver a 6 week girls self esteem program, run it in the school. From here, word of mouth about my programs spread. I have now worked in 16 schools. The thing I love most about my job is seeing people transform their lives, believe in their own abilities and move through their issues. Be mindful you are always there for your clients, there is a big difference between empowering others to be the change and being an "over nurturer" in this industry and HAVE FUN! There have been so many highlights! From young people getting themselves out of depression and "saving" their lives. But my most recent is designing and running a youth orientated school program called "Tools 4 Change".  The outcomes were amazing.

11 years in the Health and Community Services

3 years in the Health and Community Services

After years of a non-community job, I realised I wanted to work in a field that helped people in the community. I started off as a volunteer worker, moved into support work then on to being a counsellor. I have a Bachelor of Psychology. The reason why I love my job is because of the people and realising there is hope. Wisdom that I would pass on to anybody entering the industry is to remember that every bit of supportive contact makes a difference. During my time in the industry my highlight has been meeting an ex-clients family and hearing how far they had come.