Tony Cartledge is probably one of the few members of the IMPACT Community Services family for whom the change to working from home was really no change at all.
He ticked all the boxes for a seamless transition to continuing his communications duties from the comfort of his flat.
Tony has some mobility issues so he rarely went out before the restrictions, and as it turns out, his work and his passion, which is essentially the same thing – writing, makes staying at home very easy.
And he's a confirmed bachelor, so he doesn't have to make the 101 little adjustments and concessions others make.
So staying at home is kind of a dream situation for him.
“I'm a sci-fi nut,” Tony said.
“And when I'm not writing the stories of IMPACT staffers and clients, I'm writing a sci-fi novel about machine intelligence in the near future.
“I've completed a second draft and I'm working on revisions right now for a third. It's called Better Angels, and is about acceptance, what it means to be human, and being the best that we can be.”
He said he was enjoying revisiting his extensive DVD library.
“And I've got a vast DVD sci-fi library which I'm re-discovering, starting with Battlestar Galactica,” Tony said.
“This is not only the best sci-fi series ever made, but one of the finest dramas every made. A close second is Westworld. That one's next.”
Tony is a volunteer content writer and has been talking to a number of staff members who are also working from home and juggling competing priorities.
“Everyone seems to be managing very well,” Mr Cartledge said.
“And it feels friendlier, more intimate, that I'm being invited into people's homes. It's nice.”
With the prospect of working from home extending into the unforeseeable future, Tony feels he's well-equipped for the job.
This is part of our series on IMPACT staff and how they’re adapting to the changing times brought on by COVID-19. Our inspiring staff remain as committed as ever to the delivery of vital services and programs that enable people in the Bundaberg region to Live, Grow and Prosper.
IMPACT Community Services is embracing an innovative approach to finding solutions for those in need during these challenging COVID-19 times.
IMPACT’s General Manager of Innovation Nathan Spruce said the organisation was adapting daily to the changing conditions.
IMPACT delivers a diverse variety of programs and services in the Bundaberg and Burnett regions to help people Live, Grow and Prosper.
“We are facing intense challenges like many other businesses in Bundaberg, but we feel it's essential to assure all those many people who rely on us that we are still here and working hard to adapt to these new and rapidly changing circumstances,” Mr Spruce said.
He said the organisation had three main priorities:
1. The safety of staff and clients by limiting their exposure to possible sources of the virus;
2. The continued delivery of services to the many people who depend on IMPACT for support, and the adaptation of service delivery to remain operational; and
3. Making sure IMPACT can emerge strong on the other side of this crisis.
“We are ensuring that last priority by establishing and developing an action team,” Mr Spruce said.
“We hold daily meetings and review everything we've done and how we can do better and make sure we continue to look after our staff, our clients and the wider community.”
He said an example of IMPACT’s innovative philosophy was in the support it could offer local employers and jobseekers.
“The coronavirus means there are immense challenges for local employers and we want to assist them in any way we can,” Mr Spruce said.
“If they need assistance in trying to fill positions we very much want to help them with that.
“If they get in touch with us, we can assist them.
“We also want to help jobseekers by sharing a resource that IMPACT clients have been able to make use of in preparing their resumes for potential employees.
“JobFit is a program that analyses a resume in relation to an advertised position or position description and rates it according to the requirements of the job.
“Is the resume a good match for the position? This program will help you make sure it is. “We'd like to make that available to the wider community.”
He said many jobseekers had not had a resource like this to rate their CVs.
“We think it would be very valuable and we want to make sure the Bundaberg community has access to it,” Mr Spruce said.
“It's important to us that our clients and the community know that we are not going anywhere and, while the current social conditions have given us a few challenges to work with, that we are adapting daily to the changing conditions.”
If you want support call IMPACT on 4153 4233 or for jobseekers call 1800 562 228.
IMPACT's Community Visitors Scheme needs more volunteers just like Betty Rogers and the others in the program who commit their time to providing friendship and improving the lives of the elderly.
Betty is one of IMPACT Community Service’s longest-serving volunteers, having helped others in the community for more than 24 years.
As the organisation calls for more people to join its Community Visitors Scheme, Betty has outlined why she first started and the benefits she gets from helping others.
“If I was living in an aged care facility, I’d love for someone to visit me and spend time connecting," Betty said.
She said she loved it when those she visited shared their early life stories and they seemed to like hearing of her “adventures.”
“I always come away feeling good after a chat and sharing lots of laughs,” Betty explains.
“I feel I get as much out of volunteering as they do.”
Recently Betty brought two people together who hadn’t seen each other for years despite them both living in the Bundaberg region.
It had seemed very unlikely that it would be possible for them to meet as they were both immobile, until Betty became involved.
“I was instrumental in getting my wheelchair-bound lady to visit her brother who she hadn’t seen in four years," Betty said.
"With the approval of the aged care facility, I arranged the maxi taxi and the reunion was such a special moment.
"My tears at their reunion were just as genuine as theirs ... it was very special."
She said she joined the scheme after Janette, IMPACT’s Coordinator at the time, and Gwyn Bishop spoke to her.
“They must have had a good message because I joined, and have been doing it ever since,” said Betty, who also enjoys having a sing-a-long at aged care homes.
The scheme’s current coordinator Heather Hinsbey said the volunteers took great pride in enriching the quality of life for others.
“If you have a little spare time, would like to make a new friend or change someone's life for the better, talk to us today about volunteering in the Community Visitors Scheme,” Ms Hinsbey said.
“This friendship program is about linking volunteer visitors with people who live in aged care facilities throughout the Bundaberg and Burnett regions.
"Volunteers can also choose to visit In-Home Care Package clients in their own private homes.
“We ask that you are able to make a regular visit, approximately an hour a week.
"Perhaps it's for a cuppa together or a board game or listening to music together ... just doing what you both enjoy.
"It’s not a huge amount of time out of the week of a volunteer, but it means so much to the people we visit.”
Interested in volunteering? Volunteer opportunities are available in Bundaberg, Monto, Gayndah, Childers and Gin Gin.
Call 4153 4233.
The Bundaberg job landscape is as dynamic right now as it has been for many years. I'm Paea Ruka, IMPACT Community Service's general manager of employment and training, and I see great opportunities ahead for jobseekers.
Yes, some businesses are struggling; mostly companies that employ between two and 12 staff, and a portion of our mum and dad operations are having to hang in there, but there’s significant growth in other key areas.
Exciting things are happening with some of our big corporate operations, such as Greensill Farming Group, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and those in the private medical sector.
The care industry, on the back of the NDIS rollout, is another space where jobs will continue to emerge for at least the next five or so years.
And there are some big projects on the horizon, such as Pacific Tug Group’s development at the Port of Bundaberg and other activity in the residential space.
So, what do you need to do to get a job in Bundaberg in 2020?
Here are five tips for jobseekers to position themselves on the pathway to success.
1. Take what’s available
Much of the work in the agricultural and care industry sectors can be either seasonal or sporadic and is often casual.
The best advice for those who don’t have a job is, take what’s on offer.
Sometimes you need to be prepared to go with what’s out there, which may not be what you want.
The key aspect is get working and build from there.
2. A good attitude
Every employer wants someone with a good attitude.
Be reliable and punctual, listen to what the boss wants, grow with the organisation and be a good cultural fit.
It doesn’t matter what stage of life’s journey you’re on – whether it’s a youngster looking to break into your first job, someone who has some life experience but is low on confidence, or a mature-aged jobseeker – having a good outlook and motivation to work is crucial.
3. A resume that works
There might be 300 people applying for any one position.
No employer is going to read through that many resumes and then interview everyone.
It’s crucial to have a resume that’s to industry standard.
Often your resume will not be read by a person. It will go through a computer system which scans for key words.
It doesn’t matter how much design flair you’ve put in to make the resume look great, you’re out of the picture if it doesn’t have what the employer is looking for.
Sometimes these flashy resumes can’t be read by the computer software. Make sure yours is simple, clear and to the point.
As well, your cover letter needs to show you’ve done your homework.
Use this letter as an opportunity to reflect the values of the business where you are applying.
Put key words in your letter to demonstrate that you would be a good cultural fit.
4. Use a blend of methods to find a job
Jobs are advertised in many spaces, from word-of-mouth, to Facebook, Gumtree, Seek or an organisation’s website.
Facebook and Gumtree are often starting points for many mum and dad operations, while larger businesses will use Seek.
Some of the biggest operators, such as Bunnings, Woolworths and Blue Care have recruitment spaces on their own websites.
It can be worth signing up to the website and creating your own profile with some of these bigger operations, so you know when their next recruitment drive is underway.
In Bundaberg it is well worth hitting the footpath with your resume and going from business to business to promote yourself.
Have your resume in hand and ask if there are any positions coming up.
5. Volunteer or join a key service
You need to be motivated to work. If you’re not, it doesn’t really matter what you do.
One of the keys if you’re out of work is to engage and stay active in the community.
Don’t sit there waiting for a job. Join a group like the SES, Rural Fire Service or Surf Lifesaving – any reputable organisation.
A job will come sooner than you think.
Joining a group opens a broad network of people and often that’s the way things work.
All the best with your search.
Paea Ruka is the general manager for employment and training at IMPACT Community Services. She oversees a suite of programs aimed at getting people working in the Bundaberg region. Impact is a member of CoAct and is also a Registered Training Organisation.
The Bundaberg job landscape is as dynamic right now as it has been for many years, says IMPACT's employment expert Paea Ruka.
Yes, some businesses are struggling; mostly companies that employ between two and 12 staff and a portion of our mum and dad operations are having to hang in there, but there’s significant growth in other key areas.
Exciting things are happening with some of our big corporate operations, such as Greensill Farming Group, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and those in the private medical sector.
The care industry, on the back of the NDIS rollout, is another space where jobs will continue to emerge for at least the next five or so years.
And there are some big projects on the horizon, such as Pacific Tug Group’s development at the Port of Bundaberg and other activity in the residential space.
So, what do you need to do to get a job in Bundaberg in 2020?
Here are five tips for jobseekers to position themselves on the pathway to success.
1. Take what’s available
Much of the work in the agricultural and care industry sectors can be either seasonal or sporadic and is often casual.
The best advice for those who don’t have a job is take what’s on offer.
Sometimes you need to be prepared to go with what’s out there, which may not be what you want.
The key aspect is get working and build from there.
2. A good attitude
Every employer wants someone with a good attitude.
Be reliable and punctual, listen to what the boss wants, grow with the organisation and be a good cultural fit.
It doesn’t matter what stage of life’s journey you’re on – whether it’s a youngster looking to break into your first job, someone who has some life experience but is low on confidence or a mature-aged jobseeker – having a good outlook and motivation to work is crucial.
3. A resume that works
There might be 300 people applying for any one position.
No employer is going to read through that many resumes and then interview everyone.
It’s crucial to have a resume that’s to industry standard.
Often your resume will not be read by a person. It will go through a computer system which scans for key words.
It doesn’t matter how much design flair you’ve put in to make the resume look great, you’re out of the picture if it doesn’t have what the employer is looking for.
Sometimes these flashy resumes can’t be read by the computer software.
As well, your cover letter needs to show you’ve done your homework.
Use this letter as an opportunity to reflect the values of the business where you are applying.
Put key words in your letter to demonstrate you would be a good cultural fit.
4. Use a blend of methods to find a job
Jobs are advertised in many spaces from word-of-mouth, to Facebook, Gumtree, Seek or an organisation’s website.
Facebook and Gumtree are often starting points for many mum and dad operations, while larger businesses will use Seek.
Some of the biggest operators, such as Bunnings, Woolworths and Blue Care have recruitment spaces on their own websites.
It can be worth signing up to the website and creating your own profile with some of these bigger operations, so you know when their next recruitment drive is underway.
In Bundaberg it is well worth hitting the footpath with your resume and going from businesses to business to promote yourself.
Have your resume in hand and ask if there are any positions coming up.
5. Volunteer or join a key service
You need to be motivated to work. If you’re not, it doesn’t really matter what you do.
One of the keys if you’re out of work is to engage and stay active in the community.
Don’t sit there waiting for a job. Join a group like the SES, Rural Fire Service or Surf Lifesaving – any reputable organisation.
A job will come sooner than you think.
Joining a group opens a broad network of people and often that’s the way things work.
All the best with your search.
Paea Ruka is the general manager for employment and training at IMPACT Community Services. She oversees a suite of programs aimed at getting people working in the Bundaberg region. Impact is a member of CoAct and is also a Registered Training Organisation.
The Bundaberg job landscape is as dynamic right now as it has been for many years, says IMPACT's employment expert Paea Ruka.
Yes, some businesses are struggling; mostly companies that employ between two and 12 staff and a portion of our mum and dad operations are having to hang in there, but there’s significant growth in other key areas.
Exciting things are happening with some of our big corporate operations, such as Greensill Farming Group, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and those in the private medical sector.
The care industry, on the back of the NDIS rollout, is another space where jobs will continue to emerge for at least the next five or so years.
And there are some big projects on the horizon, such as Pacific Tug Group’s development at the Port of Bundaberg and other activity in the residential space.
So, what do you need to do to get a job in Bundaberg in 2020?
Here are five tips for jobseekers to position themselves on the pathway to success.
1. Take what’s available
Much of the work in the agricultural and care industry sectors can be either seasonal or sporadic and is often casual.
The best advice for those who don’t have a job is take what’s on offer.
Sometimes you need to be prepared to go with what’s out there, which may not be what you want.
The key aspect is get working and build from there.
2. A good attitude
Every employer wants someone with a good attitude.
Be reliable and punctual, listen to what the boss wants, grow with the organisation and be a good cultural fit.
It doesn’t matter what stage of life’s journey you’re on – whether it’s a youngster looking to break into your first job, someone who has some life experience but is low on confidence or a mature-aged jobseeker – having a good outlook and motivation to work is crucial.
3. A resume that works
There might be 300 people applying for any one position.
No employer is going to read through that many resumes and then interview everyone.
It’s crucial to have a resume that’s to industry standard.
Often your resume will not be read by a person. It will go through a computer system which scans for key words.
It doesn’t matter how much design flair you’ve put in to make the resume look great, you’re out of the picture if it doesn’t have what the employer is looking for.
Sometimes these flashy resumes can’t be read by the computer software.
As well, your cover letter needs to show you’ve done your homework.
Use this letter as an opportunity to reflect the values of the business where you are applying.
Put key words in your letter to demonstrate you would be a good cultural fit.
4. Use a blend of methods to find a job
Jobs are advertised in many spaces from word-of-mouth, to Facebook, Gumtree, Seek or an organisation’s website.
Facebook and Gumtree are often starting points for many mum and dad operations, while larger businesses will use Seek.
Some of the biggest operators, such as Bunnings, Woolworths and Blue Care have recruitment spaces on their own websites.
It can be worth signing up to the website and creating your own profile with some of these bigger operations, so you know when their next recruitment drive is underway.
In Bundaberg it is well worth hitting the footpath with your resume and going from businesses to business to promote yourself.
Have your resume in hand and ask if there are any positions coming up.
5. Volunteer or join a key service
You need to be motivated to work. If you’re not, it doesn’t really matter what you do.
One of the keys if you’re out of work is to engage and stay active in the community.
Don’t sit there waiting for a job. Join a group like the SES, Rural Fire Service or Surf Lifesaving – any reputable organisation.
A job will come sooner than you think.
Joining a group opens a broad network of people and often that’s the way things work.
All the best with your search.
Paea Ruka is the general manager for employment and training at IMPACT Community Services. She oversees a suite of programs aimed at getting people working in the Bundaberg region. Impact is a member of CoAct and is also a Registered Training Organisation.
