With 30 years’ public service experience under her belt – including ten years in Corrections – Wendy took a leap of faith and followed her heart into a rewarding new career in community services. It’s a move that’s allowed her to pursue her passion for social justice, ensuring Indigenous people with mental illness are supported to build meaningful, fulfilling lives.
“When I worked in Corrections, I had the opportunity to run programs with Indigenous prisoners – including group sessions. It was a real learning experience, being able to sit, chat and have a laugh in a comfortable environment. I knew this was the type of thing I wanted to be doing, working hands-on with my mob.”
“When I left Corrections, I would still see the former prisoners out and about in the community, and they’d come up to me and say hello and thank you. That was the most rewarding thing for me. At this stage, I was aware of the complexity of mental illness and the difficulties that can go along with it – homelessness, incarceration, discrimination and racism.”
Wendy’s valuable career history – and readiness to branch out – led to an interesting opportunity, working as the manager of the Bowman Johnson Hostel for homeless Indigenous people.
“That was my first role in community services, and I did that for three years amongst other roles within Murri Watch. To now be working alongside Uncle Bowman’s daughter, Juanita, at RFQ is wonderful.”
“I think what I’ve learnt over the years is the incidence of recidivism or relapse is so much higher when there’s no support – people just can’t cope. It means a lot to be able to just be there, walk alongside someone and provide support.”
Through working in an Identified position, Wendy feels that her lived experience is valued, and the knowledge she brings to the team is respected.
“My position allows me to connect with Indigenous clients through a shared spiritual understanding. I am also encouraged to do things my way, which makes me feel very supported. Our mob have a challenging history, and history is repeating itself. We need Indigenous people to be part of the fight in helping to break that cycle.”
While it’s not easy to step away from the safety, security and comfort of a decades-long career in the public service, Wendy couldn’t be happier with the decision she made.
“I couldn’t ignore this feeling that my calling was in community services, working closely with my mob. There is a great deal of pride in our culture and I’m honoured to be a part of preserving what our forefathers fought so hard for – a better future for our people.”
