Three Bendigo Community Health Services legends have been short-listed for an inaugural Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health award.
Congratulations to our contenders, pictured above from left to right: Sharyn Brasher for Team Player, Nido Taveesupmai for Innovator and Lisa Walklate for Living the Values.
The overall state winners will be announced at the ARRCH Conference in Ballarat this week.
Meanwhile, the BCHS trio have taken the time to answer three quick questions in recognition of their achievement.
Sharyn Brasher, Executive Assistant to the CEO
Can you sum up your role at BCHS in one line?
Executive assistant, board secretariat, events organiser and troubleshooter.
What does this ARRCH award nomination mean to you?
It is a real honour to be recognised by BCHS amongst such an incredible pool of talent, and to know that the work I do is noticed and appreciated.
Why do you choose to work in regional community health?
This is an easy one… to give back to community. I’ve always had a strong drive to connect with people, and regional communities are where those connections really come to life. Plus, where else do you get to know the community, their families, their stories and sometimes even their pets!
Nido Taveesupmai, Refugee Project Facilitator
Can you sum up your role at BCHS in one line?
I see my role as a messenger – someone who bridges the gap between local refugee community members and service providers or content experts, ensuring people receive the support they need for the best possible settlement experience.
What does this ARRCH award nomination mean to you?
It’s like a diamond to me. It shines as a reminder that the work I do is valuable, important, and essential for new arrivals.
Why do you choose to work in regional community health?
Because my multilingual skills and lived experience allow me to support new arrivals as they learn how to access services and build their health literacy, helping them settle confidently in the region.
Lisa Walklate, Senior Leader Alcohol and Other Drugs Wellbeing Services
Can you sum up your role at BCHS in one line?
Working in Alcohol and Other Drug Services I have the opportunity to lead my team to create a service that provides a welcoming and supportive environment where the most marginalised feel heard and respected.
What does this ARRCH award nomination mean to you?
I feel very humbled and proud to be recognised in the work that means so much to me. I am a very passionate advocate for our consumers, families and staff to continue to discover positive changes to better improve outcomes.
Why do you choose to work in regional community health?
I love working in regional community health as the people I work with have a community health heart that beats strong for the most vulnerable community members.
All the best to our representatives.