Compass

Meet the Crew: Taryn Morrison

Name: Taryn Morrison

Compass Crew Since: 2019

Role: Support Trainer at the Compass Farm

What attracted you to this role?

I love the idea of empowering community and sharing knowledge.

What is the favourite part of your day at Compass?

All the laughter.

What is something you have learned as a result of working in the disability support sector?

Innate goodness of the individuals I have the joy of working with.

What is something you wish people knew about your role or about the disability community?

Learning something new everyday – the trainees are our biggest teachers.

If there was anything you could change, what would it be?

More dogs in the workplace! It’s the best.

Any final words / comments / funny anecdotes 

Very little is needed to make a happy life.

  ... Read more

Tina

Meet the Crew: Tina Yalden

Name: Tina Yalden

Compass Crew Since: 2018

Role: Harvest Kitchen Trainer and now 2IC Compass Farm

What attracted you to this role?

I had not long moved up from Victoria and left my job of 8 years in Product Development (PD) for Campbell’s Soups. Compass needed someone to run the Harvest Kitchen enterprise working with the trainees to make Jams and Chutneys. With my background in PD it seemed like a good opportunity to combine what I used to do with a new adventure in disability support. The role was explained to me as ‘getting to cook with your best mates everyday’. It turned out to be that and so much more.

I have since moved out of HK into the 2IC role this year, and am really enjoying supporting the trainees and staff on the farm more.

What is the favourite part of your day at Compass?

Getting to see the trainees thrive when they learn new things or participate in a program that they enjoy. I love the interactions with the trainees on the Farm. They know how to make everything fun!

What is something you have learned as a result of working in the disability support sector?

That you can never expect two days to be the same (which I love) and that the ability to go with the flow of our trainees is sometimes where the biggest rewards can come from.

What is something you wish people knew about your role or about the disability community?

This is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. I am there as a trainer for our trainees, but I feel like I get so much back in return. Best job ever!

If there was anything you could change, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing about what I do, but I am excited to see the services and facilities grow on the Farm so that we can offer more opportunity.

Any final words / comments / funny anecdotes 

The best game of UNO I have ever played in my life was with some of my trainees. They just know how to make EVERYTHING fun!!!

  ... Read more

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Meet the Crew: Tim Aitken

Name: Tim Aitken

Compass Crew Since: 2014

Role: Support Trainer / 2IC at the Gympie Centre

What attracted you to this role?

The challenge that comes when supporting more than one person.

What is the favourite part of your day at Compass?

Just being with my people and helping them progress.

What is something you have learned as a result of working in the disability support sector?

I have learnt that through consistency progress will come.

What is something you wish people knew about your role or about the disability community?

The role, when it boils down to it, it’s about connection. People just want connection.

 

  ... Read more

oct 06 copy 2

Meet Trainee Dylan

Name: Dylan Evans

Compass Trainee Since: 2021

Campus: The Farm & Connections Café

Dylan’s mum kindly answered these questions to share with you here.

How would you describe Dylan?

Happy, friendly, caring, and a good-natured person that gives his best efforts in everything he does.

Why did you choose to come to Compass 2 years ago? 

We chose Compass as we had heard good things about this place. We came for a visit and saw all the opportunities if offers. Dylan liked the Farm and said yes, we’ll try it out.

We thought this would offer Dylan something more than just hanging out at home.

We saw that Compass would help him learn new skills and be able to build some friendships.

What has Compass meant to you and your family?

Coming on board with Compass has meant that Dylan can work and learn life skills, and work towards his goals for future living.

How has Dylan grown over the years? What are some of the main differences you see and outcomes that have been achieved?

Dylan now has a busy week working with Compass. He has achieved more confidence and become more adaptable to ever-changing situations. He has connected with his peers and trainers and become quite a happy young man. Working at the Café makes him feel like part of a team. He also feels like he is contributing, like his friends and family, having a job and working towards life goals.

What are some of the biggest obstacles you’ve seen Dylan overcome in his time at Compass?

His communication and confidence as well as his gross motor skills. He is so happy working with his friends and enjoying his job.

A big focus of Compass is about helping others see people with disabilities in a different light and encouraging them to look beyond the disability. With that in mind, what would you most like people to know about Dylan?

We would love people to see Dylan as a happy, funny, gentle, young man, who is helpful and capable of any task given to him. Dylan is passionate about sport, he loves football and cricket and he is a good caring friend.

What is your dream for Dylan’s future?

For him to be able to communicate with others and feel included and be confident and independent in any situation, to be genuinely happy.

  ... Read more

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Meet the Crew: Bri Halliday

Name: Brianna Halliday

Compass Crew Since: May 2022

Role: Team Leader Harvest Kitchen / Support Trainer

What attracted you to this role?

I had recently hit my 10 years of working in all sectors of hospitality and decided I needed a change. During high school I wanted to be a special needs teacher but as I started working more after school in an events company, I found my passion for hospitality and events. I went on to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Business and Event Management. In 2021 I decided to complete my support work qualification and was lucky enough for 4 weeks placement here. While on placement I fell in love with all of Compass and fostered a great connection with the trainees. I am very grateful for my position which allows me to engage with trainees as well as incorporate a business aspect into my role.

What is the favourite part of your day at Compass?

The interactions with the trainees. They brighten up your day from the moment you walk in. I love the little messages I get written on my lunch wrapping, the laughs we have, the meaningful moments and learning opportunities as well as the daily banter. Oh, and testing the jam and chutney batches before we jar up… yum!

What is something you have learned as a result of working in the disability support sector?

It’s the relationships you form with trainees that allow them to grow and achieve through your support and interactions. I was surprised how much you learn about yourself through this role as well. Although you are there to help them thrive, they are actually the ones that enrich your life.

What is something you wish people knew about your role or about the disability community?

How important accessibility is. I find myself evaluating situations or environments that I am in assessing how accessible it would be for someone with a disability. I’m looking at not only providing physical accommodations but also fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Next time someone with a disability interacts with you, try and communicate with them before the jumping to the support worker. A simple hello back could make their day.

If there was anything you could change, what would it be?

I would have loved to have started in this industry a lot sooner!

Any final words / comments / funny anecdotes etc?

Support trainers are the guiding stars that illuminate the path to thriving and enriching lives for their clients. We are there to shine a light on their ability, not disability.

  ... Read more

Tye

Meet the Crew: Tye Naismith

Name: Tye Naismith

Compass Crew Since: 2021

Role: Team Leader Wabi Sabi Creations / Support Trainer

What attracted you to this role?

I was working in construction when I saw the position advertised and I really dislike jackhammering… so the chance to pursue a role in Disability/Community Service and apply skills from the other industries (Retail, Outdoor Rec, School Camps, Hospitality, Construction) I have worked in was appealing. I was fortunate to have my interview at the Farm and after seeing the space and meeting many of the Compass trainees and staff I was so excited to be a part of the organisation.

What is the favourite part of your day at Compass?

Seeing trainees build their confidence when interacting with customers, and in turn, seeing the public realise their potential. Enjoying those moments where people let down their guard, see and respond to the person, not their disability.

What is something you have learned as a result of working in the disability support sector?

I have found much of the job is getting to know a person. Knowing who they are, their strengths, needs and sense of humour. Working in this sector acts as a mirror and as much as we support others it enables me to self-reflect and has/is helping me to be a better person. It pushes me to want to study, learn and grow my skills and experience so that I can better support the people who choose to come to Compass.

What is something you wish people knew about your role or about the disability community?

I would wish for more people seeing the humanity of people with disabilities rather than the label.

If there was anything you could change, what would it be?

I would like to see greater collaboration in the sector. Greater awareness in the community/industry of the challenges and need for co-operation in all areas, whether it be more quality SIL’s providers, access to OT’s and capacity building programs, accessibility in the community but also the interplay between all these areas to increase lifelong positive outcome for NDIS participants. Compass is doing great work in this space, and I would love to see growth in how we can use what we do to initiate a positive influence and change with other stakeholders in the lives of the trainees.

Any final words / comments / funny anecdotes etc?

I recently heard some simple advice that can be applied to anyone and everyone. It went something like this…

If someone is displaying negative behaviour, try not to personalise it. It’s not that they are trying to give you a tough time, it’s that they are having a tough time. The behaviour is the symptom, we need to find the source and put supports in place around that.

I have been testing this within my own practice at work and at home, even within myself. Give it a go.

  ... Read more

aug 25 b

Meet Trainee Dennis

Name: Dennis Oliver

Compass Trainee Since: 2007

Campus: The Farm

Dennis’ mum kindly answered these questions about Dennis to share with you here.

How would you describe Dennis?

I would describe Dennis as a caring man. Who is always looking out for his family and friends. He is a very social person always visiting different people around Nambour.

Why did you choose to come to Compass in 2007? And why have you chosen to stay at Compass since then?

We have chosen to keep Dennis going to Compass because Dennis loves going and we feel it is a family environment. He loves going and helping on the farm. He is well looked after and Compass show a genuine interest in Dennis as a person

What has Compass meant to you and your family?

Compass has meant that we know Dennis is safe and looked after. It is an awesome community. It has helped Dennis with healthy food choices from the kitchen.

How has Dennis surprised you most? What are you most proud of?

What has surprised me about Dennis is his commitment to things. He loves to turn up early to the Café to do extra jobs (which were given to him to deter him from turning up early) but he has embraced as something positive.

What are some of the biggest obstacles you’ve seen Dennis overcome in his time at Compass?

His independence and confidence in himself. Before he began to go to Compass farm, he was shy and reserved and he has definitely gained confidence in all areas of his life.

A big focus of Compass is about helping others see people with disabilities in a different light and encouraging them to look beyond the disability. With that in mind, what would you most like people to know about Dennis?

Dennis loves anything to do with cars. He loves go karting and does that regularly. He loves going 4WDing and you will often see him in the pits of many Speedway tracks in south east QLD.

What is your dream for Dennis’ future?

Our dream for Dennis in the future is to be as independent as he can be and to feel he is included in the community and not on the outer.

  ... Read more

jul 9

Meet the Crew: Paula Young

Name: Paula Young

Compass Crew Since: 2019

Role: 2IC Nambour Campus

What attracted you to this role?
I have always been drawn to working within the Disability sector, I volunteered for many years helping families with respite support.    

What is the favourite part of your day at Compass?
Meeting and greeting the trainees in the morning and talking to them about their week.  I love the fact that everyday is different and they are enthusiastic to conquer their goals

What is something you have learned as a result of working in the disability support sector?
Anything is possible.  It is so rewarding to be a part of assisting trainees to kick their goals. The trainees also inspire me to work as hard at my own goals in life.

What is something you wish people knew about your role or about the disability community?
Don’t focus on a person’s disability, look at their ability to create new possibilities to make a difference in this world

Any final words / comments / funny anecdotes etc?
Never been in a role where I’ve been called so many Superhero names – thanks to Chris Wilson (Nambour trainee).    ... Read more

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Did You Know: School to Adult Life Transition

Reach out to the Community and Mainstream Team at Carers Queensland to begin talking about a young person’s School to Adult life transition and join in at one of their Family Connect Forums to share ideas and knowledge in a relaxed and positive environment. Attending the forum will assist you to find new potential avenues of support, meet other parents and hear their stories, discuss shared experiences, explore new ideas, and engage with young people to plan a path forward.

To find a School-to-Adult Life Transition Family Connect Forum near you visit Carers Queensland Community events page at School to Adult Transition Forum  or contact them on 1300 999 636 or email them at [email protected]

Additionally, if you are looking to see how Compass can support this school to adult transition, please contact our team to discuss.

Please find a selection of other helpful resources below:

– Let’s Talk About Work Booklet

– Finding, keeping and changing jobs

– Leaving school

– School leaver employment supports

– School leaver employment support booklet

– School leaver employment goals worksheet

– Supports in employment

– Work and study supports

– Who is responsible for the supports you need?

– Thinking about self employment

– Thinking about work

– AAA NDIS SLES Funding Guide

  ... Read more