108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
We are excited to announce a significant financial commitment from the LNP to provide $1million over 4 years to support Impact Community ACADEMY if they form government later this month.
Impact ACADEMY is a Special Assistance School dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for students who face challenges in attending mainstream schools due to barriers such as anxiety and low self-esteem. With a strong focus on wellbeing, our educational approach is designed to re-engage disengaged young people and set them up for success.
The announcement follows recent approval from Non-State Schools Accreditation Board and the appointment of our founding principal Jenna Auer. We aim to open Impact ACADEMY for Year 11 students in Term 2, 2025.
Tanya O’Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, expressed her gratitude for the support.
“I want to express my gratitude to local LNP candidate Bree Watson and the whole LNP team for believing in our school and recognising the genuine need for alternative schooling within our community.
“We have engaged in extensive consultation with local schools, families and principals to truly understand the grassroot needs. This funding will enable us to deliver the solutions we know are essential.”
Jenna shared her excitement about the funding announcement:
“This funding commitment is a game-changer. It allows us to further invest in staffing and enhance our training while refining our educational model to ensure we’re ready to open in Term 2, 2025.”
As we move forward, we are excited about the opportunities Impact ACADEMY will create for local youth. With the combined efforts of our team, the support of an LNP government, and the wider community’s involvement, we are committed to making a real difference.
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to open early next year. For further information about our school visit www.impactcommunityacademy.qld.edu.au .
IMPACT Community Services is excited to announce the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) has officially approved its application to set up a Special Assistance School in Bundaberg.
The decision paves the way for Impact Community ACADEMY to open its doors in 2025.
Impact ACADEMY is purposely designed to support young people who have, or are at risk of, disengaging from mainstream education. With a focus that prioritises wellbeing, students will be able to address their academic, emotional, social, and physical needs in a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is set up to thrive.
“We are very proud to have reached this significant milestone,” said Tanya O'Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services.
“With NSSAB approval now in place, we are excited to move forward with the final preparations to welcome our first cohort of Year 11 students in 2025.”
IMPACT has worked closely with local principals, the region’s other Special Assistance Schools and Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) to ensure its offering met community need.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support everyone has shown,” Mrs O’Shea said.
“Our conversations have demonstrated to us the critical need Impact ACADEMY will fill within our community.
“There is a clear demand for alternate schooling options. We know hundreds of young people are disengaged from traditional learning environments. Local principals have indicated that this could affect as many as 1 in 3 local students.
“Impact ACADEMY will meet students where they are, challenge them to think differently, and empower them to take control of their own learning.
“To achieve our aims, we will support students and their families using a Wellbeing First approach that is delivered through the Academy’s Connect, Learn, Change and Transform model.”
She said IMPACT had a long history of helping youth to prioritise their wellbeing so they could achieve their goals.
Founding Principal Jenna Auer envisions a space where students are greeted warmly, and both their daily achievements and challenges are acknowledged.
“From the smell of breakfast when they arrive to the fun lunchtime activities, we’ll make sure every detail is about supporting students’ wellbeing and creating a space that feels like home,” Ms Auer said.
“We want to create a space where our young people feel connected and a sense of belonging, where they can express who they truly are.”
Impact ACADEMY, which will also be located at 108 Bargara Road, is expected to open in the first half of 2025. An expressions of interest form is available via www.impactca.com.au. Ms Auer is also working with local schools and organisations to establish referral pathways and is available to provide further information or answer any questions families or school may have.
Founding principal Jenna Auer embodies Impact Community ACADEMY’s commitment to wellbeing.
Jenna has relocated from Victoria to Bundaberg to take on the role as the school’s inaugural leader with her passion, positivity and energy set to turn the vision of Impact ACADEMY into a reality.
“Wellbeing is a large passion of mine, not just at work and in the classroom, but also in my own life,” Jenna said.
“It’s really exciting to bring my experience I have and the vision and model that IMPACT have created to build a program that will best support the local need.”
As Jenna steps into her new position, she is eager to apply her diverse skills and experiences to build a learning environment centred on wellbeing.
She began her career as a Primary School teacher, where she supported students often labelled as “naughty”, implementing strategies to boost engagement and self-confidence.
Jenna’s dedication to understanding and addressing the impact of disadvantage on learning led her to complete a Masters in Education (Special Educational Needs), specialising in trauma-informed practices.
Meanwhile, her vibrant and adventurous spirit extends beyond the classroom, with a rich background in calisthenics, gymnastics, Hollywood stunt work, Gridiron, and Enduro Motorbike racing. Her passion for health and activity fuels a dynamic approach to education and supporting young people.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to bring our wellbeing model to life,” Jenna shared.
“I’m ready to create an environment where student’s needs are met and I can’t wait to see the positive impact this approach will have.”
Jenna said her goal was to integrate self-awareness and holistic development into the curriculum, to ensure that students thrived both academically and personally.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the transformative power of creativity in enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of adolescents, advocating for its integration into education and community to foster engagement, emotional resilience, and a broader, empathetic worldview.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Social media, academic demands, and societal expectations are just some of the pressures that weigh heavily on young minds today. These relentless stressors can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and disconnection, particularly among teenagers. Creativity, however, offers a path to navigating these challenges. Art, music, and language provide more than just an outlet; they create a sanctuary for self-expression, personal growth, and social engagement, especially for those who may have disengaged from traditional avenues of connection.
Creativity is a powerful tool for wellbeing. Recognising its therapeutic value, can enable educational institutions to help students rekindle a passion for learning by integrating creative projects into their curriculum. Encouraging students to explore their creative interests—whether in art, music, language, or any form of self-expression—fosters a sense of autonomy and responsibility. This not only boosts engagement but also promotes a sense of independence and accomplishment.
For young people grappling with the complexities of adolescence, creativity can be a source of comfort and a means of processing emotions. For teens who have disengaged due to academic pressures or personal challenges, creative activities offer a non-threatening avenue for re-entry into the learning environment. The act of creating can be a powerful motivator, providing an outlet for expression that words alone may fail to capture, and instilling a sense of purpose.
Beyond the canvas, creativity can foster community and collaboration. When young people participate in group art projects, music ensembles, or language clubs, they form bonds over shared interests. These creative communities provide a supportive environment where they can experiment, fail, and succeed together. The act of creating something collectively reinforces the idea that they are contributing to something bigger than themselves, which is particularly beneficial for those feeling isolated.
Engaging with different forms of art and music also introduces teens to diverse cultures and viewpoints. This exploration fosters empathy and broadens their understanding of the world. Participating in cultural events or workshops can ignite a passion for learning and discovery, encouraging teens to step out of their comfort zones. This brave leap into new experiences often leads to profound personal growth and a more inclusive worldview.
Art, whatever the medium, is more than just a pastime; it can be a lifeline for anyone, but especially young minds navigating the complexities of adolescence. Encouraging cultural exploration sparks a journey of self-discovery and empathy, broadening horizons and deepening their understanding of themselves, as well as the world around them. Fostering creative expression can empower young people to find their voice, instead of simply relying on following the opinions and views of others. Supporting community creations allows them to contribute to a collective narrative, reinforcing their sense of purpose, belonging and agency, enabling them to find and recognise their personal value and, maybe even, to tap into and realise their potential.
Ultimately, creativity is not solely about the art produced; it’s about being what you will learn along the way. It’s about being flexible, adaptable, and willing to let go when things don’t go the way you expect. It is about committing to something upfront not knowing where you will end up. It is about embracing whatever comes next with an open mind and willing heart.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the importance of modelling a balanced digital life for our children by setting boundaries and valuing real-life interactions over constant social media engagement.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
In the digital age, the allure of social media is undeniable. With a collective investment of 720 billion minutes daily on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram, it’s clear that these digital landscapes hold a significant place in our lives.
We often find ourselves mindlessly scrolling, unaware of the time slipping away. It offers an endless stream of entertainment, information, and social interaction. Yet what are we sacrificing?
As parents, we often worry about the impact of technology on our children. We are conscious of their screen time and online interactions to keep them safe, yet our own behaviour inadvertently becomes the blueprint they follow. It’s a cycle where the adage “do as I say, not as I do” loses its ground. If they see us constantly attached to our phones, they internalise this behaviour as normal and desirable.
To instil a balanced approach to technology, as parents, we must first model it. This means setting boundaries for ourselves: putting away phones during family meals, engaging in face-to-face conversations, and designating tech-free times and zones within the home. By demonstrating that there is a time and place for social media, we teach our children to value real-life interactions and the world around them.
In this pursuit of balance, we must also recognise the importance of unmediated experiences. Children’s first birthday parties, for instance, are milestones that deserve our undivided attention. It’s tempting to view these events through the lens of a camera, eager to preserve every moment. Yet, in doing so, we risk missing the essence of the celebration—the joy, the mess, the spontaneous laughter that fills the room. These are the elements of life that, though intangible, are the most precious.
The challenge lies not in abandoning our devices but in learning to coexist with them harmoniously. It’s about making conscious choices—deciding when to share a post and when to put the phone down and soak in the experience. It’s about understanding that not every major occasion needs to be broadcasted or recorded; sometimes, the best memories are those shared quietly, without the fanfare of social media.
On the weekend, we had to put our beloved family dog to sleep, the second one in six months. It was a sad and difficult occasion, but amid this heartbreak, I made a conscious choice to switch off my phone for the entire weekend. This decision allowed me to be fully present in the moment, sharing the grief and comfort with my family, free from the distraction of digital notifications. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of being there, truly there, for the people and moments that matter most.
In treasuring life’s raw, unscripted, and private moments, we find the essence of true connection. It’s in these unpublicised experiences that we encounter the heart of what it means to be human—to laugh, to cry, and to share in the full spectrum of emotions with those around us.
As parents, we have the opportunity, and indeed the responsibility, to model a balanced digital life, ensuring that the technology serves us, not the other way around. By choosing presence over posts, we not only enrich our own lives but also offer our children a priceless gift—the example of a life fully lived, beyond the digital realm.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the growing national trend of school refusal, the factors contributing to this issue, and how a "wellbeing first" approach may just be the key to unlocking the potential of these young people.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
A concerning trend has emerged in Australia’s educational sphere: an increase in school refusal among young people. This phenomenon, distinct from truancy or school withdrawal, has seen a rise in primary and secondary school-aged children reluctant to attend classes, with parents and educators grappling to understand and address the issue.
The Education and Employment References Committee conducted an inquiry into this concerning national trend, revealing that school refusal is not merely a matter of absenteeism but a complex issue intertwined with psychological, familial, and societal factors. Unlike truancy, school refusal is characterised by the student’s overt reluctance to attend school, parental awareness and efforts to rectify the situation, and a notable absence of antisocial behaviour.
In Bundaberg, we are not immune. Conversations with school principals and guidance officers indicate that students are increasingly facing challenges that contribute to school refusal. Disabilities and mental health issues are significant contributors, exacerbated by the pressures of school transitions and societal expectations. The impact on students is profound, affecting their physical and mental health, social connections, educational outcomes, and future employment opportunities.
For families, the strain of school refusal can lead to financial hardship, health issues, and even familial discord. Schools and service providers, too, are feeling the pressure, with staff workloads and morale affected, and a growing demand for health support services that is difficult to meet.
At IMPACT, our team has been acutely aware of the factors fuelling this troubling trend for quite some time. Through our dedication to supporting the community, we've witnessed firsthand the ripple effects of school refusal. From engaging directly with students grappling with attendance challenges to collaborating closely with families and educators, we've gained invaluable insights into the complex interplay of psychological, familial, and societal factors. This frontline perspective has deepened our understanding and reinforced the urgency of implementing holistic solutions to address it effectively.
The establishment of alternative education settings, such as IMPACT Community Academy, addresses a critical gap in the educational landscape, as calls for more accessible alternative options grow louder. Recognising that one size does not fit all, these settings offer tailored support for students who may struggle in mainstream environments.
At the heart of the IMPACT Community Academy lies a deep understanding of the importance of embracing a "wellbeing first" approach, prioritising the holistic development of its students above all else. This approach acknowledges that students' mental, emotional, and social wellbeing are foundational to their academic success and overall life satisfaction.
Yesterday, the 1st May 2024, IMPACT's Managing Director Tanya O'Shea was one of four inspirational guest speakers at the Hinkler Innovation Series Luncheon, "Innovation to Live Longer," during which she announced IMPACT's exciting initiative, the IMPACT Community Academy. As a Special Assistance School, The IMPACT Community Academy, aims to provide alternative education options that address the challenges young people are facing in the Bundaberg region.
Did anyone ever ask you as a kid ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’
People used to ask me, and I didn’t really know what to say. Partly because I had no real clue, but I was also naïve enough to believe that if I worked hard at school, everything would work out. My plan was incredibly linear – finish school, go to university or get a job.
But, have you ever done a job you didn’t care about?
I have. One in particular. I didn’t always hate it. Got to meet some great people, travelled, some of it was interesting, I learnt a lot about myself and other people. But I didn’t always feel truly motivated, invested or connected to it.
When we care about stuff, it creates purpose, it creates a sense of community. In my current job, I work with other people, who like me, have this critical alignment between their personal and professional values. They recognise that when these values align in this way, it gives them purpose, and a sense that they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. Each morning, they go to work believing that they can help someone else to improve their life, and each night go home knowing that what they did today was important and necessary.
Personally, that values alignment not only makes me better at my job. It means that I wake up each day with purpose. The Okinawans Ikigai or ‘why I wake up in the morning’. According to Dan Buettner’s research, knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to 7 years of extra life expectancy.
What research also tells us is that poor alignment between work and personal values can lead to dissatisfaction, burnout, and lower performance and sense of success and accomplishment, which impacts on our self-belief. Lower confidence can bring down our long-term goals in work and life, while reducing the quality of a person’s life in many different ways, including negative feelings – think sadness, depression, anxiety, shame or guilt. It can really knock around our confidence, adversely affect the way that we show up in life, and impact on our overall mental health and wellbeing.
So, let’s pause and recap. It is good when our personal and professional values align, as it increases our self-belief which has a positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing, gives us a sense of purpose – the reason why we wake up in the morning – and it can improve our life expectancy. Got it. Don’t love my job so need to leave and find another job. Okay, probably not as easy to do but understand the reasoning. Find a job or career that aligns to my values, live my sense of purpose and I have the potential to improve my life expectancy. Easy peasy.
But we know that life isn’t linear, and it isn’t quite that easy. And it is being backed by data. research is telling us that at any one time, only about 20% of the population is feeling like they are living well and have incorporated strategies into their life that support their overall wellbeing. These people are living their purpose, and potentially have adopted lifestyle habits that according to Buettner, will improve their life expectancy. Unfortunately, this means that around 80% of the population are languishing or experiencing poor mental wellbeing which if left unsupported, can become as detrimental as the experience of serious mental illness. This group includes young people, some of whom aren’t doing so well when it comes to wellbeing, with cracks emerging in their lifestyle habits that will adversely impact their future education and career opportunities.
Research published by Monash University in their 2023 Australian Youth Barometer report underscores alarming trends in school refusal, incomplete education and post-school declines in further education and training, emphasizing the enduring significance of education in young people’s futures.
You hear the oxymoron right? On the one hand I am talking about creating a sense of purpose within a job, a career after schooling that has the potential to increase life expectancy. On the other, I am sharing that the numbers of young people with poor mental health and wellbeing is on the rise, suicide is the main cause of death in young people, and students are exiting mainstream education resulting in incomplete education and reduced opportunities into further education, training, and employment.
There is no doubt this is a big, complex problem. It feels overwhelming and it is uncomfortable to talk about young people taking their lives. But that is the reality, and as hard as it feels, we have to talk about it. And we can’t rely on others to find a solution.
I don’t have a tattoo, but if I did it would be of the design squiggle and it would sit right here as my constant inspiration and reminder that there is always hope when it comes to solving a problem. You just need to find that one tiny thread. For those not familiar with the design squiggle, imagine a big ball of scrambled Christmas lights – tangled and knotted and finding the ends feels hopeless. That is what it feels like when we face a problem that we don’t have the answer to – we might feel stuck or frustrated, or we’ve tried a few different things, and nothing has worked so we feel like giving up. But all it takes is one tiny thread to emerge and there is hope – and suddenly the problem that you have been grappling with creates a small spark that starts to take the shape of a solution.
12 years ago at IMPACT, we started exploring why young people were disengaging from mainstream education. We parked the problem back then because we had too many other projects to focus on, but at that time we found that it was underpinned by truancy, poor behaviour and lack of parental supervision and support networks. Today, truancy remains part of the issue, however the students not attending school also include high performers, highly capable students, and students who have a strong family support system in place.
So, what’s going on?
Shortly I am going to rattle off a few conditions that you will all be familiar with, but I invite you to consider these not in isolation but think of them more like a spider’s web of interconnecting fibres, and also in terms of things like speed, volume, frequency and proximity. Social media, poverty, climate change, war, crime, discrimination, safety, homelessness, violence. You will be able to think of lots of others, but you get the idea. Some of these are critical for survival, we rely on them and when we don’t have them or if we fear them, it activates our sympathetic nervous system, which triggers that fight or flight response. Rush of adrenaline, feeling heightened and alert, feeling fearful.
These issues are creating a stress response for people. So many pervasive social issues that are complex and challenging for adults to navigate. Have you ever stopped and imagined the effect that it is having on our kids?
What we know is that these conditions are impacting a young person’s ability to remain engaged in education. The prevalence of school avoidance (or school refusal) behaviours is significantly contributing to school disengagement. School avoidance is the demonstration of an ‘I just can’t go to school’ rather than ‘I won’t go to school’ intention by the young person.
In 2022, on behalf of IMPACT Community Services, I was selected to participate in the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health’s Wellbeing First Innovation Hub, that used design-thinking to apply the principles of human-centred design putting people who access mental health services at the centre of our thinking. It aimed to support community mental health wellbeing leaders to design innovative mental health service models that can be implemented within the services that we are already providing on the ground, while aligning to the Wellbeing First agenda.
So, 18 months after commencing the Wellbeing First project, and restarting the project at least 3 times because we kept working on the wrong problem, the IMPACT Community Academy was borne, and a prototype was approved by the IMPACT Board on the 25 March this year.
We recognised the importance of creating an educational environment where young people can connect and achieve the foundations of life and livelihood in a supportive, enriching environment. While education is important, the measurement of success does not focus solely on an academic outcome: each young person is encouraged to create their own unique pathway within the Academy’s Connect, Learn, Change and Transform model. Our philosophy is essentially that young people need to learn the skills required to become fully formed adults, secure in their knowledge of themselves as healthy and valuable people. It is our belief that young people cannot learn effectively if their needs for physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing are not being met.
Through a wellbeing lens, curriculum will be delivered that has the potential to challenge mindsets, encourage growth and transform lives in a way that allows the young person to be more adaptable and resilient as they enter adulthood.
The Academy aims to prepare young people to negotiate and adapt to the non-linear pathways that evolve when they leave school. We want young people to have a choice when it comes to a job, to live their purpose, and to recognise the importance of building their capacity and strength when it comes to their emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing.
The Academy is ambitious, with a proposed start date of term 1, 2025. Back at the start of this presentation, I mentioned that when we care about stuff, it creates purpose, it creates a sense of community. And we really care about this.
We know that it won’t change the outcomes for all young people, but we are confident that taking this step will improve the lives of young people within our community while also contributing towards building the mental wealth of our nation.
Imagine what is possible and the potential ripple effect – nurturing mental capital, mental health and wellbeing, through adequate education, and creating economic security, housing, healthcare, psychological and cultural safety, and through equal access to opportunity. Imagine the effect that taking one small step could have on economic prosperity, and the collective wellbeing and resilience of communities.
My hope is that when you leave here today, you will pause before asking a young person ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’, and instead ask them ‘what types of things do you like to do, and what could you do with that?’
Although small, the IMPACT Community Academy aims to be more than a school—it will be a safe place where students can be curious about their interests, find direction, purpose, their Ikigai (IKI guy)—a reason to wake up in the morning. Just as Buettner’s Blue Zones show that having purpose impacts on longevity, focusing on well-being and purpose in education could shape the future health of these young people. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about fostering a supportive community that helps students navigate their challenges and find meaning in their lives, which can lead to improved mental health, reduced stress, and a greater sense of belonging—all factors that contribute to longevity.
Our goal is to shape lives, not just minds. In essence, we believe that by nurturing purpose and well-being, we're not just educating minds; we're potentially extending lives, one student at a time.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the critical importance of aligning personal values with work and education to enhance mental wellbeing and health, highlighting the innovative IMPACT Community Academy as a model for purpose-driven education to address increased disengagement in the mainstream system.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
In our quest for personal and professional fulfillment, the importance of aligning values with our work cannot be overstated. Yet, for many, this alignment remains elusive, leading to dissatisfaction, burnout, and a sense of disconnection. As we strive to find meaning in our daily lives, the correlation between purpose and mental wellbeing becomes increasingly apparent.
Research underscores the vital role of values alignment in fostering a sense of purpose, contributing not only to job satisfaction but also to improved mental health and even increased life expectancy. Conversely, the absence of such alignment can lead to a host of negative outcomes, impacting confidence, performance, and overall wellbeing.
While the pursuit of purpose is often considered a personal journey, its significance extends far beyond the individual. In today's society, where societal challenges abound, the need for purpose-driven action becomes ever more pressing. Nowhere is this more evident than in youth education and wellbeing.
Recent studies paint a troubling picture of the mental health landscape among young people, with rates of anxiety, depression, and school disengagement on the rise. Against this backdrop, traditional education models are increasingly inadequate in addressing the holistic needs of students.
Recognising this pressing need, the IMPACT Community Academy was borne, and a protype was approved by the IMPACT Board on the 25 March 2024. Initiatives like The Academy are emerging to fill the gap. By reframing education through a wellbeing lens, these programs aim to nurture the physical, emotional, and psychological health of students, preparing them for the complexities of adult life.
At the heart of this approach lies a fundamental belief: education is not merely about academic achievement but about equipping young people with the tools to thrive in an uncertain world. Through a curriculum focused on personal growth, resilience, and self-awareness, students are empowered to forge their own paths and pursue their passions.
The IMPACT Community Academy represents a bold step towards reimagining education as a vehicle for collective wellbeing. By fostering a supportive environment where every student's needs are met, regardless of background or circumstance, it seeks to disrupt the prevailing narrative of mental health stigma and exclusion.
While the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, initiatives like these offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise complex landscape. By prioritising purpose-driven education, we not only improve individual outcomes but also contribute to the broader goal of building a mentally wealthy society.
As we confront the myriad of challenges presented today, let us remember that the pursuit of purpose is not a luxury but a necessity. By investing in the wellbeing of our youth, we lay the foundation for a future defined not by despair, but by resilience, connection, and collective flourishing.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya focuses on what it means to be a leader in both your personal and professional life.
When we talk about leadership, it should not always be within the context of a business position; rather we should also be talking about what it means to be a leader of your own life, and what that looks like.
Taking control of your own narrative and life for yourself rather than for others is not an easy task; it involves honest self-reflection and attention, setting boundaries and goals.
It may even involve quitting – and that’s not a bad thing. While there are currently some negative connotations with the word ‘quit’, as though you’ve given up or failed; the root word aligns with notions of freedom and being clear.
You’re not giving up on something, you’re freeing yourself from a direction, a job, a habit, a relationship, that didn’t serve you.
You chose not to give up on yourself and neglect your needs.
Resilience is one of the key attributes of a good leader, and it certainly applies to leading your own life.
Being able to recognise what you want and even who you are can be hard when very specific and non-inclusive societal narratives have been maintained throughout human history.
However, the prevalence of a mainstream narrative doesn’t mean it’s right and it certainly doesn't mean you are wrong if you don’t conform to society’s expectations.
Being resilient isn’t about being unwavering or unaffected by a situation – you're human and you’re allowed to feel, you’re allowed to change your mind and you’re allowed to dream. Resilience is being able to recover, adapt, and keep going.
It’s the ‘get knocked down seven times, get up eight’ spirit.
At IMPACT Community Services we invest in building resilience and leadership in our staff through myriad tools.
We have established a Leaders Lab for people in management positions to be involved in a monthly staff training sessions.
As an organisation we have the Impact Academy which encourages staff to pursue personal development in fields of interest to them through online learning courses, and champion mental health and cognitive awareness/reflection through various programs.
Understanding who you are can be the first step to living authentically and thriving in your daily life.
It can be an overwhelming process, so remember to take care of your wellbeing and give yourself a break.
It’s not about having all the answers right now, life is the journey of asking questions to find them and if you need support it’s available.
If this sounds like the type of workplace you’d like to clock in to, now’s your chance.
There is currently a range of vacant position that could be what you’re looking for. Click here or phone 4153 4233 to find out which roles are hiring.
While leadership is often easy to define, it’s not always so easy to practice.
But IMPACT Community Services’ Finance Manager Jenna Williams has been leading and developing her skills since joining the Bundaberg team five years ago.
Jenna joined IMPACT in 2017 as a Finance Officer, before taking on the role as Finance Team Leader in October 2018 and more recently took on the role as Finance Manager in January 2022.
During her time at IMPACT, she has completed a Foundation of Intentional Leadership program (FoIL), run through the Institute of Mangers and Leaders, after being selected by IMPACT management to attend.
The FoIL program, now called Leaders Lab, seeks to develop leadership in staff as the organisation grows its own workforce.
Leaders Lab involves monthly staff training sessions, Diversity Council of Australia sessions, access to IMPACT Academy for personal development resources, coaching, mentoring and more.
“I have learnt so much while working at IMPACT and value the commitment they have to developing their staff,” she said.
“I am a strong believer that you never stop learning and IMPACT support this.”
Jenna said it was great to be a part of the finance team as they all pitch in and help and support each other where needed.
She said the finance team has continued to grow and strengthen throughout her time at IMPACT and it’s something she’s looking forward to continuing.
“With new finance and payroll systems currently being implemented, our current goal is to navigate through the changes that these systems will bring,” she said.
“We will have a focus on improving and streamlining our processes and collaborating with IMPACT’s programs and managers to ensure that we are providing value.”
In her new role, Jenna is looking forward to her own professional growth as a leader.
“I also like to challenge myself and see my own growth, so that I can continue to lead the Finance team,” she said.
“It is great to know that I play a small part in making a difference in the community,” she said.
Hearing good news stories at staff meetings highlights that the community is benefiting from having an organisation like IMPACT and the programs that we deliver.
IMPACT Community Services has a range of support services in employment, training, mental health and volunteering.
To find our more visit impact.org.au or phone 4153 4233.
IMPACT is open from 8am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-4.30pm Friday.
Please note: This website may contain references to, or feature images, videos, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.
