Welcome Natasha, tell us a little about yourself and your role?

I am born and raised in Coonamble, a town in the central-western plains of NSW. Our family decided to move to Tamworth a few years ago, as we have always loved and had an interest in the area and am now part of the Bamara team here.

I have two roles with Bamara. I am a Case Manager for our outreach sites as well as an Aboriginal Engagement Liaison Officer. My primary tasks are to assist participants of the ParentsNext program with their Job Plans and working with them to address barriers to employment as well as helping them to access timely services across our community. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, most of my work is mainly over the phone or online when we conduct community engagement initiatives.

Describe your career path which led you into our industry? How long have you been working in the employment services industry?

I worked as a hairdresser for many years in Coonamble and until recently, was working in the mines around Cobar as an Emergency Service Officer.

I have always enjoyed helping and mentoring people, so after settling here in Tamworth, I decided to enrol in a Certificate III in Community Services. During my studies, I fiddled around with the idea of becoming either a Case Manager or a Support Officer. I started applying for roles in the industry, and fortunately, I got the Job with Bamara. I am and am so grateful for the opportunities Bamara are giving me.

What do you find the most satisfying about your role and working for Bamara?

I love being able to make a difference and seeing our participants happy and feeling confident about themselves.

I try to be supportive in all aspects of my role. I want to think I can provide safe and rewarding goals with my participants nothing more satisfying than seeing participants overcome barriers and break cycles.

What are some of your favourite activities you like to do with your family or friends?

I love to socialise and enjoy downtime with my family, which can be rodeos, camping, movie nights and BBQ whilst also making sure I have some me-time.

What skills have you gained or brought with you since becoming a Case Manager with Bamara?

Since working for Bamara, I’ve gained a better understanding of our the challenges and barriers our Participants are facing in their day to day life. I’ve also assisted participants in choosing courses and condensing as much information as possible for their benefit so that they can work towards their study and career pathways more quickly and efficiently.

I’ve always had this knack of getting along with people through a chat during my hairdressing days and being non-judgemental and helping in any way I can. I believe I have carried these skills over into my work here at Bamara, and I am so proud when our participants achieve their goals and overcome barriers whilst also bridging gaps for our Aboriginal communities.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

As long as I am with my family, it does not matter where I am as they are my life. But one day, I would love to go to the Calgary Stampede in Canada, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.

Do you have any quotes, or words of inspiration?

My favourite quote is Go Hard or Go Home.

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