108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
It is with a heavy heart I sit and pen my 8th and final Chair’s Annual Report for the 2019-20 financial year at IMPACT Community Services Ltd. Although I still feel I have plenty to give this wonderful organisation my time has come to an end after 9 and a half years, just shy of my long service eligibility!
The year for IMPACT can only be described as outstanding under unprecedented circumstances with the ‘Covid-19 Pandemic’ and this in no small part is due to the leadership of our Managing Director Tanya O’Shea and her Senior Management Team who have lead IMPACT through the response and continued recovery to a ‘new normal’.
Achieving a strong financial position early in the year supported the organisation in getting us through this global predicament when it struck. Although Covid-19 has been the talking point for many our IMPACT team had already completed plenty of work in the early part of the year in what seems an eternity now ‘pre-covid’. The team completed a HR audit, Industry benchmarking, ICT roll out as well as transitioning IMPACT to a Company Limited by Guarantee and our leader Tanya moving from CEO to Managing Director all in the first 6 months.
Covid-19 saw us pivot quickly in all areas of the business with many staff taking on the new role of ‘working from home’ and meeting online in the ‘Microsoft Teams’ environment. We also needed to continue with our training, and this also became an online classroom with the Trainers and the students performing well under the circumstances thrust on them.
Project Compass commenced which has given the leadership team the opportunity to have regular conversations about strategy and our Quality Working Group is also meeting regularly which is being capably lead by Board member Vanessa Fryer with its intent to assist in providing a voice to our clients directly to the Board.
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A huge thank you to all Board members who again have given freely of their precious time to assist in the strategic conversations which continues to keep IMPACT rolling toward our mission to work with individuals to enable them to realise and reach their full potential. It’s been many months since we have met in person but our ‘online learning’ with Zoom and Teams meetings have run quite smoothly with only a few technical hiccups. I would like to thank our previous treasurer Grant Hutchings for the many years of service he gave the Board before retiring at last year’s AGM.
Thanks to all staff for another fantastic year especially under such trying circumstances once again. The Board is very proud of our people – the one’s who come to work every day and make positive changes to the lives of our clients. Thanks to our senior management team of Steve, Paea, and Sue as well as our 2 new General Managers Nathan and Rob for another great effort from each of you and our amazing Managing Director – Tanya. As well as a change in title and a seat at the board table Tanya has been the face of IMPACT across Bundaberg and the State at so many events flying our flag.
Some of Tanya’s noteworthy achievements this year have included being part of the winning team at the Techstars Global Women’s Startup Weekend, being a team member of the IML Great Debate, being selected as an Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) Panel Member but above all I believe being awarded the CQUniversity Australia ‘Alumnus of the Year for Industry Excellence’ was a wonderful achievement and so well deserved.
IMPACT Community Services has been many things to many people over the past 41 years and I have been privileged to have been part of the IMPACT journey since March 2011. We have been through floods, funding cuts and restructures, but I know I will leave the organisation in good hands with the current Board membership and Senior Management and the governance structures and strategies we have formed to take IMPACT to the next level. My hope is that all future Impact Board members come to fall in love with the place and the people as much as I have over the years. The staff, our clients and the positive changes we get to make by transforming the lives of the disadvantaged members in our community. It is proof to me that we are all Stronger Together.
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To see the smiles on the faces of our graduates and to hear the stories of their journeys, to listen to the Impact Community Choir fill the room with song and with love and everybody singing along with them or to share in the thrill of winning National Awards with our amazing staff are just some of the highlights I have been honoured to be a part of. It really has made the years at IMPACT so wonderful but even the more difficult to walk away from and say a final goodbye.
David Batt
Board Chair
IMPACT Community Services Inc.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
Our region recently hosted the ATECH Sunshine Women in Business event held at The Generator. The event, hosted by female tech entrepreneur Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann, was an incredible opportunity to listen and learn from local businesswomen with broad ranging expertise and representing a range of business and industry.
Being invited to participate as a panel member with such talented and inspirational local women was a privilege, and also a great reminder of the important leadership role that women hold in today’s society. Those in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel during the session, with one question particularly resonating ‘How do you manage the constant juggle between work and family?’
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Today, it is not only women who must manage this juggle. Flexible work arrangements have impacted many families and have started to blur the line between work and family life. Many people talk about achieving a work-life balance like it is something that can easily coexist by compartmentalising life into work time and personal time. The reality however is that trying to achieve this balance is like walking a tightrope and the slightest mistake could send us over the edge. In a world where smart phones ensure that we are always ‘on’ and the popularity of working from home has increased to a third of the Australian population since COVID-19, achieving work-life balance is no longer attainable.
The initial inspiration for writing this article was to share how working women manage the constant juggle between work and family life, however the reality is that most of the population need to find a way to acknowledge that the elements of their work and life do not need to compete or be evenly distributed. We need to acknowledge that the juggle will always be there, and instead find ways to make it feel a little less overwhelming.
Enrol in our Certificate III in Hospitality today
Learning to manage the juggle between work and home life is important. There is no silver bullet and instead, we need to find a way to successfully integrate both of these important parts of our life to ensure that the way that we show up is intentional, deliberate and brings the best version of ourselves. Life is full of obstacles and challenges. The key is finding ways to manage them. Dr Fraser reminds us that there are two types of people in life, those who light up a room when they walk in and those who light up a room when they walk out. Which one do you choose to be?
IMPACT Community Services is setting up a pop-up stall at Hinkler Central so if you've ever been curious about what we can do for you, come on down and say hello.
We'll be setting up just outside the Cotton On store from Tuesday, November 3 to Thursday, November 5.
It's a great chance to come down and have a look at the diverse range of support services we have.
We will have staff from key parts of the organisation to answer any questions you may have about training, job services and family and individual support.
Check out our range of support programs
For example, we have a new training course in hospitality starting November 16. Come and find out all about it.
And if you’ve ever thought about volunteering with IMPACT come and have a chat.
“Over the last 40 years, IMPACT has supported thousands of people to improve their life opportunities,” said IMPACT Managing Director Tanya O'Shea.
“It is therefore essential that we connect with our community to ensure that our programs and services remain relevant and accessible.
“These events are more than just an opportunity to promote our services. They are an excellent opportunity for our team to listen to the needs of people within our community.”
Find out what training courses are available at IMPACT
We will also be doing a very quick survey where people can go into the draw to win a $100 gift voucher and a huge jar of lollies. Just guess the number of lollies in the jar!
We'd love to see you and find out how we can support your dreams and change your life.
Anyone is eligible to win the $100 gift voucher.
Entries are made by answering the IMPACT Community Services’ survey at Hinkler Central Shopping Centre 3rd - 5th November 2020.
1 free guess is provided upon completion of the survey per person.
The prize will be drawn on Friday the 6th November, winners to be notified by phone.
The results will be published on IMPACT’s Facebook page.
If the winner does not claim the prize within 5 business days, the voucher will be redrawn.
In the case of multiple correct guesses, a name will be drawn randomly.
This draw is run by IMPACT Community Services’ Communications Manager Adam Wratten.
Leanne Rudd has replaced David Batt as Board Chair at IMPACT Community Services.
On 19 October 2020, IMPACT held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) where former long-standing Board member and Bundaberg MP David Batt resigned from the position of Chair in accordance with constitutional legislation which limits Board members to no more than three three-year terms (9 years).
Following the departure of Mr Batt, former Treasurer and respected businesswoman Leanne Rudd, who has been on the Board for three AGMs, has moved into the position of Board Chair.
Leanne brings her passion for finance and business to the role, having specialised for many years in business advisory and financial services. Her decision to join the Board in 2018 was made with intent to give back to the community.
“When I first joined the Board, I did have knowledge around the employment services and the laundry, but I didn’t know the nitty gritty,” Leanne said about the organisation. “I didn’t know about the other great services and the help they were providing the community until I was on the Board.”
Leanne said she was surprised to learn the depth of services offered at IMPACT.
“The different aspects of the organisation is quite broad, so getting an understanding of it all, that has taken a little while,” she said.
With programs tailored to varying sectors including employment, training, family and parenting support, mental health, NDIS, health care and the running of commercial businesses such as the laundry and recycling centres, IMPACT services the region in many ways.
As Chair, Leanne hopes to bring the organisation’s strategic plan to life with the help of her fellow Board members. She believes Managing Director Tanya O’Shea and the team at IMPACT are doing amazing things and it is her goal to assist and support the great work the organisation is already doing.
“IMPACT can help anyone who needs support, whether that’s developing life skills or training to get a job, IMPACT can help anyone who is willing to come and have a chat,” she said. “There’s always someone there to talk to, to find opportunities.”
From her time sitting on other boards and finance committees, Leanne has developed a tactical approach to governance.
“One thing I am passionate about is finding different ways of doing things,” Leanne said. “I like to challenge the status quo, whether that’s finding alternative ways of problem solving or just looking at things differently through innovation or simplification.”
With Leanne moving into the role of Chair, Vanessa Fryer will now step into the Treasurers position. Neil McPhillips will remain Deputy Chair and Dr Talitha Best will continue her role as Secretary.
Managing Director Tanya O’Shea said 2020 would be remembered as “a year of possibility”, having recorded many extraordinary milestones.
During the year 2019-20 financial year IMPACT helped more than 5000 people across 25 programs, pivoted to online e-learning to deliver training courses and introduced two new programs (Community Navigator and COVID Connect).
One of the more significant achievements was IMPACT's jobactive team scoring a five-out-of-five star rating from the government. To receive five stars, a provider’s success in securing people sustained employment must be 30% above the national average. Furthermore, the team achieved this during the devastating bushfire period when compliance requirements were non-mandatory.
In a year of uncertainty, IMPACT will remember 2020 as a year of possibility. Through times of struggle, our people committed to an approach of adaptability and growth and have pioneered new ideas into exciting possibilities. We look forward to what can be achieved in 2021.
When Chris Burns was made redundant earlier this year, little did he know that learning how to make coffee would help make him a better person.
Chris is one of the current students at IMPACT Community Services' SIT30616 Certificate III in Hospitality course, and he's been far more grateful for the opportunities it has presented him than he realised when he first signed up.
Chris was a victim of a struggling industry. A recent downsizing across regional newspapers saw him lose his journalism job and he found himself at a crossroads.
“I came to the unpleasant realisation that my industry is wrecked and I had to seriously re-evaluate my career,” Chris said.
“It has long hours, not much pay, and that isn't likely to change anytime soon.”
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Chris decided that he wanted to go back to tertiary study – ether international relations or education, to become a teacher – but he had more short-term problems to solve, like how to pay his rent.
And it turned out one of his short-term solutions was a way to realise his long-term goals.
“I saw an ad on social media about IMPACT's Hospitality course and signed up immediately,” he said.
“I finished at the NewsMail on the Friday and started the course on the Monday.”
In the short-term Chris needed to learn some new skills – anything – and realised that bar work and hospitality was probably always going to be a pathway that presented opportunities.
“And it turns out I like making coffee,” he said, though basic kitchen skills didn't come naturally to him.
“I was definitely out of my comfort zone. It seems like a step down, from being a political reporter to making coffee, but you can't let that stop you, especially if it's a means to a greater end.”
Reeanna lands her dream job after training with IMPACT
And Chris is happy there are opportunities that await him at the end of the course, many more than awaited him at the end of his tenure at the newspaper.
And he knows he's in good hands; the capable hands of trainer Wendy Carter.
“She's a good trainer, with lots of experience,” he said. “She's very knowledgeable and very professional.”
At the moment he’s learning everything there is to know about kitchen hygiene and COVID-safe regulations.
Chris is cautiously confident of getting work and is happy he's in a much better place.
“I don't know what I would have done with myself if I hadn't signed up for this course,” he said. “I'm glad to be learning new job skills, and this course has made me a better person because I am learning how to serve.”
If you want to find out about future courses for a Certificate III in Hospitality visit our training page here or call 4153 4233. IMPACT is its own Registered Training Organisation (RTO code: 0115).
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
There has been much discussion in the community regarding the job market here in Bundaberg recently.
Here there is a contradictory and confusing situation. While some business owners are finding it hard to find suitable staff, record numbers of people are collecting unemployment benefits.
It is easy for some to conclude that “no-one wants to work”, but like most things it is more complicated than that.
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On any given day there are about 320 job vacancies advertised on Seek in the local area.
Competing for those positions are approximately 6000 jobseekers consisting of both the unemployed or under-employed (the situation where someone is working, but not enough hours to free themselves from social security) and those in full employment who are looking for a new opportunity.
There is also a misconception about the demographic of those looking for work; mature-aged people are almost as likely to be unemployed as the youth cohort.
With the job market so crowded, it makes sense and may be valuable for those not working to upskill, rather than feeling frustrated at home.
It is important to find a purpose. The question for many, is upskill in what? What jobs and industries are in demand currently in Bundaberg?
Qualified chefs and short order cooks are always in demand.
Boilermakers and skilled welders are also highly sought after.
Currently, the agricultural industry is finding it difficult to attract labour due to the collapse of the backpacker workforce after prolonged border closures. This is another place to consider employment.
Another industry that is often overlooked is the care industry. Aged care, disability care, home and community care and child care are increasingly on the lookout for good staff and offer a rewarding career for the right person.
If you want a vocation rather than just a job a Cert 3 is a good place to start.
If you are feeling inspired to study and would like more information on what is available check out our training courses.
Reeanna Luxton has always been passionate about helping people with disabilities and now she is bringing her expertise to those who need it.
Thanks to recommendations from friends, Reeanna recently completed the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at IMPACT Community Services (RTO Code 0115).
Enrol in a Certificate III in Individual Support today
She had been working 14 hours per week at a carwash for five years when she decided it was time for a new career path. Reeanna had already exhausted the possibility of increasing her hours at her previous job and, unable to afford the cost of obtaining a qualification, a friend suggested Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding.
Reeanna was excited to embark on a new journey to gain new skills and knowledge but what she couldn’t have imagined was the level of support and encouragement she would receive from her trainer and classmates.
“Elise is a great teacher,” Reeanna said, “she always explained things thoroughly.”
Reeanna’s confidence has improved and she has a new understanding of the daily struggles her brothers face living with their disabilities. Reeanna has two brothers with autism and other mental health issues which meant she already had a lot of practical experience looking after her siblings. She even had somewhat of a head start, having already learned how to communicate effectively with them.
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Reeanna has made a whole new circle of friends and was given a vocational placement in Bundaberg, where she now continues work on a casual basis and is really enjoying everything she's been doing.
“We were mostly visiting client's homes,” she said. “Things have gone a bit quiet with COVID, but I'm sure they'll pick up again.”
Reanna is grateful to her friends for recommending IMPACT as a training provider, and now proudly refers others to IMPACT too.
“It's really rewarding work,” she said.
If you are thinking about a Certificate III in Individual Support, or any other of our first class training courses, call us today on 4153 4233.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a suite of targeted skills and training programs supporting Queenslanders to gain the skills, qualifications and experience to enter and stay in the workforce. It is provided by the Queensland Government.
We are change-makers, forward thinkers and here to support people in need. Here are five people whose lives have been changed for the better thanks to a partnership with the dedicated support workers and trainers who work at IMPACT.
IMPACT helps pregnant mum isolated by COVID
Lisa is a new mum who won’t forget her time in Bundaberg or the support of IMPACT Community Services in a hurry. The PNG woman recently welcomed a son, Michael, into her life. Due to COVID, Lisa was stuck thousands of kilometres from her family for Michael’s arrival. Support worker Lesley Allen was quickly by her side. Read her story here.
Graduate, 62, proves there’s no age limit to studying at IMPACT
At IMPACT Community Services we believe there is no age limit to setting out in a new direction and changing your career, and Tinika McNamara is the perfect example. Tinika, 62, recently graduated from her Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) CHC33015 at IMPACT and has already found employment. Read more.
James embraces IMPACT’s training journey for dream job
When James Ellis decided to enrol in the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community) course at IMPACT Community Services, he knew he'd made the right choice. James loves the industry he is preparing to enter, and it perfectly suits his caring nature. James felt a lack in his previous careers that only the personal touch of helping others could provide. Find out what he had to say here.
Get Set for Work: IMPACT program sparks love of learning, new career path
When Laura Brown started a hospitality course at IMPACT Community Services, she had no idea it would lead to a new career path, a love of learning and goal to one day become a human rights lawyer. Laura joined IMPACT's Get Set for Work (GSFW) program in May last year and shortly after enrolled in the Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30616). Read more about this determined young woman’s story here.
IMPACT helps Lleyton and his pregnant partner find a home
Lleyton came very close to being homeless during the COVID-19 lock-down, but thankfully he turned to IMPACT Community Services for support. IMPACT Community Navigator Steven Hull was able to help Lleyton and his heavily pregnant girlfriend find a new house to live in. Despite the difficulties added by COVID-19, Steven was with Lleyton every step of the way until he had a roof over his head. Could you use a hand during COVID? Read more here.
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Chris Curd has worked most of his life as either a mechanical or a hydraulic fitter, but when he started thinking about a new career, he knew exactly what he wanted to do.
Chris has two brothers with a disability and they made the decision easy.
“My work was getting me a bit down and I asked myself what I really wanted to do, what would give me the greatest rewards,” Chris said. “It was helping my brothers. I've had a lifetime of looking after them, so I had all these skills that I didn't know I had. I figured I'd get certification and start a new career.”
Begin your new career in disability support
Chris is one of the students doing the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at IMPACT Community Services. The group have now finished their 13 weeks of virtual online training and are in their final week of Vocational Placement.
“I personally prefer learning online,” Chris said. “But I'm a bit younger and more tech-savvy. There are less distractions online than in the classroom. I get more done.”
And Chris speaks in glowing terms of his trainer, Elise Cottam.
“Elise is my favourite teacher ever and I've done three apprenticeships,” he said. “She relates to everybody and is very good at what she does.”
All along Chris has wanted to start a support business for people with a disability, along with his brothers. It will be a personal care and support service involving mostly leisure activities.
“It's all about communication,” he said. “I will be able to relate to them thanks to my two brothers. Lots of people told me growing up that I should be a teacher, but I just wanted to fix motors. Seems they were probably right.”
COVID got you down? We're here to help.
The current coronavirus restrictions have put a halt on his business preparations, but it has allowed Chris to focus entirely on his training.
“My brothers have struggled for inclusion all their lives,” Chris said. “They didn't get to do these types of activities, and that's why I want to bring them to others.”
The business is destined to be a success as all three brothers will have their own special insights to contribute. Having them in the business will help put others at ease. And helping people to help others is a perfect expression of IMPACT's mission.
To find out about IMPACT’s range of training programs (RTO code 0115) call 4153 4233 or go to out training page.
IMPACT Community Services' graduate Sharon Bengtsson-Meehan has been named Equity VET Student of the Year and a Regional Finalist for the Darling Downs South West region in the Queensland Training Awards.
Although she completed her courses at IMPACT, the young graduate lives in Chinchilla. She will find out next week whether she will be the state's top trainee.
As a young teenager Sharon dreamt of becoming a diesel fitter or serving in the Army. But these dreams were shattered on December 28, 2012, when a driver affected by drugs smashed head-on into a car in which Sharon was a passenger. That crash claimed the life of Sharon’s mother, Sandra, and left the then-15 year old Sharon in a wheelchair.
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As the driver serves his nine-year sentence, Sharon has begun the process of putting the pieces of her life back together. Her hopes of the Army and diesel fitting are gone, however the 22-year-old’s harrowing ordeal has opened her eyes to a world of new opportunities. She’s found from experience what a huge difference a good carer can make. So she decided to become one herself.
“I had a few bad experiences with carers where it seemed to be more about the money rather than helping,” Sharon said. “I thought ‘I know how hard it is to struggle and not to have your own voice'. The whole experience made me decide that I could get out there and make a real difference. There are things I am able to see that other people might not because of what I’ve been through.”
Initially Sharon was rejected by several training providers who did not have the facilities to accommodate her disability. Then she spoke to Elise Cottam, Individual Support trainer at IMPACT, who is a family friend of Sharon and her grandmother.
“Elise just said ‘let’s make this happen’,” Sharon said.
IMPACT's SQW Coordinator, Deniese, advocated on behalf of Sharon to have her included as a Community Work Skills participant and study with ‘no out of pocket expenses’ through the Queensland Government Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
“We are equipped to assist Sharon who is a determined young lady who is prepared to work hard to beat the odds,” Deniese said.
Sharon currently travels to the Bundaberg region with her one-year-old son, Theodore, and both stay with her grandmother while she trains.
“My Gran has Theodore and she just loves spending time with him,” Sharon said. “Unfortunately, my partner works a lot and so isn’t able to travel.”
As she prepared to go into the Vocational Placement element of her CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) training at IMPACT Community Services, Sharon said Elise had been amazing. Sharon is now armed with the skills she needs to help others.
“This isn’t what I thought I would do back when I was young,” Sharon said. “I want to do this and help.”
And now all her hard work is paying off as Sharon has been named a finalist in the Queensland Training Awards.
We want to congratulate Sharon on her awesome achievement. The awards celebrate the state's top training achievers. We’re keeping our fingers crossed Sharon can take out the top gong when the winners are announced in September.
For more information about IMPACT’s broad range of training services (RTO code 0115) call 4153 4233 or visit our training page.
It's no secret IMPACT Community Services employs some of the best trainers in Bundaberg, and one appreciative graduate has sung the praises of our Certificate III in Individual Support trainer Vicki Lyons.
Rachel Johnson recently completed our Home and Community training course and said she had an amazing experience with IMPACT.
"Scale rating is 10 in all areas!" Rachel wrote in her gleaming review. "The virtual course delivery online was a great option, allowing me to study from home and still look after my family."
Learn more about the Cert III in Individual Support (Home and Community)
Rachel said engaging via the Microsoft Teams platform had been a very positive experience.
"We were instructed on how to use it and it was great to be able to interact with our trainer and fellow students," she said. "It was no different to a standard classroom setting. The course content was great and (provided) a wealth of information."
She said trainer Vicki Lyons has been beyond excellent in the delivery of the course.
"She is a great educator and goes above and beyond in her course delivery and support," Rachel said. "She has become more of a mentor and I cannot thank her enough for her invaluable knowledge and experience. She has been a wonderful support from beginning to end."
Rachel said anybody seeking to continue their education should complete their training through IMPACT.
"I would highly recommend using IMPACT Training and will definitely refer anyone looking to upgrade skills or change careers," she said. "Regardless of your background, level of education, your computer abilities or learning skills, IMPACT can help people to improve their lives."
Our CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support courses (Ageing, Disability and Home & Community) are taking enrolments now and will begin in September. Register your interest here today or phone IMPACT Community Services on 4153 4233. RTO code 0115.
10 August 2020
IMPACT Community Services' Transition to Work team has a new member who is ready to hit the ground running and help Bundaberg's youth find their path to employment.
Shayne Scanlan has a background in the community services sector that has perfectly prepared him for helping Bundaberg's youth transition into work. Transition to Work is IMPACT Community Services' employment support program for young people aged 15 – 24.
“I've worked extensively in the homeless services sector in crisis accommodation,” Shayne said.
Would you like extra support on your journey to employment? Phone IMPACT's TtW team today.
This gives him a unique insight into some of the problems facing Bundaberg’s youth. He has also completed a community services diploma, an arts degree with a major in Indigenous Studies and worked 21 years as a chef.
Shayne's move to employment services is because he believes finding work is the solution for many problems facing disengaged youth.
“My experience in crisis accommodation highlighted for me the generational effect of long-term income support,” Shayne said. “In some cases you see a third generation who've never seen family members work. It has a debilitating effect and can derail a youth’s efforts to look for work.”
Shayne will focus on building a rapport with a jobseeker and then developing their self-esteem, and is keen to strengthen the local network of employers and job seekers.
“Very often young people have to move away to get work, which breaks up families,” Shayne said. “It's not fair.”
Read how TtW helped Jess get a job
Shayne is keen to work with students in schools and he is also eager to talk to employers to organise apprenticeships and internships.
“Internships as a genuine bridge to employment are growing in Australia, a great way to get a foot in the door,” he said.
“If the internship doesn't result in a permanent job, even a glowing reference from a valued employer carries a lot of weight and can open doors to employment.”
Shayne is the fifth member of the expanding Transition to Work team that also recently added Katie Owen as a youth coach. Transition to Work Team Leader Laura Bray is looking forward to all the good work that her fresh new team can do.
"Bringing Shayne in as the fourth Youth Coach brings a positive dynamic to the team,” she said.
“Shayne brings a wealth of experience with him in community services which we can draw on to enhance our service delivery for young people. I have no doubt Shayne’s ability to connect with his new caseload will ensure our service continues to flourish and his participants enjoy his style of mentoring and coaching."
If you would like to talk to Shayne or any of the dedicated youth coaches call 0429 232 653.
At IMPACT Community Services we believe there is no age limit to setting out in a new direction and changing your career. And Tinika McNamara is the perfect example.
Tinika, who is 62, recently graduated from her Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) CHC33015 at IMPACT and has already found employment.
Though she may have been the most senior member in the class, Tinika says she was made to feel welcome by trainer Elise Cottam and fellow students.
The course started in November, 2019, and finished in May.
Elise was particularly supportive when Tinika’s vocational placement fell through when the COVID-19 restrictions intensified.
“I had resigned myself to not getting one,” Tinika said.
“Then Elise rang out of the blue and said she'd organised another.”
The provider specialises in caring for people with a disability and now they've hired Tinika to continue on with them.
Tinika has worked in Aged Care all her life but was not afraid to retrain and acquire the skills necessary for her new career.
“I'm very experienced in Aged Care, but it is entirely different than working one-on-one with somebody who needs specialised attention,” Tinika said.
Tinika did a Certificate III in Aged Care in 2008 and worked at a nursing home and then in a hospital setting. But she wanted a change.
“In Aged Care you are looking after a lot of people in one shift and it can be demanding and tiring,” she said.
“This work involves giving all your attention to just one person and it is very rewarding and less stressful.”
Tinika likes the personal touch needed in her new career looking after those with a disability.
She said her new job required a great deal of patience and calmness.
Tinika praised the support she got at IMPACT as "awesome".
“Elise is great, she's always there to help,” Tinika said. “She has such a connection to people.
“She has a magic touch to put together people who work very well together.
“When you haven't studied for donkey years it is very difficult, but I had so much help from everybody.”
IMPACT is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO code: 0115)
Click here to check out IMPACT’s training courses.
IMPACT Community Services has a new weapon in the fight against Bundaberg's youth unemployment problem and her name is Katie Owen.
IMPACT's Transition to Work (TtW) team was awarded a big allotment of funded places by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, and needed some fresh minds and hands keen to take on the challenge, and Katie answered the call.
“We needed someone to replace a recently-vacated position and now Katie has come on board to be our third team member,” said TtW Team Leader Laura Bray.
“Katie has had several years experience in employment services and is a valuable addition to the team.”
Katie is a Youth Transition Coach and has a case load of 90 people that she will help move into employment or gain the appropriate training to improve their employability.
She started on July 1 and is fitting in well with the team.
“So far my experience with Transition to Work AND IMPACT has been fantastic,” Katie said.
“Sam, Troy and Laura have welcomed me into the team and made me feel right at home.
“It’s been great to see the strong relationships they’ve built with their clients where they can speak freely and know they’ll have a listening ear, ready to help. I’m very excited to see what comes next.”
It's been a good year for the TtW team, meeting all their targets.
The team was handed 93 additional funded places from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and also got a massive referral from Services Australia (Centrelink) because of COVID-19 affecting so many people.
And the coronavirus restrictions mean that some of their work practices needed adjusting.
The regular weekly face-to-face meetings had to be scrapped and went to phone calls instead.
“We're working with COACT on developing digital services including Zoom, and online activities that participants can do to assist their efforts at gaining a job,” Laura said.
“The department is being appropriately cautious and there is no talk of going back to normal services just yet, so most things will remain digital until further notice.”
The demand for jobs is so high that the team is still looking for another member.
The TtW team assists school leavers and young people (15-24) to understand what is expected in the workplace and develop the skills, attitudes and behaviours employers want. They can provide young people with access to a strong network of employers. They also support with:
To find out more about Transition to Work call 0429 232 653 or go to https://www.impact.org.au/transition-to-work
Welcome to Awkward Conversations – an IMPACT Community Services' initiative where we explore some of the challenging questions happening in homes across the Bundaberg, Burnett and Discovery Coast regions.
Today we start with an issue that affects so many of us and that’s job opportunities for our youth and the perception big cities, like Brisbane, have more to offer.
We’ve sought advice from specialist IMPACT staff in the areas of employment, youth employment and parenting, to formulate the following hypothetical conversation.
Youth: “Hey Dad, I haven’t been able to find work here in Bundaberg. What do you think about me moving to Brisbane to look for a job?”
Parent: “Well, there are pros and cons to making this kind of move so let’s look at it from both angles. Brisbane has a lot to offer; it has plenty of activities to do and places to see. It’s a big city and there appear more job opportunities, depending on what you want to do. Have you worked out what sort of work would interest you?
Youth: “Yeah, I've thought about a lot of jobs. I’m keen to do something outdoors or maybe working with people. There seems to be more opportunities down in Brisbane, but it’s so far from you and all my friends.”
Parent: “It can be scary for a young person to handle living away from their family and support networks. While Brisbane might seem a long way away, it’s close enough to come back and visit on the occasional weekend. I would come down regularly and I’m sure your friends would as well. And we can always talk on the phone or through FaceTime. Have you thought about where you would live?”
If you’re aged 15 to 24 and need extra support on your journey to employment, IMPACT Community Services can help you find an apprenticeship, work experience, work placements, traineeships and job opportunities in Bundaberg through our Transition to Work program. Call 0429 232 653 or click here for more information.
Youth: “Not really. I’ve got a couple of old school friends and they live in the same house. They said I could stay with them for a short time, maybe a few weeks.”
Parent: “That’s good. But you need to be aware that Brisbane can be an expensive place to live. Rent is higher and you'll have added transport costs and car parking is also another thing to consider. It might be a good idea if you're moving to try and find a job there first, so you'll have a steady income while you set yourself up. It does cost a lot when you’re starting from scratch. Have you got any savings put aside?”
Youth: “A couple of hundred dollars, so not that much. To be honest, I’d rather stay here, but what are my options?”
Parent: “Well, there are jobs in Bundaberg. There are opportunities with the council as well as in the agriculture, retail and hospitality industries. Bundaberg has also got a bit of a hidden job network and many positions are found through word-of-mouth referrals. Sometimes it takes resilience and patience and the motivation to go out and apply yourself face-to-face. You need to demonstrate that you're a driven person wanting to work. Always follow up on job applications to check progress and seek feedback on what you can do better in your next application or interview. Bundaberg has also got some excellent training and educational facilities. CQUniversity has a good reputation for higher level study. There’s a local TAFE and IMPACT Community Services has its own training programs. These would allow you to study to get a qualification that would give you a much better chance of finding work either here in Bundaberg or in Brisbane if you decide you still want to move.”
Youth: “So, if you were me, what would you do Dad?”
IMPACT's Get Set For Work program offers an individualised service to eligible people aged 15 to 19 years. It aims to assist with participation in quality training and improvement of employment prospects. Support includes one-on-one assistance and group activities that contribute to skill development and goal setting. Call 0436 600 461 or click here for more information.
Parent: “Consider a part time job in Bundaberg to gain some experience and earn so you can save some money. Then look at the study options available. I know there are some great courses for outdoor work or others where you can get the skills to support people who need it. That way if you decide to move you will give yourself every chance to succeed, whichever way you go.”
Youth: “Thanks Dad, I’ll let you know what I decide.”
Did you know IMPACT Community Services’ Registered Training Organisation runs regular Certificate III courses in hospitality as well as disability, home care and community support? ‘No cost to you’ funding is available for eligible persons. Call 4153 4233, email training@impact.org.au or click here for more information.
Make sure you keep an eye out as we explore more important topics in coming weeks. Our responses are purely hypothetical; each person's case will be different and what might be the right decision for one person may not be for another.
We’d love to hear from you if you’ve got a question you would like us to delve into. Simply share a comment on our Facebook page, or if it’s something you would prefer to keep confidential, email awratten@impact.org.au (we will not share anyone’s details without prior permission).
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.