Meet the team: Tama Butler

This Child Protection Week we’re highlighting the role we all play in protecting and supporting children and young people to feel safe, connected and valued.  

At selectability, our child and family care teams across regional Queensland provide nurturing environments where young people can thrive. 

An environment that Mackay team leader Tama Butler is proud to be a part of.  

“My role typically involves supporting, mentoring and overseeing staff and young people that are with the program,” said Tama. 

Tama has been with selectability for six years, previously working as an NDIS team leader before moving into child and family care.  

With a diploma in community service and years of experience in caring and supporting roles, her passion for making a difference is clear. 

“I love working at selectability because the values align with my own.  

“It is a rewarding job to know that I have a positive input into young people’s lives for the better.  

“I love being on the journey alongside our young people and seeing the process and achievement as a result of the support and care provided by my team.” 

For Tama, Child Protection Week is about recognising the individuality of every young person. 
“I have learnt that every young person is an individual and they all have a different story to tell.  

“But together we are all working towards the same goal – to provide a safe and stable environment. 

“This job can be challenging but also very rewarding. If you want to make a difference in our future, then give it a go.” 

Originally from Sydney’s western suburbs, Tama brings a strong sense of community and family to her role.  

“I have a beautiful family, and we love travelling to Fiji to see our extended family.  

“I am also a kinship carer who loves spending time making memories with all the people that mean the most to me. 

As we mark Child Protection Week, it is team leaders like Tama who remind us that the most important work we can do is to support children and young people to feel safe, valued and empowered to reach their potential.