Getting to know our team with Payden 

Payden, our dedicated Parent Pathways Community Connector in Townsville, lives and breathes community. 

Payden, a proud Wulli Wulli woman with connections to the Wakka Wakka and Gooreng Gooreng tribes, grew up in Eidsvold, a small town where her strong passion for community and connection to culture was first nurtured.  

After graduating high school in a class of just five students, Payden set her sights on new opportunities. Seeking to grow through further education and employment, she made the bold decision to move thirteen hours away from home to Townsville, QLD. 

It was here, while studying a Diploma of Community Services, that her eyes were opened to the many services and supports out there for people who need it most. 

“Moving out of Eidsvold, I had no idea there were all these different types of services and things that can help people make life a little bit easier and get them to where they want to go,” Payden said.

Payden spent over six years working with Indigenous Youth in the Youth Education sector before branching out to build experience with different cohorts and groups.  

In November 2024, she joined the Bamara Townsville team as a Parent Pathways Support Mentor, where she empowered participants to achieve their goals, both great and small. 

Working with parents gave Payden new insights into the diverse ways success looks for each individual, and the different pathways taken to get there, with every parent and family coming from a unique background, culture, and set of experiences.

The thing she loved the most about supporting her participants was the moment a participant reaches their first small goal, sparking that motivation to keep going.

“I love that look on their face. Something so small can be such a huge achievement.” 

In February 2025, Payden stepped into a new position as the Community Connector, where she is responsible for getting out in community, connecting with parents, families, and businesses, and sharing information on our services and support. 

Community Connectors like Payden play an important role in our services, acting as the bridge between people and the services that can make a difference in their lives.  

Always up for a yarn, Payden has a way of making everyone she meets feel like a mate, building trust from the first greeting. 

While working hard to help others achieve their goals, Payden is working towards long-term goals of her own. She plans to return to her community in Eidsvold and bring back skills and experience from a variety of areas to help deliver the services and supports her community deserves.  

“I’m trying to gain as much experience as I can, so eventually in the long run, I’m able to take those skills back home and know how to use them in community,” Payden said.

Passion, community, and connection is at the heart of how Payden carries herself – in both work and life – laying the foundation for a genuine, positive impact on those around her. 

Connect with our Parent Pathways team

Our Parent Pathways service helps you identify your goals – whether they’re family-focused or career-driven – and provides you with or helps you access the resources you need to work towards and ultimately achieve those goals.    

We listen to what matters most to you and your family. Our dedicated team of experienced Support mentors will provide individualised support to help you achieve your goals.