Meet the team: Justin H

On Palm Island, community connection is at the heart of everyday life and selectability lifestyle support worker Justin is proud to be part of it.

As a part of his role, Justin supports recipients to build independence, strengthen life skills and engage in activities that reflect their interests and goals.

Working across individual supports and within the clubhouse, Justin helps create safe and welcoming spaces where recipients can connect, develop confidence and exercise choice and control in a supportive environment.

“What I love about my job is being able to provide opportunities for our recipients to grow, become more independent and have choice and control over their lives,” he said.

Originally from the heart of Sydney, Justin grew up in a busy and multicultural environment where sport, particularly rugby league, played a major role in his life.  

His love of the outdoors later drew him away from city living to coastal communities and inland regions near Canberra before eventually relocating to North Queensland two years ago.  

Now based at Balgal Beach, he values the lifestyle, access to the Great Barrier Reef and time spent on the water.

Before entering the sector, Justin worked as a diesel fitter for more than 18 years, working in some of the most remote and largest mines in the world.

His decision to eventually move into the sector came from a desire for connection and purpose.

“After a career with a lot of isolation I wanted to be around people and advocate for people’s rights and choices,” he said.

Justin says one of the most important lessons he has learned is that every recipient requires a different approach, along with “empathy, compassion and patience.”

The sense of teamwork has also stood out during his time at selectability.

“The team culture at selectability has been the best I’ve experienced in this industry so far,” he said.

For Justin, working on Palm Island is about more than the role itself.

“The best part of my job is working on Palm Island not only with the recipients but with the community as a whole,” he said.

“It’s the most challenging but rewarding role you’ll ever do. 

“Use your life experiences, rely on your team and common interests creates genuine engagement. 

“But also educate yourself, utilise the selectability’s RTO and get qualified!

Outside of work, Justin is rarely far from the water. Fishing is both a passion and a way of giving back, with time spent servicing and repairing fishing equipment to donate to local communities.

“I want to say that I couldn’t live such an amazing lifestyle without the support of my partner.

“Both at home and on the island, she is right beside me encouraging my growth and fishing obsession.”

Through his work on Palm Island, Justin continues to combine life experience, community connection and a genuine commitment to supporting recipients to live with greater independence and confidence. 

Want to know more about our services on Palm Island? You can find out more here