Meet the team: Quanita Senior

Every young person deserves someone who believes in them. It is an important belief, but one that guides Burdekin local Quanita’s work every day through her work with selectability. 

Working as both a youth mentor in the BikeShed program and a youth worker in our Child and Family Care team, Quanita supports young people experiencing a range of complex challenges.  

Whether helping someone build everyday life skills, maintain routines, stay engaged with their goals or simply providing a safe and supportive environment, her focus is always on helping young people recognise their strengths and realise their potential.

“Every young person deserves someone who believes in them,” Quanita said.

“If I can be that person, even for a moment, then I know I’ve made a difference, and that brings me joy.”

She brings more than a decade of experience working alongside children and young people across residential care, therapeutic care, youth justice, community programs and transition to independent living.  

Throughout her career, she has also supported students from remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, coordinated community youth initiatives and completed qualifications in youth work and justice administration.

After relocating to the Burdekin, Quanita briefly stepped away from the sector to pursue a career in banking.  

It did not take long to realise where her passion truly lay.

“As soon as I returned to the sector, I realised this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

“I made the decision to resign from my banking career so I could work full-time supporting young people, and I’ve never looked back. This work gives me a sense of purpose that I haven’t found anywhere else.

Working with young people has also reinforced the importance of consistency, accountability and creating environments where everyone feels safe.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that policies, procedures and professional boundaries exist for a reason,” she said.

“Following them isn’t just about compliance, it’s about keeping our recipients safe, making sure we provide the best possible care every time.”

For anyone considering a career in the sector, Quanita believes the motivation has to come from a genuine desire to support others.

“Do it because you’re passionate about making a difference, not because it’s just a job.

“Young people need consistency, genuine relationships and people who show up for them every day. It’s about them, not us.”

Outside of work, Quanita enjoys spending time with her children and being involved in her church community.  

Together, her family enjoys a life centred on faith, fellowship and making the most of their time together.

And yet, it is these values that shine through her work with selectability, Quanita continues to provide young people with encouragement, stability and someone who believes in them, helping them build confidence, develop life skills and create positive pathways for the future.