IDEAL TEAM
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CEO EMPLOYMENT SERVICES MANAGER OFFICE COORDINATORMelissa has over 25 years experienced as an Administrator ,Trainer and Manager gained through the Public and Private Sectors. Melissa is fully committed to providing the highest possible standards of customer service and support. Melissa has completed a Diploma in Management, Cert IV in Business Administration, Training and Assessment & Frontline Management. Melissa has a strong passion for helping people achieve their goals whatever that may be.
Quality Assurance OfficerSue's role ensures all activities that IP undertake meet the compliance standards in which we work. That includes quality management and business systems. Sue is also responsible for sourcing the funding programs that allow IP to deliver the different programs that we do to our participants.
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.
Administration AssistantAfter graduating grade 12 in 2018, Jaylee has been working at IDEAL Placements for the last 3 years. Having completed her Certificate III in Business Administration as an Administration Trainee at IDEAL Placements, Jaylee is utilising her new found knowledge. Jaylee is aiming to pursue her goals whilst fulfilling her new role. Jaylee has a keen interest in NRL, and is a proud player of the Souths Women's team.
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.
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. ADMINISTRATION TRAINEEClaire Johnston has graduated high school in 2018, and now is currently a member of IDEAL Placements since 2021. Claire is currently completing a Cert ΙΙΙ in Business Administration traineeship. Claire is excited to start her new role and completing her certificate while broadening her skills and knowledge further for her future. Claire has a passion for servicing customers and providing them a positive experience. Claire has 5 years’ experience in retail and customer service and 2 years’ experience as a supervisor for a local restaurant, and is ready to use these skills to provide the best in Customer Service. Claire lives in Bowen but travel’s between Cannonvale, Proserpine, and Bowen offices. Claire is a proud South Sea Islander with a large family, with this, was always active growing up playing a wide range of sport with her family such as footy, touch and capture the flag just to name a few. A fun fact also, Claire was born on the side of the road in the back of an ambulance, and has three piggies who she love’s dearly; Tyrone, Teddy and Derek.
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 CoordinatorLeanne has been with IDEAL for nine years and has provided valuable encouragement and support to participants in finding sustainable employment. Leanne finds her work very rewarding and believes that there is a job out there for everyone. Leanne has witnessed how gaining employment has changed participant’s lives, their attitude towards life and improved confidence. Leanne's background has mainly been retail, mining and hospitality and building employer relationships.
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.
JOB COORDINATORScott has had over 25 years’ experience in large retail operation. He is enthusiastic about supporting people to find the right job for them, And believes everyone should be given the opportunity to have employment. He also has a passion for music and sport which includes Rugby Union and Cricket.
JOB COORDINATORTrinity has been working in the Employment Services Industry for the past 4 years and has vast industry background and knowledge. She has a strong passion for helping people achieve their employment and education goals and to pass on knowledge and skills where she can. Trinity loves sport specifically NRL which she works casually for and being surrounded by family which brought her back to Mackay. Trinity is also passionate about food and travel and has been given the opportunity in life to experience a multitude of cultures and traditions on her travels.
JOB COORDINATORJacqui has worked in a variety of industries over the years. She has completed Certificate III – Office Business Administration, Certificate IV – Bookkeeping, Certificate III – Micro Business Operations. Jacqui has had the opportunity of running a business with buying and selling used cars. Jacqui has just started with IDEAL Placements as a Trainee and is looking forward to helping people reach their employment goals. Jacqui is looking forward to beginning her career as a Job Coordinator. Jacqui also enjoys music, movies, spending time with family and friends, camping, and enjoying life. JOB COORDINATOR
YOUTH COORDINATORTyrone has spent the last 3 years working in the Youth Industry, his previous experience was being a personal trainer and running a gym. Tyrone is looking to continue gaining and excelling his knowledge and to do his part in instilling inspiration and confidence to the youth within the community. Tyrone also loves all kinds of sports, outdoor activities and long walks on the beach by the sunset with his canine friend Boston. YOUTH COORDINATORJackie works with young people so they can achieve their employment and education goals. Jackie has extensive knowledge and experience in working within the childcare industry, which has led her to her current role as a Youth Co-ordinator . Jackie is enthusiastic about supporting people to find the right job for them and believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to have employment and also have the opportunity to expand their knowledge. Jackie also enjoys music, movies and spending time with family.
YOUTH COORDINATORMegan has a passion for working within the Youth Industry, wanting to do her part in helping youth reach their full potential and achieving their career goals by drawing on her own life experiences. Megan Joined the IDEAL Placements team and is currently completing an Employment Services Traineeship. Megan’s interests include camping, motor bike riding, hiking, and spending time with family.
YOUTH COORDINATORKurt has a vast interest and passion in working within the Youth Industry, wanting to further his knowledge and to do his part in helping youth reach their full potential and achieving their career goals. Kurt Joined the IDEAL Placements team and is currently completing an Employment Services Traineeship. Kurt’s interests include Rugby League which is what brought him here to Mackay. Kurt also enjoys Touch, Oztag and admiring sunsets.
YOUTH COORDINATORLauren is one of our new TtW Youth Coordinator Trainee’s. Lauren joined our team at the start of 2021 and is working towards completing her Certificate IV in Employment Services & Certificate IV in Career Development. Lauren has a passion for helping youth reach their full potential and making sure they can reach their goals. Lauren’s interest includes cooking and eating food and spending time with friends and family.
YOUTH COORDINATORI have been an assistant nurse for the past three years; however, I have found a new passion for guiding youth to seek their true potential. I thrive on supporting and furthering the skills of young people & helping them to pursue their goals.
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.
Trainer
TrainerSince leaving full time work, I have supported mentally and physically impaired adults in learning new skills and contributed to improving their quality of life. My objective is to continue this work using my skills developed over many years in different areas of my life. I am passionate about keeping people safe and as a member of the QPS, as a Volunteer in Policing, I run “Stay Safe” sessions in the community. I have many interests including reading, interior design/renovating houses, family and friends, chess, trivial pursuit and in particular training in Karate that keeps me both mentally and physically fit.
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 WorkerHi everyone my name is Leanne. I'm a qualified butcher by trade and I was the manager for the IGA in Sarina for 7 years. I then worked at at Woolworths both in the meat department and at the front end at check outs . I also worked out at Beaconsfield at the special school for about a year. I loved working with people that just needed that little bit of extra help. I moved closer to where I currently live in Sarina and worked in the special needs unit at the high school. Such beautiful young people there! My husband and I love to hook up the van and go to the beach. There I love to collect shells and drift wood, fishing and crabbing.
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 Worker
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 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 Worker
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 Worker NDIS Support WorkerHi, my name is Kylea I would describe myself as talkative, friendly and fun. I get along well with everyone and enjoy working with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. My goal is to ensure all my clients are happy, supported and achieving their goals. I have completed Certificate III in Community Services and Certificate III in Education Support. I have experience as a special needs Teacher Aide in both primary and secondary education. I am also a carer at a respite group for parents of children with disability. I have 15 years previous experience in retail management so my work has always been people focused. About me I was raised on an acreage riding motorbikes. I grew up around showbiz as my mum ran a dance school for 30 years. I love musicals as well as all genres of music old and new. I enjoy seeing live music, bands or live shows. I enjoy craft, sewing and creating. I like making things. I enjoy dining out and all different types of cuisine. I love to travel and see new places. I jumped off the worlds highest cliff jump in New Zealand so I like trying things out of the box. I love photography. I love reading and movies. I enjoy watching motor sport and have attended the Gold Coast 600 many times. My passion is the ocean and all things in it. I have been a Padi licensed diver since 1996. I regularly visit the Great Barrier Reef. I have dived with sharks in the wild and in captivity. I have recently taken up fishing which has been so much fun. I currently attend water aerobics, pilates and yoga. I am very involved with my children's activities - AFL Football, Singing, Junior Lifeguards and Scuba Diving. I enjoy attending local community events and getting out and about.
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. COMMITTEE MEMBER - ACTING PRESIDENT
COMMITTEE MEMBER - 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.
Committee Member - Secretary