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.
What attracted you to this role?
What attracted you to this role?
In true Compass style, at Venue 114, their 20-year journey was celebrated with a grass-roots, authentic, feel-good country music extravaganza, which showcased some of the talented Compass Trainees in their country best and a cracking whip cracker, literally. The event acted as a major fundraiser for Compass, who are about to embark on a new Masterplan for their Hunchy Farm, bringing more opportunity and services to those that Compass supports. Thanks to the incredible support of over 320 attendees on the day, Compass was able to raise almost $100,000 to go towards building these greater facilities and opportunities for trainees today and into the future.
As an added bonus, attendees were provided with an exclusive first look at Compass’ exciting new campaign – a one-of-a-kind photo exhibition, launched in conjunction with the 20-year anniversary, called See the Able, Not the Label. These images that were unveiled for the first time on Friday, showcase a selection of Compass Trainees in stunning portraits alongside their heartfelt stories of transformation and growth, and aims to inspire others to drop labels and commonly held misconceptions of people with intellectual disabilities.
You can now view these incredible images and read the stories at 
Of course, this event would not have been the success it was without the help of some of the amazing supporters and partners of Compass.
A special thank you goes out to Compass’ now 10-year Corporate Partners – and friends – Cricks Sunshine Coast.
Cricks were the presenting partner for the 20th Birthday Shindig but the relationship with Cricks goes far beyond this one event. They have supported the launch of new social enterprises, to gift assistance dogs to multiple local families in need, to provide essential transportation to our trainees, to connect Compass with new potential partners, to deliver exceptional fundraising events that help Compass deliver critical projects, and even to provide vocational and employment pathways beyond Compass for some of the trainees. The words Thank You don’t even begin to express how truly grateful Compass is to have Cricks support the work to help so many people in the local community.
Also thank you to Gold Event Partners, NCP Bathroom Centre, Silver Event Partners AIB Australia, ENTAG and Queensland Timber Flooring, and our Event Collaborators White House International (who did an amazing job) and Media Partners at 91.1 Hot FM.
Further thank you to our prize sponsors, who provided some incredible experiences and prizes; See Restaurant, Paradise Rum, Sunshine & Sons, Harri Jones Racing and Porsche Motorsport Australia, Diamondvale Cottages Stanthorpe, Opals Down Under, Lauren Biggs Photography, Minor Hotels / Oak Resorts, Kokomo Cruises Gold Coast.
To all the event attendees who showed up and got behind the Compass cause, from purchasing tables, to raffles, to the special ‘Shovel Drive’ and of course engaging in the Live Auction, it is with humble and warm hearts that Compass says thank you.
Lastly, no country shindig can go past a bit of toe tapping and boot scooting to the country tones of Taylor Moss, The Wet Whistles and Beth Lucas! The line dances and do-si-do’s were out in force. Yee Haw!
