Family and Child Consultants

 I was scrolling through my social media feed recently when an ad popped up that made me pause. “Urgent: Looking for Support Worker in South Brisbane for Community Support… Can start asap.” The pay? $33 on TFN and $35 on ABN for six-hour shifts. At first glance, it may seem like a standard job advert, but to those acquainted with the nuanced world of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), it reflects a more profound issue. I am not against enterprise or the quest to earn – it is human, and when done right, it fosters innovation, quality, and customer-focused services. However, there is a fine line. On one side of this line lies the pursuit of excellence and quality care, and on the other, the perilous path where profit becomes the only focal point, shadowing the essence of care, quality, and human dignity. The ad I stumbled upon is an unsettling reminder of a lingering issue - a scenario where the quest for profit overshadows the primary essence of the NDIS - quality, per...

Ah, Christmas – that time of year filled with the promise of joy and togetherness, but sometimes, a season that can also unearth the scars of conflict and trauma within families. While we often envision perfect holiday gatherings, the reality is that for many, Christmas can be a reminder of past hurts and unresolved issues. In this blog, we'll explore the complexities of dealing with family conflict and trauma during the holiday season, offering some thoughtful advice on how to navigate this emotional terrain. 1. The Weight of Unresolved Conflict For some, the holiday season may bring the burden of unresolved conflicts within the family to the forefront. Long-held grudges, hurtful words, or painful events can cast a shadow on what should be a joyful time. Advice: Consider opening lines of communication. While it might not be easy, addressing these issues with empathy and a willingness to listen can be the first step toward healing. Seek the support of a professional therapist or co...

In the intricate tapestry of community services, every thread woven is more than a service rendered – it’s a life touched, a hope kindled, and a community strengthened. Each professional working within this realm is not just a service provider but a custodian of trust, hope, and transformation for individuals who seek refuge, support, and empowerment in their journeys. But what happens when the guardians of this trust are not equipped, not empowered, and not educated to navigate the intricate, often turbulent waters of community services? This is a narrative too often unfolded in the corridors of organizations that view training as an expendable expense rather than an indispensable investment. When organizations skimp on training, it’s not just a budget line item saved; it’s a compromise on the quality of service, a dent in the armor of professionalism, and a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon them by the community and the individuals they serve. Training in community services isn’t a...

So, you’ve snagged a bright-eyed newbie to join your team. High five! 🙌 But hold onto your confetti cannon, because the real work is just beginning. Ready to transform their first day from a forgettable formality into a grand premiere? Buckle up! Chapter 1: The Ghosting Incident Remember Dave? He walked in, all smiles, soaking up the corporate ambiance, then vanished after his first coffee break. No calls, no texts, just an empty desk haunted by an untouched induction manual. That, dear friends, is the art of ‘inducting and ghosting.’ And trust us, it’s not the buzz we want. Chapter 2: The Information Avalanche Then there was Lisa, who was bombarded with every piece of information from the company’s inception to the brand of coffee in the break room. By noon, Lisa was considering a career change to something less overwhelming, like perhaps, rocket science. Enter the Revolutionized Induction It’s more than a ticked checkbox; it’s the inaugural ballad of an employee’s journey in your em...

  oday, on my flight to far North Queensland, I sat next to a man who asked me a question that got me thinking. The sun was shining through the window, casting a warm glow on us, as the plane cut through the clouds. We were strangers, but there’s something about being way up in the sky that makes conversations flow more easily. “I’m here to work with a group that helps young people in trouble with the law,” I told him after he asked about my visit. He raised an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and skepticism painting his face. “Why bother?” he replied. “There’s no hope for them.” His words hung in the air for a moment. But I couldn’t let them stay there. Because if there’s one thing I know deep in my bones, it’s that there is always hope. I turned to him, looked him in the eyes, and said, “I disagree. These kids, they’ve got dreams. They want to make something of their lives. They want to be somebody. We’ve all made mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we give up on them. It's the opposite, ...

I want to bring something into the light today, something raw, uncomfortable, yet undeniably important. There exists a lingering belief that the effects of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have faded into the annals of history. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve been honoured to hear deeply personal, harrowing yet resilient stories from individuals who bear the echoes of a painful past and a challenging present. Among them is a family whose generations have been marked by the haunting legacy of the Stolen Generations. An elder shared with me the pain of her great-grandmother’s forced removal as a child, a wound that seeped through generations, inflicting a painful disconnection from family, culture, and identity. In another encounter, a mother’s eyes told a story of unfathomable loss. Her son, a young man with a life ahead of him, became another statistic - another Aboriginal death in custody. He was not just a number. He was someone...

Hey, lovely people! So, we've all been there – you’re caught in a conversation that’s about as comfortable as a sweater made of sandpaper. It’s awkward, it’s tough, and suddenly, your shoes become the most interesting thing in the world. But fear not! We’re diving into the magical world of turning those cringe-worthy convos into opportunities for connection, no armor necessary! Communication Skills: The Wizardry of Words The Art of Listening: Listening. We’ve all heard of it, but let’s be honest, it’s easier said than done, especially when you’re itching to jump in with your two cents. But trust us, zip the lip, open those ears, and you might just find a pot of gold in understanding the other person’s perspective. Speak with Sweetness: Now, when it’s your turn to talk, remember – it’s not what you say, but how you say it. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, as a wise woman (thanks, Mary Poppins!) once said. Emotional Intelligence: Your Secret Weapon EQ > IQ (Sometime...