Merlinda Owens, a fairly recent addition to the team in Pormpuraaw as a Service Co-ordinator, was hired due to her passion and commitment to help people and her community.
Merlinda has a drive for improving the ladies activities and engaging young people.
CDP GM, Darren Kilminster was full of praise for his new recruit: “Merlinda is the granddaughter of Myrtle Foote, who is a very important elder in community.
One of Merlinda’s exceptional skills is she speaks both Munkan and Thayorre languages and is able to interpret for jobseekers from the two language groups in community. This ability has really improved engagement with the jobseekers. They now have a full understanding of their obligations and rights.
Merlinda has started running youth workshops each morning including resume development, interview skills and helping people apply for jobs in community.
Merlinda plans to continue these fruitful workshops and will add more topics. She has big plans to develop a new & innovative program & activities for young people once the new office is built and more space becomes available.
This is a great example of what RISE staff can do when they’re empowered to develop ideas and use the passion they have for their job.”
End of release: For further enquiries contact GM Marketing & Development Scott Longmuir on 0430 700 672
