“I’d always wanted to help people,” Jason says. “And I’ve struggled a lot with these things in my life. Now that I’ve been on the other side of it, helping others feels really good.”
John had been a baker for 20 years before working as a meat inspector in the abattoirs. A shoulder injury forced him to take a break, during which he studied for and completed a Certificate IV in Community Services at Bendigo TAFE.
“Sheenah came down to TAFE one day and gave us a hilarious speech,” John says of BCHS’ Senior Leader Alcohol and Other Drugs Clinical Services.
Sheenah Van Eck’s talk stayed with John, and when the traineeships were advertised, it provided a foot in the door of a dream job.
“It’s good being part of the bigger team of the BCHS family,” John says. “The team here are really great, really supportive and welcoming.”
Approximately three months into their roles, the experiences here are already cementing John and Jason’s decisions to work in this field.
“I went back and did a few weekends bricklaying for my old boss, and it was nostalgic for about half an hour before I got sick of it,” Jason laughs.
“I didn’t think a workplace could be so nice to each other, and supportive. Some days it doesn’t even feel like work, you’re learning, you’re talking to people, it’s good.”
Over the 12-months, John and Jason will work in intake, at residential detox centre Nova House, at the pharmacotherapy clinic at the Kangaroo Flat site, and within BCHS’ beautiful new Wanyanimbik Wayawan Wellbeing Centre in North Bendigo.
“Not only do you get to learn about the industry we’re in, but you get to learn about yourself along the way,” John says.
“I think that’s the biggest reward … We can all change and adapt. We can make positive changes.”
State-wide, there are approximately 40 trainees currently embedded in alcohol and other drugs services. In Bendigo at least, these newcomers are already dedicated to remaining in the field and making a positive difference to the lives of many.
