108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
At IMPACT Community Services, wellbeing isn’t a perk, it’s a foundation. For Jenna, one of our General Managers, joining IMPACT marked a turning point in her career and her life. After years of pushing through burnout in a high-pressure role, she found a workplace where people come first, balance is real and care is embedded in everything we do.
In my previous role, I was always wearing too many hats, constantly striving to meet unrealistic expectations, most of which I placed on myself. I rarely said ‘No’, pushed through exhaustion, and ignored signs my body was sending me. I didn’t know my limits, and over time, that relentless pace caught up with me. Burnout crept in quietly at first, but eventually, it consumed every part of my day.
It wasn’t one big moment but a collection of little ones. Constant fatigue, irritability, and a deep sense of detachment from the work that once excited me. I’d wake up already drained and that’s when I knew something had to give, and it couldn’t be me anymore.
The name IMPACT Community Services appealed to me straight away but it was the culture I saw reflected in how people talked about their work-life harmony that really pulled me in. I wanted a workplace where wellbeing wasn’t just a buzzword, but an actual practice. IMPACT promised me that, and I was ready to believe in it.
My first few weeks at IMPACT were refreshing, grounding and surprisingly emotional. I had space to breath, for the first time in years. The pace here values people, not just constant productivity. I wasn’t expected to hit the ground running with superhuman speed but instead, I was met with empathy, flexibility and time to adjust and find my feet.
Work-life balance now means I get to live my life AND do meaningful work. I have time to move my body, connect with loved ones and pursue interests outside of the office and I no longer feel guilty for logging off at a reasonable hour. To me, balance means feeling whole, not just functioning to try and get by.
Since I started work at IMPACT my wellbeing has improved immensely. My energy is steadier, my sleep has improved, and I’ve become more present in the everyday moments, and more reflective in the way I engage at work. I feel not only supported but genuinely empowered.
I can now set boundaries with confidence. I now know and trust that saying ‘No’ can actually be a strength, not a weakness and I have time for ongoing learning, passion projects and mentoring others, all things I longed for, but never had space for before.
My leadership style has also evolved too. I believe I now lead with empathy and an understanding that performance stems from wellbeing. I prioritise regular check-ins with my staff, celebrate small wins and make space for conversations beyond deadlines. I’ve shifted from managing tasks, to supporting people.
To others feeling burnt out in high-pressure roles, I’d say: listen to yourself. Your body, mind and heart will tell you when enough is enough, you just have to listen. Find the courage to slow down before burnout forces it on you. It’s okay to want more than just survival. You deserve a life where you feel fulfilled, not just efficient.
Burnout doesn’t make you weak, it’s a signal that something needs love and care and that something is you.
CoAct has announced the winners of their Quarter 1 Reward & Recognition program and IMPACT’s very own Angela Bridge has taken out an individual award!
Angela is a JobActive In-Work Support Officer whose dedication to supporting others is part of the reason she thrives in her role.
Finding her work rewarding alone, she was speechless when she discovered she’s won.
Angela said Employment Services Manager David Maxey-Fisher called her into his office for what she thought was to help him with his computer.
“I sat at David’s computer ready to assist and he told me to have a read of an email on his screen,” she said.
“I started reading and read Individual winner - nominated by a colleague – Winner Angela Bridge, my mouth fell open and I was speechless.
“I really didn’t know what to say.”
In her role Angela mentors people who are in work and try to coach them through the rough patches.
“It can be extremely rewarding to see someone gain work and do well in their role,” she said.
“Even more rewarding is hearing years down the track that a past client is still working with the employer that I mentored them with when they first started.”
Discussing the importance of the support services IMPACT provides, Angela said she believes everyone needs a helping hand at some point in life.
“IMPACT is there for people when they need it the most, we treat our clients like people and not just another number or stat,” she said.
“IMPACT understand that life happens and sometimes it’s not as easy as we think.
“The services IMPACT offer are in demand more than ever before with COVID making people feel more alone and Mental Health suffering as a result.
“Staff treat their clients with respect, dignity and compassion as well as each other.”
This year is Angela’s 11th year at IMPACT!
She first started at IMPACT as a Trainee in Front Office and then moved up to Employment Services having several roles along the way.
“IMPACT has taught me a lot about life and myself, for that I’m grateful,” she said.
Angela will now be in with a chance of becoming CoAct’s overall winner for the year!
Congratulations Angela, we’re incredibly proud of you and all the work you do.
The tremendous work done by the IMPACT Community Service staff at the Material Recovery Facility has been praised by fellow employees, IMPACT’s board chair Leanne Rudd, Bundaberg Regional Council Cr Tanya McLoughlin and Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith during a staff award presentation.
Three employees in particular were commended for their long service and dedication at the recycling facility: Brendan Stubbs, Warren Male and Nathan Last.
Their hard work, alongside their colleagues, has resulted in tonnes of containers sorted and recycled rather than ending up in landfill or littered throughout the environment.
While today marks the start of National Recycling Week, it's business as usual for our team at the recycling facility.
With Bundaberg’s population continuing to grow, their work was essential to ensuring Bundaberg is tidy.
IMPACT employs about 27 workers with disabilities under the Australian Government's Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) to sort through all of the waste from council's yellow-top bins.
The MRF is owned by Bundaberg Regional Council and managed by IMPACT Community Services at 78 University Dr.
There is also a refund point which lets people get a 10 cent refund for each eligible container returned as part of the Containers for Change scheme.
Brendan Stubbs was recognised for 10-years-service, Warren Male was recognised for 15-years-service and Nathan Last was recognised for 20-years-service.
For more information about the MRF click here.
