IDEAL Team
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Chief Executive OfficerKathy Dine has been an employee of IDEAL Placements since 1999 taking over management of the agency in 2006. At that time the agency had 1 program Disability Employment Services with staff of 6 and 74 participants, today we have 5 programs including Disability employment, NDIS, Transition to Work, Ticket to Work and a training arm, we have over 500 participants and over 60 staff. To say the least this has been a huge growth period for both Kathy and IDEAL. Kathy is also a current committee member of the IDEAL governance committee along with other likeminded committees in her spare time.
Operations ManagerJeannine has worked in both the profit and not-for-profit sectors and has more than ten years’ experience working in senior Management roles in the complex and dynamic sectors of disability and aged care. Jeannine has a Master of Business Management (Swinburne) and also holds Prince2 project management certification. In my role as Operations Manager my aim is to inspire and encourage my team to fulfil our mission and improve people’s lives and quality of life through the delivery of high quality employment services.
Corporate Services ManagerSue leads the administration and training teams for IDEAL Placements. Her role also incorporates ensuring all activities that IP undertake meet the compliance standards that we work to. That includes quality management and financial management. Sue is also responsible for sourcing the funding programs that allow IP to deliver the different programs that we do to our participants.
NDIS Service ManagerMariejan has worked across the profit and not for profit sectors in a varied career from corporate finance to management. She has been a part of NDIS since its roll out in Toowoomba and has seen the development of operations to support service delivery, support coordination and plan management.
Team Leader - Disability Employment ServicesLeanne has been with IDEAL for six years and has provided valuable encouragement and support to participants in finding sustainable employment. She finds her work very rewarding and believes that there is a job out there for everyone. She has witnessed how gaining employment has changed participant’s lives, their attitude towards life and improved confidence.
Job CoordinatorRhonda is a local person from a rural background - cattle and sugar cane with 20 years’ experience in employment & recruitment. Rhonda has a broad range of industry knowledge/experience - including mining, engineering, manufacturing, building construction, retail, hospitality, health and business. Rhonda joined IDEAL Placements in 2010.
Job CoordinatorKim has been with the IDEAL Placements team since 2014. She really enjoys working with the participant’s diversity that we get through our doors daily and helping to improve their lives. She runs the Ticket to Work program and enjoys being involved in this program, helping the students transition from school to work, which is the next important step in their lives.
Intake/Compliance CoordinatorCharlie has been working in DES for over a year now. She finds her degree in Social Work helps her to provide excellent service to participants when she assists them to complete all the paperwork necessary to sign up with IDEAL Placements. Her daily experience as a sight impaired employee also helps her to better understand the challenges of finding employment for participants with employment barriers and the reward of a having a job and doing it well.
Customer Service OfficerRichard possesses extensive experience in assisting participants in gaining employment and providing ongoing support. Richard has been with IDEAL Placements for 10 years commencing as receptionist trainee progressing to working in administration, job coordinator and now is our Customer Service Officer.
Job CoordinatorKym has been working with IDEAL Placements for around 7 years as a Job Coordinator. She is committed to achieving participant and employer goals for a better transition into employment. She is very enthusiastic about her role at IDEAL and likes the rewarding feeling when her participants succeed.
Job CoordinatorRay has worked in the Disability Employment Sector for eight years, building relationships with employers and supporting participants to find employment. Ray has experience in a broad range of programs when not supporting participants in Mackay is out in the western region on behalf of IDEAL Placements.
Job CoordinatorStewart has a trade background in the food industry. He has also worked in fisheries, the building industry as well as IT. Stewart’s interests away from work these days involve lawn bowls, occasional fishing trip, good food & good friends.
Job CoordinatorDanielle is originally from Brisbane and has recently joined the IDEAL Placements team. Danielle has a background in Job Services , Recruitment and Freight Forwarding. She has recently returned to the workforce after 2 years of maternity leave, currently she is studying a Cert III in Information Digital Media & Technology and has a general interest in IT and Digital Media. Danielle looks forward to utilising her experience to help assist clients into the workforce.
Job CoordinatorJess has recently joined IDEAL Placements after relocating from Brisbane where she worked within the recruitment industry over a 6 year tenure. Jess specialised in the recruitment of secretarial and business support staff, information technology, procurement and finance within the state and local government sector.
Audit/Claims OfficerTonie works with young people so they can achieve their employment and education goals. Tonie started with IDEAL in August of 2016 and now oversees the team of Youth Coordinators in the Transition to Work Program.
TEAM LEADER - TRANSITION TO WORKLauren is experienced in working in Community Services as a Support Worker and a Recruitment Specialist in the Bowen region in addition to a long standing career in Graphic Design, Lauren is excited to be a part of the TtW team as a Youth Coordinator and brings her industry knowledge and personal experience as a mother of a blended family of five children to assist our clients to achieve their goals.
Youth CoordinatorCherry provides a great service and supports young people aged 15-21 on their journey to employment. Cherry provides intensive, pre-employment support to improve the work-readiness for young people and helps them gain sustainable employment (including apprenticeships and traineeships) or education.
Youth CoordinatorMontana recently joined IDEAL as a Youth Coordinator in March 2018 and brings with her experience in retail sales, team leadership and a high level of customer service. She is looking forward to utilising her networks and skills to help people gain long term sustainable employment in the Transition to Work program.
YOUTH COORDINATORTyrone has immense interest in working within the Youth Industry, wanting to gain and excel his knowledge and to do his part in instilling inspiration and confidence to the youth within the community. Tyrone has spent the last 2 years being a personal trainer and running a gym. Tyrone has a solid interest in Rugby League, hence his move to Mackay to fulfill his Rugby career. Tyrone also loves all kinds of sports, outdoor activities and long walks on the beach by the sunset.
Administration TraineeWith intense motivation and determination to be better successful in her life, Keahne has landed a career at IDEAL Placements working towards being a Youth Coordinator. With being able to help the youth in the Mackay community and to help find their pathways and effectively get them placed into jobs, is a huge goal that Keahne would eagerly love to achieve. Outside of work Keahne love's photography, animals, and the beauty sides of things.
TRAINERVivien joined IDEAL Placements in August 2018 as part of the Trainers team in Business and Hospitality. She comes with a Diploma of Hospitality Management and Cert IV in Small Business Management along with over 20 years of industry experience in hospitality management and training and an active local community volunteer.
Snr Admin CoordinatorQuzie is a Mackay local who has been employed in Administration roles for over 30 years. Quzie has been employed with IDEAL Placements since September 2009, commencing as an Administration Assistant then moving to Senior Administration Coordinator. Quzie has completed Cert IV in Business Administration & Frontline Management and currently studying Cert 4 in Human Resources.
Finance OfficerAllana brings to Ideal an extensive background in finance and account management. A local girl, Allana started her working career at the Commonwealth Bank here in Mackay and is experienced in Consumer and Commercial Lending, Corporate Superannuation Plan Management and Finance and Office Management.
Administration/Accounts AssistantReinette started out with IDEAL Placements by doing 2 months of work experience to complete a Certificate III in Business. After showing dedication and commitment, when an administration position became available she was offered the position. Three years later She has moved up to not only administration but also accounts and IT. Reinette never would have thought that participating in volunteering/ doing work experience would have turned into a career.
Personal Assistant to CEO/Human Resources OfficerShelley possesses extensive experience in all facets of human resources management and more recently provided HR consulting services to small and medium businesses. She joined IDEAL in 2017 as the Personal Assistant to the CEO but also handles much of the human resource function of the organisation.
Administration TraineeAfter graduating grade 12 in 2018, Jaylee is now on her journey to find out her desired career path. Jaylee is looking forward to completing her Certificate III in Business Administration as an Administration Trainee at IDEAL Placements and is aiming to pursue her goals whilst fulfilling her new role. Jaylee has a keen interest in Rugby, and is a proud player of the Souths Women's team.
Administration TraineeAfter graduating year 12 in 2016, Varuska is on a journey to find new experiences and finding new roles for the future. Varuska has recently just started at IDEAL Placements as an Administration Trainee and is continuing on studying her Certificate III in Business Administration at IDEAL Placements. Varuska is very into being active and doing all sorts of sports and loves being creative with new ideas and having fun with the team. Varuska is hoping to one day go into a higher role with become a graphical designer and/or Interior designer in the future.
Administration TraineeAfter graduating grade 12 in 2017, Emily knew that she wanted to study and work in an Administration position.
She now gets the best of both worlds, completing a Certificate III in Administration, while also working her dream job.
Emily hopes that in the future she will be employed as either an Office Manager or Trainer.
Job CoordinatorShannon has a back ground as a trainer and Assessor in the mines and also in high volume sales. Shannon goes above and beyond with her participants and also has sound knowledge of both TTW Youth Program and DES Disability Program. Shannon will go far with anything she sets her mind to as that is just her personality.
Youth CoordinatorPauline has been working with Youth for a number of years in a Youth Centre in NSW and has recently relocated back to Airlie Beach with her family with the goal of continuing to contribute the local community. With over 15 years of Hospitality/Customer service Management she uses her extensive knowledge of these industries and know how of what businesses look for in their staff to assist the TtW participants find their path to employment. Pauline has a wealth of experience and a passion for working with our indigenous young people to bridge the gap.
Youth CoordinatorAmber-Rose is a Proserpine local who joined the IDEAL team in August 2019. She graduated year 12 in 2016. She has several years of experience in hospitality, retail and the customer service industry. She is committed to helping young people find sustainable employment under the Transition to Work Program.
Job CoordinatorRJ (Rosario) has 10 years’ experience in the Job Active/DES sector and brings creativity and fun to IDEAL Placements but most all, she understands clients' needs and works with them to achieve their employment goals.
NDIS Support Coordinator Team LeaderAs the NDIS Support Coordination Team Leader,Tracy's role is assisting people with a disability to navigate their way through the NDIS journey and ensure their supports are reflecting their NDIS goals. Tracy has over 20 years’ experience in the disability sector and works with other service providers in the area to enable true choice and control for the participant.
NDIS Support CoordinatorKeith has worked for many years in service to people with disabilities both in the Non-government and Government sectors. Keith has a Master of Business Management, a Bachelor of Vocational Education and a Diploma of Development Disabilities . In my role as a NDIS Supports Coordinator, my aim is to assist people with disabilities strengthen their independence to reach their goals and aspirations with the support from local service providers and individual funding from the NDIS.
NDIS Support CoordinatorYvette is happiest when she is helping others. Yvette enjoys bush walking, trips to the beach and gardening. Yvette started at IDEAL Placements as a Support Worker and is now working as a Support Coordinator. Yvette is look forward to meeting new participants and assisting them to get the most out of their plans.
NDIS ADMINISTRATION OFFICERLan joined IDEAL in 2018 after seven years of being self-employed. Lan works within the NDIS team and has a background of Maritime Economics with a Certificate III in Business. Lan is a part of the ongoing multi-cultural community in Mackay.
NDIS Service Delivery AssistantIn 2016, Tamika began her Business Traineeship with IDEAL Placements studying a Cert III in Business. She began her traineeship on reception learning all about administrative duties and the services IDEAL Placements provides. With the continuous support from her manager and colleagues, she is now an NDIS Administrator and Plan Managers Assistant.
NDIS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANTCalista has recently just started at IDEAL Placements after graduating school last year (2017). Calista is now doing her certificate III in Business Administration after doing Certificate I & II High School. Calista is hoping to one day go into a higher role with Admin or IT work.
NDIS Services Coordinator - WhitsundaysKaryn joined IDEAL Placements in 2016 in the Bowen office. She has a background in Local Government and Business Administration/ Management. Karyn is enthusiastic and always seeking a challenge and constantly striving to reach her full potential. She is actively involved in community outreach programs to contribute to the development and personal growth of the participants within the Bowen & Collinsville Communities.
NDIS Support WorkerI have 2 beautiful children—beauty comes from the heart—Jessee, 19 and Jack, 22. Jack is on the autistic spectrum and Jessee is an overachiever. I live with my partner Kath in her home. Kath is a nurse of some decades and works at Bowen and Proserpine Hospitals. We have 3 dogs. I love animals. I love to read. I love gardening. I was only ever going to be a vet. Truly, I am a compassionate person who will help at any moment. I have a tremendous passion for those who are DIFFERENT. I love to laugh and I love making people laugh. I try and make my time with my participants as fun as possible. I believe strongly it is about them and NOT about me.
NDIS Support WorkerI am a mature aged female who is young at heart and always has a positive outlook on life. I am also a volunteer at Meals on Wheels, Homefield Aged Care Facility and the Tourist Information Centre and hope to continue with these commitments. My interests in life include travel, movies, dancing (rock n roll, line dancing and ballroom), gardening, music (wide variety), theatre, art galleries, walking, running (I run 6 km every Saturday) and have done a couple of triathlons and run 10 km on the Gold Coast a couple of years ago which was exciting. I also love walking on the beach and visiting restaurants to experience a wide range of cuisines. I love to explore new places and things and have a quest for life to enjoy every day and my mission in life is to share my blessings and do things to improve the life of others. I like to joke and laugh a lot. Laughter breaks down barriers and is a great therapy. I have had a varied working career which included administration, public life, farmer, mail contractor which allowed me to show flexibility, adaptability and an attitude to always seek new challenges in life with a quest to learn new things.
NDIS Support WorkerI was born in Sydney but I have lived in Mackay for the last 15 years. My father has been wheelchair bound for many years due to injuries which have changed not just his life but my own. Since the injuries I have learned in great ways many life skills such as how to sit down with people and talk about things what are bringing them down, I understand how hard it can be at times when people are getting frustrated which has taught me what I believe is one of the best skills to have in life and that’s patience. I have many hobbies I enjoy, from fishing, motorbike/quad bike riding to bowling, dancing and reading books and cooking. I enjoy working on cars, I have built a car to try something new, when I got the car I knew nothing about mechanics, the car I bought was just an old empty shell, now through my own research and all my own work the car is what I drive myself to work in. I also do a fair amount of volunteer work with the Mackay State emergency services. I am a really easy going approachable guy who loves nothing more than a laugh and a good time, though when it’s time to be serious I am. The last few years I have worked at a few restaurants such as sizzler, ribs and rumps, the vintage room and Tuscany’s I also used to work through an employment agency which meant I had a lot of different jobs to do, I have worked from building houses and shops, tiling, installing pallet racking, washing cars, packing shelves, to many other trade like jobs. I hold quite a few qualifications such as, first aid, cert II in surface extraction, cert II in construction, cert II in commercial cookery.
NDIS Support WorkerI love animals, comics, video and board games, hanging out, watching movies or going shopping. Then there is the old lady in me who loves to cook, bake, try new recipes or just having a cup of tea and a good chat. I don’t like going clubbing and I don’t drink alcohol. Other than that I am more than happy to try anything at least once or twice. Oh and I really don’t like snakes or spiders. Some of my hobbies are swimming, going to the beach with my dog, creative and contemporary art and making things like sculpting, wire work and woodwork. I am what most people would call an ‘old soul’. I like to learn new things and try different things. I am a very fun loving, friendly, open person and I like to meet new people.
NDIS Support WorkerI have a couple of hobbies when I have the time to pursue them, I like computer online gaming or Xbox gaming on my off time, though I do prefer to be outdoors with my family and friends. I like to think of myself as a bit of a budding photographer at times ranging from scenic, portrait to glamour, I love it all. I have other interests like restoration of vehicles, drag racing and my favorite one of all, pampering my two adorable cats. I’m a 54-year-old dude living out my 20’s and 30’s again, I’m owned by a lovely wife and have two fantastic children, my motto is you’re never too old, the body breaks but the mind stays young, so NEVER dismiss a person if they have a broken body, because let’s face it, you’re talking to their mind, NOT their body. I have worked in many industries though focused on heavy industry being the main source of income, age 54 came around and I wanted more, I wanted to feel like I made an impact in someone else’s life, to have helped a little to help others, my philosophy is if you make one person smile for a split second, you’ve made a spark of happiness for a day. If I were to talk about what I can do, that would range anywhere from driving cranes, to tipping sugar bins in a sugar factory, I have been a detailer in my time as well as being a laborer and trades assistant. I am a stickler for SAFETY first.
NDIS Support WorkerI’m Jen, I’m 21 years of age and family means everything to me. I love to be outdoors and enjoy the beach. I also have a passion for animals. Throughout school I interacted well with people with disabilities, I was always including them in extra activities. I believe my experience is within my family and friends with disabilities as I have dealt with a lot over the last few years. I have a big heart and I love to include everyone. If you were to choose me as your support worker, you wouldn’t look back, I wouldn’t just be a support worker but a friend as well.
NDIS Support WorkerChris has a varied background from Wildlife Ranger with the Conservation Commission in the Northern Territory to business owner. He has experience in hospitality, tourism, transport, retail, building and construction. Chris enjoys playing golf in his spare time.
NDIS Support WorkerI like to do gardening, play Words with Friends and Candy Crush, and Sleep. Caramel Tart, Chocolate and Coca Cola. I consider myself to be a kind, caring and compassionate person. I like to help people. My work experience is quite varied. I was a Support Worker with HCC. I delivered meals to participants, assisted with domestic duties, and helped with Respite Care. I worked as a Medical Receptionist at the Dysart Medical Centre. I was a Supervisor at K&D IGA. Sadly, the store closed due to the down turn. I have spent many years working for the Education Department as a Classroom Teacher Aid, in both Primary and High School. I have also worked in both school libraries.
NDIS Support WorkerMy hobbies consist of fishing, listening to music, reading, gardening, and being around friends and family. I have a dog; she is very energetic and gets into mischief, but she is very spoilt. I am a mother to 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren. I am very family orientated person. For me being a support worker is very rewarding, as I grow personally with assisting participants to achieve their goals, whilst achieving mine. I enjoyed the personal care position, with working with persons in aged care and disabilities. I enjoyed this role as it was personally rewarding to me.
NDIS SUPPORT WORKERBefore moving to Whitsundays with my youngest daughter we lived on Gold Coast for 26 years , spent alot of time on and around the water I enjoy being out and about on boats when living on Gold Coast I would swim everyday. Love all animals my daughter and I are members of Whitsundays fauna and we rescue, rehabilitate and eventually slow release native animals back to the bush and rainforest ,I enjoy volunteering with eco barge. I have 2 beautiful amazing daughters my oldest daughter lives in Brisbane and I have 2 beautiful grandchildren who I adore and love unconditionally .Spent percentage of my working life in the health industry. I have amazing friends and enjoy spending time with them. I go to art classes which I enjoy , immensely. I like listening to live bands I always have music playing . My little dog Milo is my best companion and he always puts a ray of sunshine in my day. Thats a little bit about me. Cheers Gail .
NDIS Support WorkerHi my name is Lariesha, also know as Risha. My heritage is South Sea Islander, i was born and grew up in Queens Beach Bowen, where I was privileged to have the ocean at our doorstep. Growing up in Bowen has given me a good knowledge of the area and local families in our community. I enjoy caring for the others and pride myself to the South Sea Islander motto, "Respecting the past" "Enjoying the present" "Looking to the future." I am very family orientated and have a huge family in Bowen, who love to get gather for family gatherings at the local Park. My trade is fully qualified hairdresser and trainer, so I am a people person and enjoy meeting new people and learning of different cultures and counties which I have had the opportunity to travel abroad. I love to help people, and Where possible I enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy helping and caring for others achieve their goals. My hobbies are singing at church, hairdressing, horses and traveling to different places.
NDIS Support WorkerI am a retired public servant, now living in Bowen. Coming out of the Magistrates Courts System after 20 years and then a Qld. Government Agent in Collinsville for nearly 25 years. That last one might sound exciting but it certainly was not. I have been married to the same lovely lady for 46 years, and we have 3 grown up children, 10 grandchildren and just this year 1 great grandchild. So I am old! But not too old to beat my current client at squash, which we both enjoy playing, and do so twice a week. We tinker with small mechanical machines like mowers and motor bikes, nothing too serious, restore some old furniture and we both enjoy bush walking & fishing, which is a bit limited in Bowen. The bush walking is limited, the fish themselves are also limited it seems. My goal for this client is to see him get his drivers licence, which I believe he is capable of, and see him become more independent and less reliant on his parent's .That's a good thing, right" I am a practising and believing Christian and try to live my life accordingly. For me, life is good and I am happy to be at this stage of my life right now.
NDIS Support WorkerTo make a difference! I have a colorful personality, kind but determine nature. Mission statement… To inspire others to believe in themselves, overcome fears and remind them “ if something that your doing doesn’t challenge you, then it doesn’t change you”.
NDIS Support WorkerHi my name is Linda my background is in Special Ed and also for many years I helped organise festivals for disabled and terminally ill children I love cooking art and craft and love doing hair and makeup I am great at housework and love walks in the forest I also love fishing and chatting about life but basically I just love caring for and looking after people and animals and making them feel comfortable and happy
NDIS Support WorkerI would describe me as being a very positive, friendly, easy going kind of person. I love to meet new people and have a good chat. I like to talk about almost anything! I try to be helpful and understanding and love to see people happy and achieve their goals. Sometimes I can be a bit of a dreamer and imagine all kinds of awesome things that I could do in the future. I am working hard to achieve these dreams and will never stop. I have a very curious personality and love learning about new interesting things. I often google interesting topics I would like to know about and watch documentaries. I often enjoy going down to the beach for a swim and exploring walking trails. I am always trying to find other ways to entertain myself and spend time with loved ones. Somethings I do is attend community events, concerts and festivals which is always fun. I like to browse the shops and sometimes like to go to the markets. I am always open and interested in trying new things to do locally. Sometimes a creative mind helps to find new interesting things to do in a small town like Bowen, but we are never bored. I really love living in Bowen and the people are amazing.
TREASURERAndrew Duck has been working tirelessly as Treasurer on the committee since 2005. He brings to IDEAL his experience as a CPA and diligently oversees the finances of the Agency. Andrew started as a cadet at Brown and Bird and is now a partner of the firm.
SECRETARYChris has been our Secretary since his election in 2013 and is very dedicated to IDEAL and its growth.
COMMITTEE MEMBERTony has been serving on the Governance Committee since 2009 as the Employer Representative. Tony is the General Manager of Jennmar Queensland and comes from a Mechanical Engineering background. Jennmar Queensland employs approximately 50 people including 3 ex IDEAL Placements Participants. Tony’s management expertise provides a valuable contribution to the governance of the organisation.
Committee memberDavid Conway is the participant representative for IDEAL Placements. He has a wide knowledge of the disability sector and the NDIS. I have taken it upon myself to learn as much as I can about the NDIS as I can, as it personally helps me out, but also helps out anyone who may have questions regarding the scheme. I am a presenter for accident prevention and safety in the local schools. I also am an artist. I have experience in Environmental Management, Public Speaking, Motivational Speaking, Advocacy, and as an access advisor.
