DAMIEN STEVENS
When Damien was ready to graduate high school 20 years ago, his options were bleak. His Mum, Donna, recalls the feeling of angst in trying to work out where Damien was going to go and what he was going to do after leaving Nambour Special School.
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Compass General Manager, Liza Brock Celebrates 1 year!
Liza Brock celebrated her one year Anniversary as General Manager of Compass in style on Wednesday 10th July.
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Connections Café Nambour Garden Makeover thanks to Bunnings Maroochydore!
Over the past few months, the garden at Connections Café in Nambour has undergone a fabulous transformation, thanks to the generous support and assistance of Robb and the team from Bunnings Maroochydore.
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NEW Compass Cars thanks to Cricks Sunshine Coast!
A huge thank you to Cricks Sunshine Coast for their generous support in supplying our new and improved Compass cars.
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Meet Trainee Nienna
When we were first looking at options for Nienna after finishing at Special School, the most important thing for us was finding somewhere that would help her work towards more independence.
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Meet Trainee Caitlin
It’s a smile we all love – not just Compass staff, but also, pretty much every visitor that comes to Compass Farm knows Caitlin, as she’s often the first to greet them and make them feel welcome with her big and vibrant personality.
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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.
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!!!
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.
