Many of our clients were affected by the recent rains and flood in Brisbane as well as our staff. For all affected, we hope your recovery efforts are progressing well.
The worst of times often brings out the best in people and for our staff at Jubilee that proved no different. We had staff, including Andrea and Nanette, step up in the challenging times to assist our clients and the wider community. We are genuinely grateful and thank them and others for their hard work and dedication.
Support worker Andrea put Jubilee clients first despite being flooded herself. Unfortunately, my little home was flooded to the top of the internal doors. I have been so blessed with amazing friends who came to my place as soon as the water receded. They all took bags of clothes, linen, crockery etc. for washing and storage. Friends generously offered me the use of a granny flat. My family also supported me in so many ways. My little place will be rebuilt in due course. In the meantime I’m at peace and so thankful.During the flood the needs of clients still needed to be met. Thankfully, I was able to continue rostered shifts. At times though, due to so many roads being closed, extra time travelling was inevitable. It is a privilege to work with our clients, to make a difference to their day and encourage independence so they can remain at home. But the real pleasure is in getting to know each person, learning about their life experiences and the richness each one brings.
Nanette, a support worker, was part of the State Emergency Service response during the floods. I joined Jubilee in June 2021 and the SES about the same time. I wanted to join the SES for a very long time and the opportunity arose when my daughters left home. Training with Jubilee and the SES has been challenging due to COVID-19, but incredibly rewarding.
During the floods, I worked out of three depots – Salisbury, Richlands and Morningside. My tasks included liaising with people who needed assistance via phones and using our tasking software systems, going out in trucks to assist with tarping, sandbagging, tile repairs and the like. It was very humbling to be able to assist people who have lost so much.
Like my SES work, I love being able to assist clients through Jubilee. I feel very privileged to be a part of their lives and the clients give me so much joy. I have so much to learn from them.
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