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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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?