The Learning & Development Team continues to grow

The Allambi Learning & Development Team continues to expand to meet the growing need and support offered to support workers at Allambi Care.

The intention is to ensure all starters at Allambi are given the opportunity to complete the Diploma and become professionally qualified.

We have two new trainers straight from our operations team, fresh off supporting the people we care for. These new starters have experience in our NDIS, ITC and Family Outreach programs making their training relatable, relevant and diverse.

So, who are they? 

Kimberley “Kimmi” Wright 

Hello, who are you and where are you from? Tell us some amazing facts about your home town.

My name is Kimberley, but everyone calls me ‘Kimmi’. I’m originally from the Sutherland Shire and grew up in the beaches surrounding Cronulla.

After school, and on the weekend, I used to ride horses on the beach between Kurnell and Cronulla and was there with my friends surfing when they were filming the original Puberty Blues movie.

I was a jillaroo, which means I didn’t care what job I had, providing it paid money and gave me skills

Tell us what you do then.

I have worked beside some amazing people and gained skills and knowledge to be proud of, which I have brought across to the Learning & Development team. Currently, I am training Support Workers and guiding them through the Diploma which Allambi offers.

How did you end up here?

Prior to Allambi I supported people from all walks of life with various disabilities and mental health issues. I thrive on supporting others, whether they are a work mate, client, family member or a friend.

What makes you hop out of bed each morning, with a smile on your face, knowing you are coming to work?

Joining the training team has been a dream come true for me, as I now have the opportunity to support our staff to build the skills they need to support our young people in care.

This is what makes me feels good about myself. I also have a thing for education and learning new things; I might take a little longer than most people to fully understand things, but I will never give up.

What has been your COVID guilty pleasure?

During COVID my guilty pleasure was sushi! I am now very capable and skilled in this area, Yum!

I also took up playing an online game called Animal Crossing -  I have the best island ever!

When our COVID world calms down, where would you like to travel and why?

When COVID settles and I can travel, I will be flying to Townsville to visit my grandchildren - Charlie 4 and Jed 3 - as I have not seen them for 18 months. Reading bedtime stories to them via social media was not quite what I had in mind.

Which piece of advice given to you, have you managed to stick to in life?

My Pop told me that I should never go to bed angry and to make sure that I always take care of those less fortunate to myself.

I am blessed as I had the opportunity to carry that with me every day when I was a Youth Worker.

How can we contact you?

If you have any questions regarding the Allambi Care Diploma of Community Services you can contact me at Kimberley.Wright@allambicare.org.au, my mobile number is 0457 406 215.

Emma Crowther

Hello, who are you and where are you from? Tell us some amazing facts about your home town!

Hello, I’m Emma Crowther, I grew up in the very small and now quite quaint town of Nabiac. Some interesting facts about Nabiac include: Nabiac was once home to Australia’s only Mennonite Amish family and if you’re into motor bikes you can also find Australia’s largest collection of vintage and classic bikes.

Tell us what you do then.

Before coming to work at Allambi I was studying at Uni and working as an OT assistant. Four children have also kept me on the hop!

What makes you hop out of bed each morning, with a smile on your face, knowing you are coming to work?

A flat white with an extra shot increases the spring in my step and smile on my face in the morning! I’m looking forward to getting back into the office to be able to meet with everyone face to face again.

What has been your COVID guilty pleasure?

During Covid, my partner and I have been watching films from way back, we call it a romp through the decades. We started at 1906 and have slowly worked our way to the 1940’s. Currently watching some Hitchcock films which go nicely with a glass of red and dark chocolate.

When our COVID world calms down, where would you like to travel and why?

There are sooo many places I want to travel but Greece and Italy are probably at the top of the list. I would love to live there for six months or more and learn the language and become a local for a while.

Which piece of advice given to you, have you managed to stick to in life?

I often think about ‘there but for the grace of God, go I’. This was especially important for me working in Outreach with vulnerable families. I think it’s important to remember that anyone can end up in a tough place and where we are born and who we are born to is a matter of luck. People are trying their best but some of us got off to a rough start and need support. Compassion is so important and when we can help others, we should.

How can we contact you?

If you have any questions regarding the Allambi Care Diploma of Community Services you can contact me on 0432 644 594  or emma.crowther@allambicare.org.au