Join us as we meet some of our amazing community services workers.
Meet Michael, our new Hub Leader for BaptistCare HopeStreet’s Warilla and Port Kembla services based on the beautiful south coast of New South Wales.
Michael started with us just a few short months ago but brings with him nearly four decades of experience working in the community services sector. His knowledge and experience of working in communities with people who have experienced great challenge and personal trials is a wonderful asset to the BaptistCare HopeStreet team.
Starting out in youth services, Michael has worked across a diverse range of organisations and positions, including within executive leadership teams.
Joining BaptistCare HopeStreet, he says it’s great to be back at the grassroots level, working in community.
“Whether I’m supporting our employees to manage a challenging issue, or working to strategically develop HopeStreet’s service capacity, no two days are ever the same in this role,” says Michael. “And with the region in a period of transition, our team also have an exciting opportunity to create positive change at a wider community level.
“It may sound like a cliché, but the most rewarding part of my work is the people. It’s not only about seeing the positive changes in the lives of the clients we work with - it’s also a privilege to guide, mentor, and support our staff in the challenging work that they do.”
Outside of work, Michael loves to enjoy the local coastline, swimming, surfing, and even collecting retro surfboards from the 1970s!
He is also passionate about taking care of the environment.
“‘Taking 3 for the sea’ is a daily part of my life,” says Michael. “Picking up three pieces of litter from an area is a small achievable action that has an immediate and cumulative impact.”
Michael is also passionate about music, with some of his favourite musicians being Bon Iver and… Taylor Swift.
“I’m a proud Swiftie, although devastatingly, I missed out on tickets – despite my best efforts…” says Michael.
