David is one of our Indigenous Identified staff from Toowoomba. He works three days at RFQ and two days with the Jaydon Adams Memorial Foundation, a role funded by RFQ.

“I find it fulfilling working in the mental health sector and supporting people towards recovery. It’s what I am passionate about. It’s about acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers, but you do what you can to support others and be a part of their journey towards recovery. I can relate to people as I have had many struggles of my own throughout my life. Looking back now, I see myself as someone who really needed support and guidance but didn’t even understand that’s what I needed at the time. I didn’t think I mattered or had any real significance. That’s what gives me fuel for what I do now – trying to help others to recognise their own sense of worth and value.”

Father-of-five David says he feels honoured to play a role in keeping Jaydon Adams’ legacy alive.

“Jaydon was a pretty remarkable young person, with real leadership qualities. I feel inspired by him and what he managed to achieve in his life. I look at my own kids and would love for them to be as passionate and ambitious as Jaydon.”

David is proud to be in an Indigenous Identified position and believes the creation of these roles is paramount to an organisation’s growth and the wellbeing of their Indigenous clients.

“Through First Nations voices, we can provide culturally safe environments and valuable new perspectives. My dad was from the Stolen Generation and has struggled with mental health his whole life, often finding it difficult to navigate the health system. He’s quite sensitive to the little things and doesn’t always like the way he’s treated. By having Indigenous Identified positions, we can provide quality support, patience and respect to our people and make the journey a bit easier for people like my dad.”