Barriers
Mature-age women Seliena Fisher and Karen Hare are single grandmothers, now placed as support workers with Kal’ang Respite Care Centre on Queensland’s Fraser Coast on Butchulla Country.
Karen lives with lower limb deficiencies and mental health issues. She had to leave her job in the cleaning sector over a year ago due to these physical barriers.
Insulin-dependent Seliena is a mature-age single parent to four children, with one child also an insulin-dependent diabetic. She had suffered from endurance issues and was susceptible to low sugar episodes.
Approaching OCTEC
Seliena came to OCTEC after being unemployed for more than 90 weeks; desperate to support her family as she had also recently taken custody of her eight-year-old grandchild.
Both were successful in completing aged care further education to assist with finding employment.
Karen completed a Certificate III in Disability Support Aged Care, with Seliena competing a Diploma in Aged Care.
OCTEC DES Pialba Consultant Annie Angelone worked hard to find employment to suit both ladies.
When working through Karen’s résumé, she noticed she had completed a work placement with Kal’ang, an organisation with which OCTEC has a long-standing and strong working arrangement.
Gaining employment
When contacted, they offered Karen paid ongoing employment based on her work placement, and OCTEC’s proven Biz Support.
The Kal’ang team encourages First Nations job seekers to apply for positions. In regards to Seliena, her qualifications plus wide knowledge of local Butchulla culture made her an exceptional choice.
The organisation was offered tailored Biz Support, with the ladies assisted with purchase of uniforms, as well as the cost of transport and relevant licences.
As a proud First Nations woman, Seliena is well engaged within the Indigenous community, happy to be making a difference in the life and wellbeing of local residents.
Annie maintained fortnightly contact and was always available for advice.
We were able to assist Seliena with the care of her family and participate in three-way conversations with the employer to ensure she was supported in the workplace.
Karen said, although she’s been engaged with other DES providers, she’s never received the level of support and guidance that OCTEC delivers.
Kal’ang is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to caring for our Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Community Elders.
If you live with a disability, illness, or injury and are looking for work, please feel free to reach out to your local employment specialists for assistance.