In the mid to late 1980’s I worked at the Wesley Dalmar Carlingford site in the disabilities respite residential care home for young people. During the 1990’s I was employed in the Dalmar Carlingford Pre-school as a relief preschool assistant. Work history included E.A. in a high school; E.A. to a Marketing Executive; working in a drug rehabilitation camp in Hong Kong; advertising/marketing manager; luxury house photographic styling and full circle into counselling and pastoral care, returning to my love of working alongside community. Weekends you will locate me with family, friends and finding new places with my husband Tony. I am a foodie; beachgoer, who loves outdoors and travel. The bucket list remains longer than what I can write.
Throughout numerous health and other challenges in my life, God has kept my life on track. He has never left me alone. He is real, present, and His love unmatched. This is why I am a Chaplain.
On our team we support tireless and amazing staff across a wide range of services across the life of Wesley Mission. Most of my role covers the area of Wesley Child and Family Care Delivery. This includes Family Preservation staff, Targeted Early Intervention Services, Financial Counsellors, Gambling Intervention Staff, Escaping Violence Payments, Parents Next and STEP teams.
The biggest question I may get in my role is “do you have to be a Christian to access a Chaplain?” – and the answer is that we seek to be a non-judgemental safe place to everyone. We assist in crisis or practical situations. Chaplaincy may be walk; a coffee; a laugh or when most needed. We are available to Management from Leadership Meetings with staff or when frontline workdays have curve balls thrown in. All our staff are passionate about the restoration of community.
I have seen the impact of extending the hands and feet of Jesus since I was a young girl in my life. As a grandmother, it is a privilege to be working in Wesley where the mission is to help people most at risk– and to support the staff who are assisting individuals.
Married to my best friend and love, Tony for 36 years, we have a village of our own - 3 adult children; 2 married to outstanding in-love family; 3 grandchildren who call me Mimi with cheeky grins and I adore them and help whenever possible.
I pray for the Wesley staff as I drive – that they know that they are appreciated, and how much change they are making each day in the lives of so many.