BUSHkids 2017-18 Annual Report

Bec McRae’s BUSHkids sea-change

Bec McRae made a major career change when she joined BUSHkids in January 2018 as our Administration Officer in Toowong, fashioning a role which quickly became a perfect fit for everyone.

Watching little William flourish in Mount Isa Sarah Bartsch is an Occupational

“Before joining BUSHkids I was working in retail as the State Visual Merchandising Manager for a women’s clothing brand, designing displays for shops to sell the products,” Bec recalled, “and working for BUSHkids is very different, but I’m loving it! “After 10 years in a very consumer-driven industry I decided I wanted a role that better aligned with my personal values. I wanted to work for an organisation that was making a difference rather than a profit, somewhere that was making a real contribution to the lives of others. “When I discovered BUSHkids and looked more into the work they were doing with children and families in isolated areas of Queensland, I realised BUSHkids was a place I could really enjoy working and somewhere I could see a long-term future. “Finding a role in BUSHkids has been the perfect fit for me and I really enjoy the challenge and diversity of my role. It offers me new challenges and learnings and I enjoy the growth that brings to me as a person. “In August I was involved with the official launches of our NDIS ECEI services in Rockhampton, Gladstone and Emerald, working alongside the team to coordinate the events. I had to ensure each event had sufficient merchandise, order new marquees for the centres, coordinate the travel arrangements for staff and council members, produce run sheets to ensure each day went smoothly and liaise with the media alongside Carlton. “Seeing the three openings all come together and be such a great success gave me a real sense of achievement. “It’s fantastic to be working for an organisation that puts families and kids at the centre of everything it does. Even the service centre openings were as much about the kids and families that use the centres as they were about the visitors, media and VIPs that were there for the official opening. “One of the lovely things about BUSHkids is the way everyone works together as a team to help the kids and families we work with. In whatever capacity they’re involved — whether they’re a member of staff, a volunteer or a Friends of BUSHkids supporter — everyone puts in 100 percent for the kids.” “In June I went along to the Warwick BUSHdance and to see the phenomenal effort the FoBk Warwick volunteers put into organising and running the event was inspiring. “Most of all, seeing their hard work bring such joy and happiness to the kids and families of Warwick was a truly beautiful thing to witness.”

Therapist (OT) working in Mount Isa and she has been privileged to have played a key role in facilitating a truly profound, positive developmental outcome. “It’s great to be part of an organisation that has such a positive impact on the local community,” said Sarah. “In Mount Isa the services we provide make a difference for many children and I value the opportunity to be able to work directly with kids and their families who may otherwise not be able to access services. “It can be a challenge living and working in a remote area like Mount Isa, but we have a great team up here and BUSHkids provides us with excellent support. The organisation understands the challenges we face and helps us with flexible working hours and great professional development opportunities. “Working with the kids and families and seeing how our services are making a difference to their lives is very rewarding. One of the events that stands out for me over the last 12 months was working with the family of a 19-month-old little boy who I’ll call William (that’s not his real name). “When the family first came to BUSHkids, William was unable to communicate in any way, he had limited engagement with others, did not stand and got around by shuffling around on his bottom. “The family accessed our different services in blocks over an 18-month period, and they worked hard to implement strategies devised with the therapists to help their little boy. “Over this time, William has learned to communicate: he now has a vocabulary of more than 30 words and also uses a range of signs. “Most rewarding for me he is that he is now able to walk, run and ride his bike — and loves to play with others! The change I have seen in William has highlighted to me the importance of family-centred practice and the vital role families play in therapy; they really are key to making positive long-term changes for the kids we work with.”

33