Kylie celebrates 15 years with selectability

Advocating for the rights of vulnerable consumers has kept Townsville local Kylie Shrimp working in the community and disability sectors for 15 years and she definitely has no intentions of turning back.

Kylie has worked for SOLAS and selectability since 2007, starting her career as a Lifestyle Support Worker and progressing through internal career pathways to Project Coordinator and then Team Leader – a role she has enjoyed for almost a decade!

Growing up playing sports and wanting to be a hairdresser when she finished school –Kylie completed her Certificate II in Hairdressing.

It was only when her son experienced symptoms of depression after being bullied in in primary school that she found her true passion in life…helping to fight for people’s rights.

“I love working in the industry, I have a real passion for helping people to live their best life. I really can’t see myself doing any other role now,” said Kylie.

“I have been in the industry for around 20 years, before working at selectability I worked in child safety. And I have been able to develop a lot of knowledge around complex behaviours.”

Listening to General Manager Townsville, Sally Bawden talk about Kylie it is clear that her strengths lie in supporting consumers who have complex needs..

“She has so much compassion for her complex consumers and the way she supports them is incredible,” said Sally.

“I know that your consumers really think the world of you, and they would want to thank you for advocating for them.”

Kylie has worked over her career to build strong stakeholder relationships and is well known in the mental health services space.

She has completed certificates specialising in complex behaviours as well as a Certificate IV in Mental Health and Mental Health First Aid.

In her time as a Team Leader, Kylie recalls that her favourite part of the role has been working with the people that selectability supports.

“I absolutely love it, the biggest thing for me is our consumers and it’s where I get myself into trouble because I do advocate and fight hard for their rights…and I will never stop doing that.

“Our consumers are what keep us going, and I want to continue to support them.

“I encourage selectability to keep getting complex consumers, I believe that those with complexities often don’t get given the chances and fall through gaps. There is so much to those with complexities that people don’t realise.”

The Townsville team came together for a special morning tea on Tuesday 1 February to celebrate Kylie’s milestone.

 In a presentation to the group Sally Bawden said that Kylie’s contribution to the organisation was invaluable.

“You have done an exceptional job. You’ve got a marvelous team who respect you so much. You work so well with everyone.”

selectability CEO Debra Burden also offered her thanks and appreciation.

“Kylie started with us in 2007 and so much has happened in that time and Kylie has been along with us for the whole journey.

“Kylie is one of our most committed team leaders in the organisation. As Sally already mentioned as a Team Leader Kylie works with our highly complex consumers, and I always have absolute confidence in Kylie being able to do that for us.

“Her ability to match staff to complex consumers what makes all the difference and you can only do that if you really know your staff. It’s an absolute pleasure to have you with us.”

If you are interested in finding out where a job with selectability can take you get in touch today. Visit our careers section for current vacancies.