November 2023

November at The Companion Group, the last moment of relative peace before we get into the end of that December rush and our work schedules barely overlap while everyone is holidaying. This month was a busy one for inductions, with 3 new Support Workers joining our team. See some of our comings and goings below:

Office Caught in the Act!

Here at The Companion Group we love what we do. Keeping a Disability Support company running smoothly brings us plenty of joy, but it never ceases to keep us on our toes. Every month the office team meets to catch our breath, sign some of our DSW’s Birthday cards and relax for an hour at one of our favourite hang outs.

3 Months with TCG - Maddie

One of our newest Disability Support Workers Maddie started with us a few months ago. Beginning your career as a new support worker can be exhilarating, rewarding and of course at times challenging. So far Maddie has taken on that challenge and smashed it, proving to be kind, reliable, and in the job for all the right reasons. She’s also proven incredibly popular with a near-booked out roster in just a few months which is quite an achievement.

I asked Maddie about her time with us so far:

Please tell us a little about yourself:
- I come from a vet nursing background so I love animals. I have 2 shepherds and 2 cats at home.
- I love to foster cats and kittens
- I work to pay for my holidays. I have been to 25 countries and can't wait to add more to the list.

What made you want to get into support work?
The VIC government was offering free tafe courses in the industry to help boost numbers. I decided it was time for a career change and I wanted to learn some new skills.

How has your time with TCG been so far?
- TCG have been very welcoming. I feel comfortable talking to management about anything.
- I enjoy the variety of work and job flexibility

What have you learnt since you started the role?
- To be patient
- Things don't always go to plan but that's ok  

We are very proud of the work you’re doing Maddie and look forward to seeing your continued growth as a Disability Support Worker.

Participant Spotlight - Sean

Introducing Sean, one of The Companion Group’s longest running participants. Sean loves his art, nature, health and the Western Bulldogs footy team.

We have been supporting Sean for a little over 5 years now and are so proud of seeing what he has achieved in that time.

One of Sean’s top goals is creating art. He is supported each week to attend Art for All Abilities in Drysdale to express himself and refine his skills and techniques.

Sean has many influences, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gough, John Brack, Jean Michael Basquiat, George Grosz, Max Ernst, and Arthur Boyd, in the figurative tradition. Sean’s work is very immediate with a stylisation and symbolism all of it’s own. His art has been displayed at various local art shows, and he has sold multiple t-shirts with his designs printed on them.

Sean also loves the great outdoors, TCG workers regularly find themselves out and about with Sean. We still remember the day we made it to the top of the You Yangs with you, it was amazing to experience this achievement together.

We are so proud of you Sean and look forward to continuing to support you on your journey, wherever that takes us.