Employee Profile – Kate

What is your role?
Self – Employed – Trainer Programmer and Facilitator

How did you get into this role?
I was lucky enough to be starting my own business ‘Gumboots By The Sea’, my husband was studying and we had two young children, we are a low income on Parenting Payments and I was a ParentsNext Participant.

When I met with the friendly and supportive staff at Bamara I was able to be vocal with them as to what I could bring to their team and to Participants. Bamara was fantastic at not only nurturing my skills and supporting me and my business, but eventually by providing me with a Training Contract so that I was able to say Goodbye to Parenting Payments.

How do you balance your career at Bamara and family?
I’m not sure I do!

Instead of balance, I aim to find a flow where I can give my best in any given moment. I lean on the support of family and friends – School and Daycare. I ensure all my career choices are heart and soul lead (by not doing anything that doesn’t “feel right” for me or my family) and I am able to find the best way (in the moment) that works for our individual family.

What advice do you have for prospective employees?
Everywhere within Bamara you will find staff that care and have a desire to connect and help. Bring your passion for helping and empowering people and you will have a great time.

What are 3 words to describe Bamara?
Committed, Empowering, Caring.

In your opinion, what does Bamara represent as an organisation?

Bamara are motivated by helping and empowering people, in all ways.

They are driven by helping as many individuals as possible, looking at the bigger picture and providing support that is unique to each family. Bamara is made up of real people, many of whom have had direct experience with being low-income or on Parenting Payments – This makes them related and genuine.

What do you enjoy most about working for Bamara?
I’m Lucky to be self-employed so stepping into a workplace that values and supports me as much as Bamara is amazing!

Travelling to different sites means I get to connect with many beautiful Case Managers, Staff and participants. Some of my best friends work for Bamara, I love being able to go into a workplace where I feel valued and supported.

Do you have an office nickname? What is it?
I think I’m mainly known as “Kate the Trainer” at most sites.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I travelled a lot before kids and plan on doing a lot more with them. But I believe it’s most important to be at peace with where you are at currently.

So if there’s money in my bank, my family are happy and healthy, (and mostly together) – I’m good with being right here – Right now!

Favourite quote?
As a writer I have many, but a fav one for our readers – “Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt.

If you could interview one person (past or present) who would it be?
Oprah – without a doubt, but she can interview ME please.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
Does it have WIFI???

I would bring – Peace in my heart (We are exactly where we need to be), Water and my Hubby Silas – Because he has exceptional survival skills and would be able to keep me alive. Lol

Tell us a little about your family?
I’ve been with my husband for 17 Years, We have two beautiful children Eden (6) and Lucy (4). When Eden started school – I foolishly believed that parenting would get easier – geeeeze was I wrong!

Silas and I are both self-employed and are so thankful for places like Bamara who saw my individual and business potential. They have been able to provide me with work through long term training contracts.

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
I plan to continue writing and will have my fourth book published in 2022. I aim to open my own “Gumboots by the Sea” – Wellness Centre”. I have just started doing Speaking Gigs (Check out my next show at the Manning Entertainment Centre on February 29, 2020).

I will be spending more time doing these over the next few years. I love watching my business grow and helping so many people in so many different ways.

My Wellness Centre will be buzzing with empowering sessions for low income families, energy healing for individuals and Meditation and Mindfulness Magic for ALL! I’m so proud to know that this is what Gumboots By The Sea already encompasses.