BUSHkids 2016-17 Annual Report

STAFF

Toni Garrett is one of our newest staff members, joining BUSHkids in June as Office Manager of the new NDIS Early Start centre in Bundaberg. Toni is from nearby Gin Gin and came to us after working in government for more than 20 years. “I had the support of allied health services for my own children when they were growing up so the opportunity of working for BUSHkids, an organisation that provides invaluable help to children and families really appealed to me. “To be the Office Manager for the new NDIS Early Childhood Service in Bundaberg offered an interesting challenge and it’s been something I’ve really enjoyed doing. I joined while the BUSHkids team were working hard to get the new service in Bundaberg up and running, and being involved in setting up the NDIS service is something of which I feel very proud to have been a part. “As Office Manager, I talk to the families when they first make contact with BUSHkids. I hear their stories about the difficulties and everyday challenges they face, and there is an enormous appreciation from them just for listening. I put them in contact with one of the team for an assessment and it’s a great feeling to know you are contributing to providing much needed services to make a difference in the life of a child. “I’m now working as part of the NDIS establishment team, helping set up the Early Start service in Rockhampton and Gladstone and being part of the NDIS side of BUSHkids – an area which is growing and developing – is a fantastic opportunity.”

Members of the new Rockhampton BUSHkids NDIS team gather for an inaugural group photo, together with Carlton and Susan from the Brisbane office. Back row: Nadia Harley,Allys Johnson, Marri-Ann Sadler,Toni Garrett Middle row: MelissaWilkes, Kym Donald, Kellie Ibbotson, Jessica Akers,Angela Barrett-Lennard, Karla Edwards, Helen Casey, Carlton Meyn Front row: Susan Harrison, Belinda Johnson, Tania Quinn,Amanda Dollery, Haylee Stevens

29