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Monday 19 June 2017
To celebrate Refugee Week 2017 we introduce you to some of our staff who after making their own journeys to a new life in Bendigo now give their time to help and support others following the same path.
Learn what events we have planned for Refugee Week: http://bit.ly/RefugeeWeekBendigo
Today we meet Nay Chee Aung - a case worker with our settlement services team.
What is your role with BCHS?
My current role at BCHS is settlement services case worker. I have been in this role since 2015 and still enjoy it just like when I first came on board to work with settlement team as a volunteer four years ago. Settlement services provide support for humanitarian entrants and other eligible migrants in their first five years of life in Australia, with a focus on fostering social and economic participation, personal well-being, independence and community connectedness. The aim of settlement services is to equip eligible clients to feel a part of our community and become self-reliant, through the development of knowledge, settlement life skills and familiarity with Australian norms and way of life. The service also assists clients to access mainstream services.
What is the best thing about your role?
I get to work with a great team doing something I am passionate about in a respectful environment.
It's been years since I started working as a settlement services case worker at BCHS and one of the best thing is that every day I can learn something new. The opportunity to work with good people who have been in this field for a lot longer than I have, who have exceptional experience to share with me and guiding me through my journey is just amazing. Most importantly, I get to work with amazing people from different backgrounds and knowing that we are doing something meaningful for them and see how we change their life for the better.
The work is enjoyable and challenging enough to stay interesting.
How has Bendigo Community Health Services helped you?
When I first came to work with Bendigo Community Health Services I was young, inexperienced and my self-confidence was a little bit low. Throughout the years BCHS helped me grow to be a better person both personally and professionally. It helped nurture and guide me through my professional journey and also helped me reach my goal and fulfil my potential.
What are the most important highlights of your first few months in Bendigo after arrival?
I have the privilege to call Bendigo my home for a couple of years now. I moved to Bendigo about six years after living in Melbourne for a couple of years. Because of the experience living in a busy city like Melbourne, when I first came to Bendigo my first impression was that this is a very quiet little town. One of the best highlights of the first few months was that I saw the Easter parade for the very first time and it was amazing and diverse. The most important highlight of the first few months was that I remember feeling like I belong in this town almost immediately because I was given the opportunity to volunteer with different organisations and get involved in different community events. This town is just amazing because I finally feel the sense of community and feel like home here in Bendigo.
What do you hope to achieve in the future through your role with BCHS?
I would like to expand professional network as well as personal network through my role with BCHS. Working with BCHS in settlement team is always interesting and exciting because you never know who you going to meet next and that network creates connection, opportunity and professional relationship that last for a very long time. I also hope to expand my leadership skills and knowledge or have leadership opportunity for professional development.
What is your favourite place in Bendigo and why?
Lake Weeroona. I always visit Lake Weeroona to relax, to catch up with family and friends and to take photo of nature. I often take families and friends who visit Bendigo for the very first time because this is the place you can spend time with the loved one. The reason I like going to Lake Weeroona is that it has beautiful and safe environment and very convenient. I especially like it during this time of the year because during autumn the lake is just amazing and full of life and colourful leaves. I often take a photo of the lake and its amazing surrounding areas during autumn and spring. The lake also has beautiful scenery during winter mornings.
Learn more about BCHS
To learn more about the refugee and settlement services offered by BCHS please visit www.bchs.com.au
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