FOUR Aboriginal trainees joined the ac.care staff team as part of an annual program launched in 2021 to provide opportunities for young people to develop skills to succeed in the workplace.
Among the new recruits is Marni, who is undertaking her traineeship at the Mount Gambier Community Centre while studying a Certificate III in Business.
“I have always wanted to work with disadvantaged people and help make a difference in my community and ac.care provided that opportunity,” she said.
“I assist people however I can whether over the phone or when they visit the centre, referring to the various programs within ac.care and listening to their concerns.”
Marni said she valued helping others and contributing to providing a safe place where vulnerable people are treated with respect.
“I like working at the community centre because I love the people I work with – I get along with everyone I work with and feel like I can talk to them about anything,” she said.
“I feel like I am an important part of my team and I believe we make an important difference in the community.”
Meanwhile, young Ngarrindjeri man Kye joined the team at the ac.care Murraylands Centre following experience in conservation and land management with Monarto Safari Park and contributing as a young carer for his father for six years while completing schooling.
“My responsibilities are to answer calls and greet people that come into the office, as well as helping maintain the community space and other duties,” he said.
“I like being able to help people with their needs and making them feel better.”
Kye said he valued seeing the difference ac.care made in people’s lives and had gained insight into the struggles faced by vulnerable people and how organisations and caring individuals could assist.