Anton answers industry call for disability care workers

When professional tennis coach Anton Hanssen decided to leave Melbourne and return to his old home-town of Bundaberg to be closer to family, he knew it was also time for a career change.

Having worked closely with tennis athletes of all abilities, Anton felt a calling to work in the disability sector.

For years, Anton has helped emerging tennis players reach their potential. Now, he sees a new pathway where he can empower those facing challenges in their day-to-day lives to grow and develop.

Completing his Certificate III in Individual Support at IMPACT Community Services in January 2022, Anton is prospering in the industry.

“I’m really enjoying it,” Anton said.

“It is so rewarding to work with people in the NDIS and be part of their journey.

“You need to be a lateral thinker to help create different ways so participants can find solutions that work for them.”

Anton is just one Bundaberg resident who has answered the urgent call for more care workers in this region.

A recent Care Workforce Labour Market Study, conducted by the National Skills Commission, found the care and support sector was facing significant staff shortages.

Those interested in learning more about work in the sector are encouraged to attend a Disability Sector Meet and Greet Day at IMPACT Community Services’ 108 Bargara Road headquarters on Wednesday, October 19.

There they will be able to talk with employers, current carers and meet with participants.

Local organisations Community Access Care, Care Right Associates and Community Lifestyle Support will be on-site to answer questions.

These organisations have partnered with IMPACT to address some of the challenges the industry currently faces.

IMPACT’s Employment and Training General Manager Nathan Spruce said IMPACT was focused on connecting people to productive employment pathways.

Mr Spruce said constructive relationships with industry partners was central to getting people into work in a sector where job opportunities were currently high.

IMPACT is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO code: 0115) that currently provides Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community, Disability).

There will also be a free sausage sizzle at the event, which runs from 10am to 1pm. For more information phone Michael Hayman on 4153 4233 or 0419 773 615.

IMPACT Community Services is encouraging residents to register a Containers for Change Scheme ID account and recycle their containers at either of our regional refund points to go into the draw to win a monthly $50 WISH voucher (valid at a wide range of shops including Woolworths & Big W).

Starting October 10, all customers with a Scheme ID who recycle their containers at either our Container Refund Point at 78 University Drive or new site at 417 Windermere Road, Qunaba can go into the draw.

Ensuring you’re in the draw is easy; simply fill out the entry form when you drop off your bottles.

To register a Scheme ID go to: Home | Containers for Change

People with an existing Scheme ID are able to participate.

Having a Scheme ID, makes things even easier to recycle.

When you provide your scheme ID barcode via your digital wallet or app, or your mobile number at the refund point, your refund will go directly into your preferred account - whether that's to your bank account, PayPal (no bank details required) or favourite cause.

IMPACT’s University Drive container refund point is open from 7.30am-4pm weekdays (last customer received at 3.30pm) and 8am-midday on Saturdays.

The Qunaba container refund point is open 8.30am-3.30pm weekdays and 9.30am-1.30pm Saturdays.

Terms & Conditions

Anyone (except IMPACT staff & their immediate families) is eligible to win.

Monthly prizes will be drawn on the first Tuesday of the following month Eg; October’s draw will be on the first Tuesday in November. 

Winners will be notified via the phone number provided on their entry form. 

The results will also be published on IMPACT’s Facebook page.

If the winner does not claim the prize within 4 weeks of being notified, the prize will be redrawn.  

This competition is run by IMPACT Community Service’s Marketing and Communications department.

All sections of the form must be completed in order for the entry to be valid.

Only one entry per visit.