Or a really interesting campaign was launched just this week. Let's find out a bit more about and speak to one of the people involved. Gerald Boniface. Sure. Lovely to catch up with you again. Thank you for your time. No worries.

Or a really interesting campaign was launched just this week. Let's find out a bit more about and speak to one of the people involved. Gerald Boniface. Sure. Lovely to catch up with you again. Thank you for your time. No worries.

Peter, thank you for having me here.

Peter, thank you for having me here.

Yeah, this sounds really exciting. Uh, saying that, uh, for potential people to work in the disability area.

Yeah, this sounds really exciting. Uh, saying that, uh, for potential people to work in the disability area.

Absolutely. Yep. So it's an attraction and retention campaign. Um, we want to have skilled, confident and competent people, uh, supporting people with disability.

Absolutely. Yep. So it's an attraction and retention campaign. Um, we want to have skilled, confident and competent people, uh, supporting people with disability.

They had some, uh, kind of heavy hitters. If I could be impolite. Uh, launch it. Uh, the minister and the assistant minister of the South Australian Human Services minister are all involved.

They had some, uh, kind of heavy hitters. If I could be impolite. Uh, launch it. Uh, the minister and the assistant minister of the South Australian Human Services minister are all involved.

Yep, absolutely. Um, so, yeah, it was amazing to have such support for our campaign. We're a very eclectic bunch. We're made up of just, um, people who have come together really passionate to make a change in this area. I was going.

Yep, absolutely. Um, so, yeah, it was amazing to have such support for our campaign. We're a very eclectic bunch. We're made up of just, um, people who have come together really passionate to make a change in this area. I was going.

To ask you, why has this happened? But I guess it's kind of obvious, isn't it? I mean, there's probably many, many reasons why something like this has happened.

To ask you, why has this happened? But I guess it's kind of obvious, isn't it? I mean, there's probably many, many reasons why something like this has happened.

Yeah, yeah. Mainly we've been doing this work since March 2023, and what we heard is that people with disability aren't always being able to access the support that they need, when and where they need it. And of course, that's greatly impacting on their lives. And so we were determined to come together to try and showcase the rich and rewarding career that disability support work can be, and the amazing difference that people can make in people's lives with disability.

Yeah, yeah. Mainly we've been doing this work since March 2023, and what we heard is that people with disability aren't always being able to access the support that they need, when and where they need it. And of course, that's greatly impacting on their lives. And so we were determined to come together to try and showcase the rich and rewarding career that disability support work can be, and the amazing difference that people can make in people's lives with disability.

Is that kind of the appeal, if you like. I mean, you said rich and rewarding. You're probably not thinking bank account wise, though, are you, in a sense?

Is that kind of the appeal, if you like. I mean, you said rich and rewarding. You're probably not thinking bank account wise, though, are you, in a sense?

Well, you know, it can be. It definitely can be. But what we really want to showcase is that, you know, there's just so much diversity with the type of work that you could be doing and the huge range of people that you could be supporting that no two days, you know, are the same. No. Sometimes no two hours are the same. So yeah, it can appeal to so many people and there's such rich, transferable skills that you can learn in this work and that you can take, you know, to any, any kind of area in life with you. So yeah, we really want to showcase the beauty of this work.

Well, you know, it can be. It definitely can be. But what we really want to showcase is that, you know, there's just so much diversity with the type of work that you could be doing and the huge range of people that you could be supporting that no two days, you know, are the same. No. Sometimes no two hours are the same. So yeah, it can appeal to so many people and there's such rich, transferable skills that you can learn in this work and that you can take, you know, to any, any kind of area in life with you. So yeah, we really want to showcase the beauty of this work.

That's really important point about the variety and also like the different areas. I mean, if someone's kind of interested in the recreational side of life, they can put it that way. There's an opportunity there.

That's really important point about the variety and also like the different areas. I mean, if someone's kind of interested in the recreational side of life, they can put it that way. There's an opportunity there.

Absolutely. And one of our people who have been part of this group since the start is, you know, a professional Olympic surfer. And so her support workers absolutely need to love the outdoors, need to be up for a very active, you know, lifestyle to help support that person and what they would like to do and how they want to live their lives here.

Absolutely. And one of our people who have been part of this group since the start is, you know, a professional Olympic surfer. And so her support workers absolutely need to love the outdoors, need to be up for a very active, you know, lifestyle to help support that person and what they would like to do and how they want to live their lives here.

And with something like that, of course, the success of the individual kind of rubs off on the support staff, if I can put it that way.

And with something like that, of course, the success of the individual kind of rubs off on the support staff, if I can put it that way.

Definitely. And we heard that yesterday at the launch. You know, it's such a reciprocal relationship and that's what makes it so rich and rewarding as well, is those, you know, deeply personal and empowering relationships for both people.

Definitely. And we heard that yesterday at the launch. You know, it's such a reciprocal relationship and that's what makes it so rich and rewarding as well, is those, you know, deeply personal and empowering relationships for both people.

So you talked about an eclectic bunch, which is a very good thing. What about as far as kind of the the union side of things? I guess that's very important as well as part of a sort of fair conditions and fair pay.

So you talked about an eclectic bunch, which is a very good thing. What about as far as kind of the the union side of things? I guess that's very important as well as part of a sort of fair conditions and fair pay.

Absolutely. And so the union are such a rich resource in the sense of that they represent so many members that they can really highlight those areas that need to change. Um, and also have such great ideas on how they can be changed because they hear from so many people about, you know, those barriers to retaining, uh, people within the sector as well. And so that's where we can start to really drive and advocate for change.

Absolutely. And so the union are such a rich resource in the sense of that they represent so many members that they can really highlight those areas that need to change. Um, and also have such great ideas on how they can be changed because they hear from so many people about, you know, those barriers to retaining, uh, people within the sector as well. And so that's where we can start to really drive and advocate for change.

That retaining is important as well, isn't it? Because sometimes it's well and good to attract people. But then if it's not the sort of thing that you know, you need something to keep them there. And that's part of the campaign as well.

That retaining is important as well, isn't it? Because sometimes it's well and good to attract people. But then if it's not the sort of thing that you know, you need something to keep them there. And that's part of the campaign as well.

Absolutely. And you know, what we heard overwhelmingly was that people don't really understand what it is. And so what we've really tried to showcase through interviewing people with disability and their support workers is what it could look like. And so that we're trying to really broaden that lens of people's understanding and appreciation for disability support workers.

Absolutely. And you know, what we heard overwhelmingly was that people don't really understand what it is. And so what we've really tried to showcase through interviewing people with disability and their support workers is what it could look like. And so that we're trying to really broaden that lens of people's understanding and appreciation for disability support workers.

What about getting people on the way to this? I'm thinking in terms of training courses, that sort of thing.

What about getting people on the way to this? I'm thinking in terms of training courses, that sort of thing.

Yes. And thank you for mentioning that, Peter. What we heard when we were doing our research for the campaign was that it was really hard for people to access information because different states and territories require different things. And so as part of the website, we've developed a jurisdictional map. You can just click on your area and find out about events that are happening near you. If you'd like more information. Want to talk directly with some people who are already in the profession, but also around training, you know, police checks, clearances, etc. that you may need, as well as advocacy services so people don't feel that they're alone in this if they are experiencing some of the negative side of, you know, things as well. So there are lots of things out there that people can access through the website.

Yes. And thank you for mentioning that, Peter. What we heard when we were doing our research for the campaign was that it was really hard for people to access information because different states and territories require different things. And so as part of the website, we've developed a jurisdictional map. You can just click on your area and find out about events that are happening near you. If you'd like more information. Want to talk directly with some people who are already in the profession, but also around training, you know, police checks, clearances, etc. that you may need, as well as advocacy services so people don't feel that they're alone in this if they are experiencing some of the negative side of, you know, things as well. So there are lots of things out there that people can access through the website.

Yes. It's always a little bit amusing, isn't it, Cheryl? Like we're one country, but states and territories and different little idiosyncrasies from different states about different things. It's it's kind of well, it kind of can be very amusing, but also very frustrating. I think as far as the sort of the, the red tape things, uh, go.

Yes. It's always a little bit amusing, isn't it, Cheryl? Like we're one country, but states and territories and different little idiosyncrasies from different states about different things. It's it's kind of well, it kind of can be very amusing, but also very frustrating. I think as far as the sort of the, the red tape things, uh, go.

Absolutely. That's the that's what we're trying to overcome as well. Yeah. Some of those barriers so that people can access relevant and, you know, really accessible information.

Absolutely. That's the that's what we're trying to overcome as well. Yeah. Some of those barriers so that people can access relevant and, you know, really accessible information.

What about kind of targeting people who might you know, I've had enough of doing this desk job. I've had enough of whatever job it might be. I want a change. Kind of, you know, maybe sort of a if you like, a more mature rage or someone that might want a change of career, that sort of approach.

What about kind of targeting people who might you know, I've had enough of doing this desk job. I've had enough of whatever job it might be. I want a change. Kind of, you know, maybe sort of a if you like, a more mature rage or someone that might want a change of career, that sort of approach.

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, that's the beauty of disability support work. There's so many people that you could be supporting, you know, that cover all ages, all cultural backgrounds, religious backgrounds, etc., that there's actually something for everybody. You know, you can really have that strong compatibility piece. But also we find that what people are really looking for in their support workers are above all things like empathy. You know, the ability to listen. And sometimes, you know, people with a with that experience really understand those core kind of values and skills that would make a brilliant support worker.

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, that's the beauty of disability support work. There's so many people that you could be supporting, you know, that cover all ages, all cultural backgrounds, religious backgrounds, etc., that there's actually something for everybody. You know, you can really have that strong compatibility piece. But also we find that what people are really looking for in their support workers are above all things like empathy. You know, the ability to listen. And sometimes, you know, people with a with that experience really understand those core kind of values and skills that would make a brilliant support worker.

Well, along those lines, what about people with disabilities themselves working in this sort of area?

Well, along those lines, what about people with disabilities themselves working in this sort of area?

Absolutely. And that's something that we really want to promote. You know, there's just so much breadth within this work that it's a really underutilized and under-resourced area that we really want to showcase and highlight as well. People in our campaign work as mentors to other people with disability, you know, and things like that. There is nothing, you know, no one that kind of couldn't look into doing this work.

Absolutely. And that's something that we really want to promote. You know, there's just so much breadth within this work that it's a really underutilized and under-resourced area that we really want to showcase and highlight as well. People in our campaign work as mentors to other people with disability, you know, and things like that. There is nothing, you know, no one that kind of couldn't look into doing this work.

I talked about Amanda Rishworth getting involved and Ali Nat Cook. I mean, it's good to have that sort of, uh, buy in, if I can put it that way.

I talked about Amanda Rishworth getting involved and Ali Nat Cook. I mean, it's good to have that sort of, uh, buy in, if I can put it that way.

Absolutely. And I think, um, you know, this has been a real, true collaboration. The same core group of people have been influencing it from the start, um, since March 2023. And at the heart of everything that we've done is people with disability having a really strong voice around what's important to them. And I think that that's, you know, part of the beauty of the campaign, but also that provides those really rich insights into what's needed to kind of transform this sector as well.

Absolutely. And I think, um, you know, this has been a real, true collaboration. The same core group of people have been influencing it from the start, um, since March 2023. And at the heart of everything that we've done is people with disability having a really strong voice around what's important to them. And I think that that's, you know, part of the beauty of the campaign, but also that provides those really rich insights into what's needed to kind of transform this sector as well.

I've spoken to that cook a number of times on this program over a number of years actually. Now, Sharon. I think one thing you can say about that, well, two things. I think he's very, very passionate and she's very, very genuine. What you see is what you get. And I get a chance to speak to our guests off air and kind of communicate with them off air. So you kind of get a bit of an idea of what they're really like, not just what they say on air. And and as I say, that is very, very genuine about her wanting to to make a difference.

I've spoken to that cook a number of times on this program over a number of years actually. Now, Sharon. I think one thing you can say about that, well, two things. I think he's very, very passionate and she's very, very genuine. What you see is what you get. And I get a chance to speak to our guests off air and kind of communicate with them off air. So you kind of get a bit of an idea of what they're really like, not just what they say on air. And and as I say, that is very, very genuine about her wanting to to make a difference.

Absolutely. 100% agree with that, Peter. Yeah. Very, very authentic.

Absolutely. 100% agree with that, Peter. Yeah. Very, very authentic.

Authentic. That's a great word. So what from here then? Uh, you've got a website up and running.

Authentic. That's a great word. So what from here then? Uh, you've got a website up and running.

We have got a website up and running. Um, part of our work as well is building or looking at how we build a career path for workers. Like what you touched on before, Peter, around better conditions, um, you know, improved salaries, etc. and also around training. So the need to address differently trained workers depending on the people that you're supporting. So not everyone comes out with those skills that help support people with high and complex needs, that that's a different skill sets that is required. Um, and the exciting thing about that is also involving people with disability to make those decisions around the training reform. So yeah, we've still got a lot to a lot to do. But also, um, the website will be constantly evolving. So if anyone wants to get involved, you know, we're really keen to make sure that people with disability and their support workers are really represented in what disability support work could look like. And the really amazing difference that you can make in somebody's life. And so, yeah, if anyone's keen to be involved in doing those interviews, we'd be more than happy to come and record those with people as well.

We have got a website up and running. Um, part of our work as well is building or looking at how we build a career path for workers. Like what you touched on before, Peter, around better conditions, um, you know, improved salaries, etc. and also around training. So the need to address differently trained workers depending on the people that you're supporting. So not everyone comes out with those skills that help support people with high and complex needs, that that's a different skill sets that is required. Um, and the exciting thing about that is also involving people with disability to make those decisions around the training reform. So yeah, we've still got a lot to a lot to do. But also, um, the website will be constantly evolving. So if anyone wants to get involved, you know, we're really keen to make sure that people with disability and their support workers are really represented in what disability support work could look like. And the really amazing difference that you can make in somebody's life. And so, yeah, if anyone's keen to be involved in doing those interviews, we'd be more than happy to come and record those with people as well.

Where do we go? What's the website?

Where do we go? What's the website?

The website is what's myfuture? Com.au.

The website is what's myfuture? Com.au.

We'll put that up with our show notes. Sure. Always great to catch up. Lovely to speak to you again. Congratulations on the initiative. Two years to get to this point. Be good to catch up. Well, probably before two years time, but in two years time to see where it all goes. Because it's kind of a a working document, a live document. I'm sure a lot will change between now and then. One thing that won't change, I'm sure, is the demand for people to work in this area, that there'll always be a job in this area, won't there?

We'll put that up with our show notes. Sure. Always great to catch up. Lovely to speak to you again. Congratulations on the initiative. Two years to get to this point. Be good to catch up. Well, probably before two years time, but in two years time to see where it all goes. Because it's kind of a a working document, a live document. I'm sure a lot will change between now and then. One thing that won't change, I'm sure, is the demand for people to work in this area, that there'll always be a job in this area, won't there?

Absolutely, absolutely. 100% there will be. Yep.

Absolutely, absolutely. 100% there will be. Yep.

So great to catch up. We'll speak again soon.

So great to catch up. We'll speak again soon.

Thank you so much, Peter.

Thank you so much, Peter.

That's a show. That's a very important launch during the week. And we'll put those details up with our show notes. But if you or someone you know maybe is looking for a career change, or maybe would like to just get more out of their job, check that out. And if you ever have trouble with our show notes, our website, you can always give us a call here at the radio station. 1300 847 466.

That's a show. That's a very important launch during the week. And we'll put those details up with our show notes. But if you or someone you know maybe is looking for a career change, or maybe would like to just get more out of their job, check that out. And if you ever have trouble with our show notes, our website, you can always give us a call here at the radio station. 1300 847 466.