Fay Smallwood is a proud Dunghutti / Bindal woman from Tweed Heads who has commenced a Traineeship as a mature aged learner and is being supported through Souths Cares’ Barranggirra Program.
Fay has been working in the cleaning and housekeeping profession all her life and had always wanted to work for an Aboriginal owned company. In May 2021, a Traineeship opportunity became available at Nanyabura - an Aboriginal owned cleaning and security company.
The Traineeship represented a great opportunity for Fay to receive a formal qualification whilst learning new skills and procedures which were emerging in response to COVID safety requirements within the cleaning industry.
Fay is strongly committed to her work, lifelong learning and supporting her family. She is currently supporting her grandson relocate to Sydney from regional NSW to open the door to education and sporting opportunities available within the city.
Rette Kirby, Employment and Training Mentor for the Barranggirra Program has been working with Fay to support her employment and training as well as the logistics of her grandson’s relocation to Sydney. Rette explained it was an honour to work with Fay.
“I really feel humbled to be working with someone as hardworking and as selfless as Fay. She is breaking down barriers for our mob and shown the value of being open to new learning opportunities and growth”, Rette said.
Fay is currently receiving weekly mentoring through the Barranggirra Program as she works towards completing her Traineeship and achieving other goals outside of her employment and training. Fay explained she had established a great rapport with her mentor.
“I think the Barranggirra Program is a great initiative and there is a clear need for it. My mentor is very supportive and communicates well with me, and importantly I feel heard for myself and my family”, Fay said.
The Barranggirra Program is facilitated by Souths Cares in partnership with Training Services NSW. For more information see https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/community/barranggirra-program/
