July 2025
TCG July Community Update
July Update
Happy financial new year!
How’s this cold weather?! We’re knee deep in Winter now and change is in the air. Check out the latest report from The Companion Group below!
Do you have something you would like shared with our community? Submit requests for this newsletter by emailing Saskia via info@thecompaniongroup.org
Contents:
Taylah’s next chapter
Welcome Rebecca
Support Coordination update
Introducing our newest DSW recruits
Tastes of Greater Geelong
Museum of Modern (f)Art - School Holidays
Cold Drip @ Cafe Go
Taylah’s next chapter
In a bittersweet turn, Taylah is making her return to support work after three impactful years with us in the office.
She started in 2022 as a casual admin officer, quickly finding her stride and moving into a Rostering Officer role later that year. There, she managed the complex schedules of over 80 clients and 40 DSWs, no small task!
In 2024, Taylah stepped into the role of Service Coordinator, tackling new challenges with her usual determination and compassion.
Taylah has left a lasting mark on the office, from her dedication to clients, to her perfectly timed GIFs in the group chat, to her ever positive “can do” attitude. While we will miss her dearly, she is not going far. This July, Taylah returns to the support work roster, and we could not be more excited.
A natural support worker through and through, Taylah is empathetic, reliable, and deeply committed to making a difference. We cannot wait to see the impact she will continue to make in the field.
Wishing Taylah all the best in this next chapter, though we know it is more of a “see you soon” than a goodbye!
Introducing Beck
We’re excited to welcome Rebecca (Beck) to our team as our next Service Coordinator, taking over from Taylah on the 7th of July.
Beck brings a wealth of experience, with over 15 years in leadership roles across the hospitality and disability services sectors. Most recently, she served as a Service Development and Quality Management Coordinator, where she led service design, quality assurance, NDIS compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to that, she worked directly with participants as a Support Facilitator, providing personalised care and daily support.
She holds both a Certificate IV in Disability and a Certificate IV in Community Services, and she is well-versed in NDIS standards, risk management, incident reporting, and project evaluation. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for participants and is a strong advocate for client-centred care.
When she is not working, Rebecca loves spending time outdoors, whether it is walking her dogs along the beach, stand up paddle boarding, camping with her family, or relaxing with a good book.
We are so excited to have someone with Rebecca’s experience, heart, and energy on board. Welcome, Rebecca!
Support Coordination Update
Our Support Coordination Team has grown by one over June. Please make Mike feel welcome!
Here’s a little about Mike, starting with his background and qualifications:
My background is in senior management, where I developed strong skills in leadership, problem-solving and navigating complex systems. While I don’t hold formal qualifications specific to disability or community services, I bring valuable lived experience through supporting close family members within the NDIS. This personal insight has shaped my approach and fuels my passion for helping others navigate the system with confidence and compassion.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Support Coordinator?
For me, the most rewarding part of this role is advocating for participants who are often overlooked or misunderstood. I’m passionate about making sure people have a voice, especially those navigating complex systems like the justice system or mental health services. Being able to cut through red tape, challenge inequity, and connect people with the supports they deserve is what drives me. It’s not just about coordinating services it’s about walking alongside people as a strong ally, helping them push for the life they want and should have access to.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I’m someone who enjoys staying busy and creative outside of work. I love spending time with family & friends bringing people together over good food. Home design and styling are big passions of mine, especially after going through the process of building our own home. I also really value quality time with my husband and our puppy Gia, whether that’s a quiet night in or a weekend exploring somewhere new. Life’s all about balance, and I try to make space for the things (and people) that matter most.
Please give Mike a warm welcome to The Companion Group and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you or someone you know may benefit from his support.
Meet our latest batch of DSWs!
June was a busy month for recruitment, as we worked to strengthen our team ahead of the colder months. Winter often brings an increase in rostering challenges due to seasonal illness and unavoidable absences. To stay prepared and continue delivering consistent support, we’ve welcomed four new support workers to the team.
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Kate, Jesse, Miki and Lachie! We’re excited to have them on board and know they’ll make a great addition to the team.
What’s your favourite thing about being a support worker?
“Being in people's lives and making a difference, encouraging people to try new things get uncomfortable and then kick those goals. I strive to make it fun and engaging when working and love nothing more than to find your hidden talents, encourage you to achieve new things and create memories with you & your loved ones.” - Kate
“Making a difference in the community and helping those in need of assistance.” - Jesse
“It’s a unique privilege to see people’s lives in a way that not many others get to. I appreciate getting to know individuals beyond their disability and supporting them to access opportunities they might not otherwise have.” - Miki
“I love that every day can be a different experience and that I am lucky enough to meet and work with a wide and varied range of people. I enjoy being able to connect on a personal level and build a positive relationship that allows people to drive their own ambitions and desires through my support. This is rewarding to see positive changes in peoples lives, from the biggest things down to the smallest daily wins.” - Lachie
What qualifications and experience do you have?
“Cert IV in Disability, Cert IV in community Services, Current First Aid & CPR Mental, Health First Aid” - Kate
“Cert III Education Support, Cert III Vet Sport & Rec, 1 Year experience working as a lead educator at Armstrong Creek Primary School, 4 Years experience as an instructor for Southern Exposure (Surfing, Kayaking, MTB)” - Jesse
“I’m in my final year of paramedicine, which has shaped my empathetic, person-centred approach to care. Over the past year, I’ve applied this in disability support work, alongside six years of volunteer experience with people living with dementia. I’ve also worked with children across various age groups and settings, and I enjoy building trust and meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.” - Miki
“I hold a bachelor's degree and have 14 years of experience as an Allied Health professional in the health and disability sector. I’ve worked in both hospital and community settings with diverse individuals and have been involved with the NDIS since its launch in 2013..” - Lachie
What are your interests and hobbies?
“Arts & Crafts Music, Walking my Dogs, Cooking and exploring new foods” - Kate
“I love skateboarding & Surfing in my spare time. I like playing video games and watching movies and Anime I enjoying watching AFL and NBA games” - Jesse
“I’m a big animal lover and enjoy staying active with pilates. I also love spending time outdoors and travelling whenever I can. Being new to Geelong, I’ve been exploring the local beaches and trying out the best food spots around town.” - Miki
“Some of the the things I enjoy in life include basketball, most sports in general, video games, technology, board games & D&D, 3d printing, craft/handiwork, dogs and playing guitar.” - Lachie
Get in touch with your Service Coordinator today if you feel one of these support workers will be a good fit for you or someone you know.
Tastes of Greater Geelong
Tastes of Greater Geelong is a month-long celebration of the region’s vibrant food and drink scene, running through the heart of winter. Showcasing the best of Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast, the festival features everything from gourmet degustation dinners and winery tours to casual pub tastings, family-friendly events, and free experiences. With more than 80 unique events on offer, it’s a chance to explore local favourites, discover hidden gems, and support the passionate producers, chefs, and venues that make the region a culinary destination.
When: 20 June to 20 July 2025
Where: Various venues across Greater Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast
Cost: Many events are free or low-cost, with premium dining experiences starting from $35
Museum of Modern (f)Art - School Holidays
The Museum of Modern (f)Art is a free, interactive exhibition in central Geelong that blends art, science, and humour to explore the often-overlooked world of wastewater. Developed by Barwon Water with help from local artists, the space features engaging exhibits like a giant fatberg sculpture and hands-on displays that make learning about the sewer system both fun and informative. It’s designed to be educational for all ages, making it a great outing for families, schools, and curious minds of any kind.
When: Every Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am during Term 2, 2025
Where: 55–67 Ryrie Street, Geelong (entry via Aitchison Place, behind the Geelong Arts Centre)
Cost: Free. No bookings needed for families or small groups; schools and larger groups can book by contacting Barwon Water directly.
Cold + Conscious: Cold Drip @ Cafe Go
Looking for a way to jumpstart your Sunday with something a little out of the ordinary? The Cold + Conscious Cold Drip @ Cafe Go event in Geelong might be exactly what you need. This is not just another café meet up. It is a powerful morning ritual that blends the shock of cold water immersion with the comfort of community and coffee.
Cold And Conscious is a wellness collective focused on helping people reconnect through health driven experiences. The event is a celebration of resilience, mindfulness, and physical reset. Participants begin the day with a guided cold plunge session, followed by warm coffee and connection with like minded individuals, all set to energizing music in the outdoor garden at Cafe Go.
Whether you are a seasoned cold dipper or trying it for the first time, the event is beginner friendly and designed to leave you feeling mentally clear, physically refreshed, and socially recharged. It is all about stepping into discomfort to build strength both mentally and physically while creating space for community along the way.
Where: Cafe Go. 37 Bellerine Street Geelong VIC 3220
When: Sunday 6 July 2025 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Price: $39.50 AUD
The Companion Group, PO Box 4246, Geelong, Australia
