“Lisa shows us that values are not statements on a wall, they are choices made every day, especially when the work is complex and the people we serve are the most vulnerable.”
This statement at last night’s Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health Conference dinner partly explained why Bendigo’s Lisa Walklate was chosen as the inaugural ARRCH Living the Values Award recipient.
The state-wide award acknowledges the personal attributes that underpin Lisa and her team’s successes – her integrity, philosophy and deep commitment to community health.
Lisa is the BCHS Senior Leader AOD Wellbeing Services. A nurse of 42 years – 28 of those spent in community health, Lisa says her current role at the coalface of drug and alcohol services is also her passion.
“Working in drug and alcohol services, you can make a real difference with very vulnerable community members that don’t get seen at other services due to stigma and discrimination,” Lisa says.
“If we can make a person feel good about themselves and give them hope, that’s my goal.”
It’s a goal that wouldn’t be possible without Lisa living the community health values.
“It’s about being non-judgemental, respectful, listening deeply, learning people’s stories and working alongside them, not forcing services onto them,” she says.
The award recognised Lisa’s work to incorporate a Foodshare pantry within the AOD wellbeing centre, to embed peer workers in the service, foster culturally-safe pathways and partnership with BDAC, and for creating a dignified and welcoming access point for people accessing drug and alcohol services.
“I’ve got one guy who is currently experiencing homelessness who first came into the building because he felt welcome,” she says.
“We heated him up a meal, we made him a coffee, and he continues to come and make his own cuppa now because he’s comfortable and welcome.
“We talk about providing trauma-informed care, but that welcoming, safe environment is also really important. We don’t have any behaviour issues with our clients, because they’re treated with respect.”
Lisa thanked BCHS Executive Cilla Boucher for nominating her for the award.
“It’s exciting to receive this,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it. I feel very humbled and proud.
“Cilla has allowed me to find my strength, wisdom and experience, and then put them into use for our clients.”