Burdekin
Burdekin Mental Health Hub officially open!
On 18 June 2024, we officially opened our Burdekin Mental Health Hub! Thanks to all who attended this event and made it such a success.
In 2021, selectability purchased the disused Caledonian Hall with plans to transform it into a community hub! Thanks to an $808K grant from the Queensland Government’s Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership Program, along with a $600K contribution from selectability, the $1.4M renovation has seen us deliver an accessible, multi-use facility for individuals and groups across the region to connect and link to vital mental wellbeing support!
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Engaging the community
Before finalising the design of the new facility, we undertook extensive consultation and engagement the local community to ensure that the services on offer were in line with community needs.
We found that:
- 93 per cent of respondents believed the was a need for a dedicated mental wellbeing facility
- 88 per cent believed the existing range of mental health supports is inadequate or limited.
- 88 per cent believe a friend or loved one would have benefitted from mental health support over the last 12 months.
Our News
Meet the team
Jo Leonard
Regional Coordinator
Meet Jo Leonard! She’s recently been appointed acting regional coordinator for our Rockhampton region.
Taking on the leadership role just 3 months after joining selectability as senior youth worker in our child safety program, Jo is looking forward working with key stakeholders improve mental wellbeing and contribute to suicide prevention across the community.
With over 20 years of experience in the childcare and education industries, and 4 years in the disabilities sector, Jo brings a wealth of knowledge and a heart full of dedication to her role.
Jeff Scharton
Team Leader (Direct Services)
Jeff collaborates with Lifestyle Workers and consumers to support their individual journey to reach their goals.
He has been with selectability for three months and loves providing support for those in need.
“The assistance that I’m able to put in place for our consumers can make a world of difference in their everyday lives.”
Originally from Nebraska, USA, Jeff made the big move to Australia in 2004. In his spare time, he’s either exploring the countryside or cooking up a storm on the BBQ.
Simone Oehm
Team Leader - Direct Services
Meet Simone, she works for selectability in Cairns as a team leader for direct services.
Starting with selectability in 2023 as a lifestyle support worker, Simone progressed to her current role where she oversees the delivery of NDIS supports, coaches/supports lifestyle support workers and liases with stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for consumers.
"I enjoy working with consumers and the challenges each day can bring,Every day is different and rewarding!" said Simone.
"My personal awareness of how mental illness negatively impacts the quality of day to day living, prompted me to apply for the role of lifestyle support worker with selectability.
"After researching how I could give back, I discovered selectability are the leaders in providing mental health supports, which was something I wanted to be part of.
Jireh Scheurwater
Practice Supervisor
Meet Jireh – he has been working for selectability for the last 10 months and has most recently taken on the role of practice supervisor. As a part of this role, Jireh works with frontline employees with a common goal of supporting their consumers through the delivery of best practice psychosocial supports.
Born on Thursday Island, Jireh prides himself as a family orientated man with aa strong passion for supporting the wellbeing of others.
This initially led him to selectability through the role of Lifestyle Support Worker, before joining the support coordination team
“We work in a special space with our consumers that has many challenges at times but there is a lot of personal reward that comes with that,” said Jireh.
“The ripple effect of the difference we make in our work is special.”
With a 13-year background in social justice and pastoral care, Jireh is currently working toward his degree in psychological science.
In his spare time, Jireh enjoys spending time with his family and indulging in his hobbies.
“I'm easygoing and just as happy out in the bush camping with family and friends or sitting around a table playing nerdy games like Dungeons and Dragons.
“I love playing in a band and dabbling in standup comedy but I am happy to retreat into a good book, just as long as there is coffee!”
Jack Lindsay
Key Worker SIL/Medication Compliance
Meet Jack from Cairns! he is a key worker for supported independent living (SIL) and medication compliance.
A part of Jack’s role is to oversee medication compliance across 13 SIL properties in the Cairns region, providing support and training to employees where needed.
“I provide training to SIL staff on proper medication chart completion, procedural adherence, and compliance within the lifestyle support worker role,” said Jack.
“Furthermore, I conduct audits of SILs to ensure accurate medication charting and assess property compliance, including up-to-date safety data sheet documentation.
A crucial role, Jack’s day-to-day work ensures the correct procedures are in place so that our consumers can receive high quality services through SIL.
Above this, it is his dedication to his passions and previous work experience that give him his unique devotion to his role.
“Before I worked with selectability, I was an enrolled nurse in a dementia ward for 18 months, where I also trained staff in their caregiver roles.
“I would say, the most gratifying aspect of my current position is establishing connections with the SIL team company-wide, enabling me to effectively work and train staff.
“Overcoming the challenge of mastering medication audits has been pivotal, as it wasn’t something I had a lot of experience in.
While Jack is new to his role with selectability, his ongoing work to ensures best practice service for our consumers in the Cairns region.
With this is an utmost dedication to care that gives him the foundations for professional growth.
Julie Ross
Regional Coordinator
Meet Julie. She started her career with selectability Townsville as a lifestyle support worker in late 2018, and following our career progression pathway and taking advantage of training opportunities quickly moved into a team leader role before recently commencing as regional coordinator in Ingham.
With a background in predominantly hospitality and administration roles across a range of industries Julie felt it was time for a change when returning to the workforce after having children.
For Julie the best part of her job is seeing consumers achieve their goals no matter how big or small. She enjoys working alongside a supportive team of co-workers and strives to make someone's day better - every day!
Anna Powell
Team Leader
Meet Anna! Anna is a Ingham local having complete all her schooling in Ingham. Anna is a team leader at selectability, her role is to work with her team and consumers to ensure they achieve their goals and build independence.
"I love the challenges this job brings and enjoy working with my consumers and team to reach their full potential. The best part of my job is watching our consumers flourish into who they want to become and seeing how much independence they build knowing they have our support."
Outside of work Anna is very outdoors orientated. Loves crabbing, fishing and camping.
Jayney Caruso
Lifestyle Support Worker
Meet Jayney Caruso, born and bred in Ingham.
Jayney graduated year 12 in 2021 and continued her studies with TAFE & doing a Traineeship up until April 2023 before joining selectability.
As a lifestyle support worker (LSW), Jayney plays a vital role in empowering consumers to live their best lives by helping them build confidence, work towards personal goals, and improve their mental wellbeing.
" In the short time I have worked at selectability, I have loved working alongside a supportive team who are so easy to get along with, I have also enjoyed spending time with and supporting our consumers" said Jayney.
Archie Villafranca Phillips
Program Coordinator - Service Delivery/Programs
Meet Archie, team leader – service delivery, programs, and Clubhouse in Ingham!
Coming up to his first anniversary with selectability, Archie is dedicated to supporting consumers goals to achieve their unique goals, empowering them towards greater independence, and helping them live their best lives.
“For me, it's all about the people – I have a deep passion for understanding human behaviour, body language, and communication styles, which allows me to build strong, meaningful relationships,” said Archie.
With nearly a decade of experience in the telecommunications industry, Archie has a solid background in managing operations, driving business growth, and leading coaching and development initiatives.
His career began in the hospitality industry, where he owned and managed a successful café on the Gold Coast, gaining invaluable business management and customer service skills.
After relocating to Townsville and later Ingham, he transitioned to telecommunications, where he fine-tuned his expertise in operational efficiency and team development.
What brings Archie the most fulfillment in his role is engaging with both current and prospective consumers.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing consumers grow in independence, make positive decisions, and improve their overall quality of life.”
Archie believes it’s the small, meaningful interactions that truly make a difference.
“I’m proud to contribute positively to the lives of our consumers.”
Living in the tight-knit community of Ingham, Archie is constantly reminded of the impact that personal connections can have in a small town.
“The relationships you build and the way you conduct yourself can truly shape the community around you.”
Janine Wyles
Regional Coordinator
Meet Janine – she has been working for selectability for over a decade.
Beginning as a lifestyle support worker, Janine worked through selectability’s progression pathway, eventually taking on the role of Regional Coordinator, Palm Island.
“I have always loved supporting consumers to achieve their goals and live the life they choose,” Janine said.
“Working with the Regions team is one of the best parts about my job, as well as the opportunities selectability has given to advance in my career.”
For Janine, overseeing the development and progression in Palm Island is another testament to the outstanding on-the-ground support selectability provides across regional Queensland.
Tahnee Geia
Lifestyle Support Worker
Tahnee is a descent of both the Yalanji (near Cooktown) and the Olokola people (in the centre of Cape York) 200 miles inland from Coen.
She grew up on Palm Island and was schooled there until she went to the mainland for Boarding School to complete Year 12.
Tahnee returned back home to Palm Island and started working at the age of 16.
Having worked for selectability for the past six years, Tahnee enjoys being able to engage with the Palm Island community and "support our people, who have been in hard struggles".
Seamus Keane
Support Coordinator
Seamus started with selectability as a Lifestyle Support Worker (LSW) in December 2021 and found his passion making a difference in the lives of others.
It is this passion teamed with his knowledge and experience that has seen him progress through the organisation to now lead the selectwellbeing team as Program Coordinator.
This is a unique program designed by selectability to promote independent living, and assist consumers who may be ineligible for NDIS. Seamus’s primary focus is to work with consumers to progress them to NDIS where they can get access to a lot more support.
Seamus loves his new role and found it a smooth transition from being a Lifestyle Support Worker.
Aaron Pagett
Lifestyle Support Worker
Meet Aaron – he has been a lifestyle support worker at our Palm Island service since 2023.
A proud Butchella man, born in Hervey Bay, Aaron has spent most of his life in Townsville - most recently his focus has turned to supporting our Palm Island consumers access their community and work towards their NDIS goals.
“I've been working as a support worker with different providers for the past 4 years and have really enjoyed my time doing it,” Aaron said.
“Before I started doing support work, I drove taxis, we did lots of pickups for children with disabilities.
“These kids were the highlights of my day, and I knew I wanted to work more with people.
“I have also had my own personal experiences with mental health issues, and I feel my experiences can help others overcome theirs.
selectability is Palm Island’s only community mental health service and plays a vital role in supporting the mental wellbeing needs of its diverse population.
Bryn Hicks
Regional Coordinator
Bryn is Burdekin's new regional coordinator. Originally from Sydney, Bryn brings a lot of enthusiasm to his role.
As regional coordinator, Bryn is responsible for building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders across clinical, community and primary health services, as well as local and state government agencies and private industry.
Bryn said he is very driven by the passion of our team members and people with lived experience.
Outside of his role, Bryn is often in the kitchen exploring new styles of food.
Shaun Bramwell
Lifestyle Support Worker
Before joining selectability in early 2021, Shaun worked in industrial settings - including working FIFO in remote mines and as a locomotive driver on sugar cane trains.
Shaun is passionate about drawing on his experiences to support others going through the same thing. Shaun enjoys helping people and says seeing consumers achieve their goals is one of the best parts of his job.
Lisa Frattini
Lifestyle Support Worker/Training Mentor.
Introducing Lisa! She has been working for selectability in the Burdekin region for the last 3 months as a lifestyle support worker and training mentor.
Originally from Warwick in the Darling Downs, Lisa has called the Burdekin home for the last 4 years.
As a part of her role, Lisa supports individuals in gaining qualifications and experience so they can enter the workforce. A role that she thoroughly enjoys.
“I love the fact that every day at selectability is different… The flexibility was the first thing to draw me to the job.” said Lisa.
“It makes me happy that I can make a difference in a person's life and allow them to live a life of their own choice.”
Lisa Ridley
Regional Coordinator
Meet Lisa! She has been working for selectability for the last 18 months, and recently took on the role of regional coordinator – Charters Towers.
A Charters Towerslocal for the last 28 years, Lisa has a wealth of experience and understanding of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention across the region.
“I have spent the last 18 years working in the community services sector,” Lisa said.
“I began as a support worker, went on to admin and became the roster clerk for many years.
“I then came to selectability in the role of LSW for a short time before securing the role of team leader, until very recently where I was very fortunate to be chosen to take on the role of regional coordinator!”
Lisa’s career progression is bolstered by her passion for the mental wellbeing of others.
“I love the difference we can make in a person's life; I love to see the joy on a person’s face and the light come back into their eyes.
“When you love what you do it is not a job, that is the best part!
“That’s what prompted me to seek a job within the sector as well as personal family experience - to know there are people in our community that are struggling and need the help we once sought is what bought me here.”
When she is not overseeing the growth and implementation of services in the Charters Towers region, Lisa likes to spend time with her family and friends, reading, and mosaic.
Kerrilyn Bryant
Key Worker -SIL
Meet Kerrilyn! A key worker for supported independent living in Charters Towers.
In her role, Kerrilyn leads a team providing residential care to young people. This involves ensuring the young people are attending school, accessing social and sporting opportunities, eating nutritious foods and being active.
“It's important to acknowledge this group of people who are at a time in their lives where positive, supportive and encouraging role models is paramount to their growth,” said Kerrilyn.
“They face unique obstacles and need guidance more than ever as they take on new challenges.
“It's so rewarding to be able to be a part of this chapter and make a positive difference.”
With 2 years under her belt at selectability, Kerrilyn’s expertise gives her the ability to effectively manage 6 SIL houses in the region.
“My role is to oversee general routines in the houses and communicate between the SILs and team leaders.
“I often provide guidance and mentoring to LSWs which assists with smooth running of the SILs.
“I attend appointments with our young people and try to be a presence in their lives.”
Luana Land
Regional Coordinator
Jenelle Maher
Team Leader
Skyye Nuttall
Life Coach
Meet Skyye! She has been working as a life coach in the Bowen region for the last 10 months.
The Airlie Beach local originally started her journey as a lifestyle support worker, before taking advantage of selectability’s career progression pathway, where she found her new role as life coach.
“My role includes supporting those with lived experience and disability to engage in activities to improve their psychosocial skills and empower them to create meaningful relationships with other consumers by attending out-of-town trips and activities,” said Skyye.
It is Skyye’s role to assist consumers to set meaningful goals that enable them to create a life on their terms; closing the gap between where they are now and where they want to be.
“I love my Job! Organisations like selectability exist to ensure people who are living in isolated or rural communities have the chance to build upon their psychosocial skills, create friendships and meaningful engagement, as well as provide mental well-being support and assistance to integrate back into society, something I think we are all passionate about.”
Christine Hennessey
Life Coach
Brooke Youse
Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Meet Brooke – she has been working for selectability for the last 6 months, most recently taking on the role of support coordinator/psychosocial recovery coach in Bowen.
Driven and passionate, Brooke has a strong background in support work which gives her the necessary tools to support her consumers in reaching their goals.
In her role as support coordinator Brooke helps consumers better understand the NDIS, connect to the services they need to reach their goals and get the best value out of their plans.
For Brooke, her role is much more than that …
“It's hard to pick one thing that I love most about working at selectability,” said Brooke.
“The way everyone is so welcoming is refreshing, I appreciate the emphasis selectability puts on the mental wellbeing of employees and making sure we are filling ourselves up to provide the best care possible.”
Ashleigh McCabe
Team Leader
Ashleigh is a Cert IV Mental Health worker, currently studying for her Diploma in Community Services and leading our service delivery team.
She loves that every single staff member shares the same values and is passionate about the work they do to support their consumers.
Nicole Guzowski
Regional Coordinator
Having worked with selectability for the last 3.5 years, Nicole has been an instrumental part of the growth of services across the Mackay region, particularly through her previous roles as a life coach and mental health hub coordinator.
Now as regional coordinator, Nicole oversees the day-to-day operations of the Mental Health Hub, ensuring services are in line with consumer needs, and building and nurturing relationships with local stakeholders and recruiting a local workforce.
“I love the passionate team who makes it easy to dedicate the best outcomes for our consumers and the welcoming environment we strive for.”
Nicole got into community work thirteen years ago and discovered she loved it, and it’s this caring culture that drew her to selectability.
“I love the environment here, it’s passionate, caring, creative, and non-judgmental.”
Nicole loves gardening, volleyball and spending time with family and friends.
Coleen Downie
Team Leader
Coleen is very passionate about her role as Team Leader which enables her to work directly with people with disability to assist them live their best life.
Coleen joins the friendly Mackay team and loves to have joke and laugh.
She always works to help people out in need and is looking forward to building a strong team in Mackay.
Tama Butler
Team Leader
Shay Rollino
Life Coach
Meet Shay! She has been working as a life coach at selectability Mackay since 2023
Born locally and having worked in a variety of community roles, Shay has extensive knowledge of Mackay and surrounds.
“Part of my current role is to assist consumers that come to the clubhouse to build capacity, learn skills, engage in activities and promote wellbeing,” said Shay.
Our Mackay clubhouse program changes regularly in line with the interests and needs of our consumers, ensuring attendance and strong engagement.
All of selectability Mackay’s programs will soon be delivered under one roof with the upcoming move to 21 River St.
“The move brings a lot of fantastic benefits for our consumers including more activities to choose from, extended operating hours and better access to services.”
Indie Brough
Key SIL Worker, Senior Youth Worker
Leonie Steadman
Team Leader (Service Delivery)
Evelyn Capewell
Team Leader (Charters Towers Clubhouse)
John Stibbs
Team Leader - supported accommodation
Meet John! He has been working for selectability since 2021 in the Charters Towers region and is currently a team leader – supported accommodation.
Born and raised in Charters Towers, John says he has always wanted to work in healthcare or a related field.
“I have always helped people and have purpose, I also have lived experience of mental health and suicide prevention in my personal life,” said John.
“I also wanted to pursue a personal desire to work in an environment where I was making positive change in people's lives, to feel like the work that I do truly matters,”
While eagerly motivated in his day to day role, John balances lifestyle to maintain a healthy work life.
“I am family motivated, father of two, an avid musician/music fan, and love involving that in my work where I can.
“I spend my spare time indulging in my nerdier side: Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are my favourite!”
Leonie Moss
Life Coach
Natasha Morokutti
Life Coach
Metta Sands-Paton
Team Leader
Kayla Sutton
Regional Coordinator
Meet Kayla! Originally from Townsville, the mother of three has a great passion for helping others in her community.
As regional coordinator, Kayla is responsible for building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders across clinical, community and primary health services, as well as local and state government agencies and private industry.
It is also her role to oversee day to day operations for selectability across the Moranbah region.
“I absolutely love working with selectability,” said Kayla.
“I love the growth I can achieve, helping consumers and listening to their background stories and how I can help them.”
“I have always had a strong passion for mental health, I have experienced it myself and have lost many people I know to suicide in my life.”
Kayla attributes a lot of her passion to her radiating positivity and outgoing nature, making her a great asset to the team.
“I know I come from a good place, and I feel if I'm in this industry with the right intentions, like a lot of people are, we can make a change.”
Kaitlyn Searle
Support Coordinator
For the last two years selectability has been providing services in Moranbah, from individual support to group programs and Carer Gateway.
Most recently, we have extended our services in the region to include NDIS support coordination!
In light of this we are fortunate enough to introduce you to Kaitlyn - our new support coordinator in Moranbah!
Local to the region, Kaitlyn works closely with consumers to navigate the NDIS and interpret their individual packages; it is her role to ensure they are getting the most out of their NDIS plans.
“I work with our consumers to connect them with services, manage funding, and ensure their support needs are met,” Kaitlyn says.
“The role involves organising appointments, problem-solving and helping clients achieve their personal goals by linking them to the right resources.
Formally a solo flight attendant on a small airline that serviced FIFO workers, Kaitlyn and her family moved to Moranbah in 2022, where she started her role as a lifestyle support worker with selectability.
A job she has been passionate about since the beginning.
“Working in this industry in a small town allows me to help fill the gaps in support services.
“It’s rewarding to contribute to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives while being part of a strong, connected community.
“I love the opportunity to make a positive impact and provide solutions that genuinely help people.
“I'm at that point in my life where I feel I am able to offer support, guidance and resources to those who may be struggling.”
Employees like Kaitlyn are a strong testament of selectability’s values and vision; passionate about helping regional Queenslanders live more independently, maintain relationships, and become more active in their local community.
Adefemi Soneye
Lifestyle Support Worker
Meet Adefemi, a Lifestyle Support Worker at our Mornabah location.
Born in Nigeria, Adefemi started his career as care assistant with a disability home, helping clients with personal care, daily living tasks and community access.
With more than four years of experience in the sector, Adefemi is committed to always putting the consumer first and providing the best possible care.
“I love my job because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to helping the consumer," Adefemi said.
“When individuals experience optimal mental health, they’re better equipped to fully engage in various aspects of life, be it relationships, work, or personal development.
“Seeing individuals’ resilience and growth through support is incredibly rewarding.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and make a meaningful impact at selectability.”
Caleb Stevens
Administration Officer
Caleb is one of the more recent additions to the selectability Rockhampton team. He loves being the first point of contact between staff, consumers and the general public. He has the utmost pride in his team and the work they accomplish in his local community.
Caleb looks forward to growth in his ability to provide absolute care to his region and workplace, he has faith that nowhere other than selectability Rockhampton could help cultivate this better.
Debbie Erswell
Regional Coordinator
Debbie is responsible for leading the team in Longreach and overseeing the day-today operations to ensure the delivery high-quality, person-centred services across the central west.
Originally from the UK, Debbie considers herself a ‘possie’ (part pom, part Aussie).
Debbie has diverse industry experience including working in health, the employment sector, disability, community services and tourism which position her well to succeed in her new role.
“I spent 6 years living in the Northern Territory where I had the opportunity to manage a program delivering outreach health services to over 80 remote communities,” said Debbie.
Echoing selectability’s commitment to regional Queenslanders, Debbie believes access to high quality support is everyone’s right.
“I believe all rural and remote communities should have access to flexible, responsive services regardless of location.”
While her love of travel has seen Debbie live in serval countries including Spain, Greece, Israel, Portugal and Cyprus, she has found her ‘happy place’ in Longreach.
“I love living in the outback with the endless skies, stunning sunrises and sunsets.
When she’s not at work you’ll find Debbie spending time chilling out and sharing laughs with her partner, family … and her dog Ace!
Bob Hardy
Regional Manager
AS the Regional Manager for Townsville, Bob plays a crucial role in overseeing the NDIS portfolio. His responsibilities encompass Service Delivery, Support Coordination, and SIL Homes. With his extensive experience and commitment to quality service, Bob ensures that the team meets the highest standards in providing support and coordination for individuals under the NDIS framework.
He has a diverse background in management across various industries, and has found his true passion in helping individuals improve their personal situations and achieve their goals. His dedication to enhancing the quality of life for others drives his work and ensures that the team delivers exceptional support and service.
“My job is to help make other people’s everyday life, easier, so they can be more effective in helping other people live better lives.”
Brylee Staples
Program Coordinator
Matthew Rogers
Team Leader (Supported Independent Living)
Matt has over 10 years of experience in the Human Services industry. He began my career in the area of homelessness in 2012 and have since contributed to the NDIA, assisted an occupational therapy organization with obtaining their NDIS accreditation, provided quotes for Complex Assistive Technology, and currently support consumers in our Supported Independent Living Houses.
“Even though you have a disability, that does not make you disabled [in other ways]. It gives you insight. It gives you knowledge. It gives you something that someone without that will never learn.”
Jackie Inwood
Program Coordinator
In addition to overseeing operations at the popular Mental Health Hub in the Townsville CBD—a safe and welcoming space for consumers to participate in a wide range of activities—Jackie also coordinates the selectwellbeing program.
“My role also entails managing various block-funded programs within selectability, as well as supervising a team of 20 employees who provide group and individual support to more than 250 consumers,” said Jackie.
Playing an instrumental role in the lives of many, Jackie’s passion for her work stands out as an overwhelming standard for her team.
Her dedication alone is reflected in the stories of the consumers she supports.
“I've always been personally intrigued by the mental health and suicide prevention field.
There can be no doubt that Jackie’s progression as a leader in the last 7 years at selectability is a testament to her tenacity and drive for the highest quality service.
It is with this that her legacy is not measured in her years of dedication, but by the countless lives she has impacted in the Townsville region and the strength of the team she continues to lead.
Rachel Buckland
Customer Service Officer
Rachel, who has been working with selectability for the past 2 years, plays a vital role in supporting consumers by coordinating rosters and shifts, ensuring they receive the help they need, and being a point of contact often during times of vulnerability.
“As a CSO, I work alongside the team leader to help ensure all consumers who are under a certain program or onboarding receive their correct shifts,” said Rachel.
“Basically a CSO is the key person who interacts with consumers via phone.
Beyond her passion for her role, Rachel acknowledges that her unyielding advocacy for the positive mental wellbeing of others stems from her own lived experience of suicide.
“Mental health has played a huge part in my life from losing close friends, and my late brother to suicide.
“Working with vulnerable people in acute stages has been extremely rewarding for me.
“Seeing the small ways, we are able to interact, and help has made a huge difference already for some of the consumers I get to work alongside.
“What I enjoy most about working with selectability is having the ability to help others who may be struggling.
“This could be things like helping those who may be dealing with homelessness, and putting shifts in place when people are struggling and many more things.”
While Rachel’s tenacity and strong personality are welcome assets to consumers and work mates, they are also a reflection of selectability’s values.
Her lived experience, in which her advocacy and knowledge both inside and outside of work, gives direct guidance toward our vision as an organisation.
Annabel Vassallo
Service Navigator
Having worked for selectability for the last 5 and a half years, Annabel’s is the first point of contact consumers looking for service information and resources, and ultimately referrals.
“A large part of my role is overseeing NDIS applications and providing support to gather evidence, submit and provide advocacy throughout the process,” said Annabel.
“I also work collaboratively with other organisations and services across Townsville and help identify and strengthen referral pathways.”
For Annabel, above her uniquely caring personality, is an innate passion for mental health and suicide prevention, leading her to a destined career in that field.
“My passion for mental health and fascination with psychology and understanding human behaviour, lead me to enrol in university and graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Science.
“The best part about my role is being the source of hope for so many people that there is help out there and that the current place they are at in their journey is not where their story ends.
“When people first come into contact with me, they are often broken and without hope.
“Being able to assist individuals to get back up on their feet and watch them flourish after linking them in with the programs and services they so desperately need is incredibly rewarding.
“Knowing I played a part in facilitating that connection is incredibly special.”
Lee-anne Dowel
BikeShed Coordinator
Tracey Inglis
Team Leader
Tracey has a varied work background having held roles from hospitality management and administration to counselling and personal development.
As a Team Leader Tracey's role involves supervising, leading and monitoring a team of Lifestyle Support Workers to achieve goals that support and contribute to the mental wellbeing of our consumers.
"We motivate and inspire our teams by creating an environment that promotes positive communication and knowledge sharing that encourages mutual respect and flexibility."
Tracey encourages others thinking about joining the sector to step outside their comfort zone and give it ago.
Kate Jonsson
Team Leader
Kate’s journey at Selectability is truly inspiring! Starting as a Lifestyle Support Worker and progressing through various roles showcases her dedication and adaptability. Her experience as a Consumer Service Officer, Support Coordinator, and Trainer gives her a comprehensive understanding of both client needs and operational processes.
She supported the start-up of the Rockhampton site, allowing her to witness firsthand the collaborative efforts of different departments in establishing a strong community presence. Now, as a Service Delivery Team Leader, her extensive on-the-ground experience combined with her corporate insights positions her well to lead her team effectively and enhance service delivery.
“I aim to support, encourage and inspire both our workforce and the people we support at selectability to be the best versions of themselves and achieve what they set out to do. I believe everyone should receive the equal opportunity to lead the life they choose and I’m prepared to help them achieve this as best I can.”
Emily Forova
Team Leader
Emily’s start with selectability was as a Lifestyle Support Worker and speaks to her passion for empowering others. Her desire to help people achieve their life goals is at the heart of what selectability aims to do, making her a valuable asset to the team.
As she continues in her role, her focus on supporting clients in reaching their personal objectives will likely create meaningful impacts in their lives.
“Everyone deserves to live an equal life, regardless of any ability, disability, race or creed.”
Crystal Webster
Team Leader - Service Delivery
Crystal has a diverse experience across customer support, HR, project management, and quality assurance, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her role as a team leader. Her commitment to ongoing learning in mental health, child welfare, and domestic violence shows her passion for making a positive impact.
By focusing on listening to consumers’ needs, she’s well-positioned to ensure that services are tailored and of the highest quality. Her drive for innovation and compliance will undoubtedly benefit both clients and the organization.
“I firmly believe that mental health and wellness is a fundamental human right. Through compassion, empathy, and the important work we do every day at selectability, we have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Tim Burden
Team Leader (Support Coordination)
Tim has taken advantage of selectability's career pathway to progress from lifestyle support worker to mental health hub coordinator, team leader support coordination (Cairns) and most recently returning to Townsville to lead the support coordination team there.
"I have worked for selectability for 7 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it," he said
"I have been lucky to have a few different roles within selectability including; lifestyle support worker, support coordination, mental health hub coordinator and team leader of support coordination.
"As team leader of support coordination in Townsville I am hoping to develop my skills and abilities to lead our team to provide high levels of support coordination and help people to build capacity and achieve their goals.
"We have an amazing team and I am confident that they are helping people make steps to achieve their goals every day.
Tim is passionate about supporting consumers to achieve their goals.
A supportive workplace, great staff and amazing consumers are three of the things that Tim enjoys most about working for selectability.
Dakkoda Baker
Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Elaine Farquhar
Support Coordinator
Mary Gregerson
Support Coordinator/Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Samantha Davis
Lifestyle Support Worker
Meet Samantha! She started at selectability in mid 2024 as a lifestyle support worker. Having lived in the Moranbah region for the last 3 years, Samantha says she finds it incredibly rewarding to contribute to her community and make meaningful differences in the lives of others.
"I take great joy in making a positive impact on consumers' lives, witnessing their smiles, and helping them engage more with the community. It's rewarding to boost their confidence and support them in achieving their goals.
"I enjoy living and working in Moranbah and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to our close-knit community. Moranbah is highly family-oriented and offers a pleasant environment for both living and working."
Outside of work, Sam enjoy's spending time with her family and friends.
"Family means everything to me. Outside of work, we spend most of our free time traveling or watching our kids play football.
"We also love fishing, camping, and exploring new places. Spending time together and creating memories as a family is what we cherish the most."
Ashleigh White
Lifestyle Support Worker
Meet Ashleigh! Lifestyle support worker in the Moranbah region!
For Ashleigh, working with selectability since early 2024 has been what she calls a "transformative experience," particularly through her role.
"What I find most rewarding about working at Selectability is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.
"I’m truly passionate about the way Selectability provides a welcoming haven where people can relax, enjoy a coffee, and feel genuinely heard.
"It’s inspiring to be part of an organization that fosters a more supportive and understanding environment.
"I absolutely cherish living in Moranbah because of our strong sense of community and the way we genuinely look out for one another.
"There’s something truly special about being part of a place where people come together and support each other so wholeheartedly."
Eric Lollo
Lifestyle Support Worker
Meet Eric! He has been working in Palm Island since 2022 as a lifestyle support worker.
The 37-year-old Townsville local is a former plumber/roofer, making the change 18 months ago to pursue the career he now loves.
“I was in that industry for more than 20 years, but I realised that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others that require it,” said Eric.
“I was certainly after a big lifestyle change, and I love it now.
“I was born with ADHD, but to me, I think it is a blessing, it makes me very energetic, and I enjoy being around people.”
A big part of Eric’s role is to support our Palm Island consumers to live their best life, empowering them to build confidence, work towards their goals and improve their mental wellbeing.
In Eric’s case, his strong personality equips him with a desire to make a big difference in the difference in the lives of those on Palm Island.
USEFUL LINKS
selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
