Cheryl recognised as one of the best in the nation
13 October 2009
Cheryl was named in the final three of the National Employment Services Association (NESA) Employment Consultant of the Year awards, shetravelled to Sydney in August to accept her award from Federal Employment Participation Minister Mark Arbib.
While she didn’t take out the top prize, Cheryl said she was thrilled to be recognised for her years of working with clients, many of whom found it difficult to find work due to racial, language, physical or mental illness barriers.
MatchWorks has also faired well in the awards in previous years, taking out the top prize in 2008.
“This has been the most tremendous experience,” Cheryl said.
“The testimonials were amazing - just to hear things from clients you wouldn't normally hear.’’
People Cheryl has assisted over the years wrote some lovely things about her, saying they were impressed with her level of care and that she had made a big difference in their lives.
“To be recognised in the top three is mind-blowing because I work with a lot of people that I feel are just as good as what I am,’’ she said.
The honours were open to all Job Services Australia providers throughout the country and were narrowed down to a top three out of more than 200 applications received.
The grandmother of seven has worked at Matchworks since its inception.
Cheryl said the sense that she was putting something back into the community through her work, in helping disadvantaged people, was a great motivator.
“It's not just a matter of going to work, doing what needs to be done, getting money and leaving. It's actually very rewarding,’’ she said.
“Obviously work, in many respects if they are dealing with depression or something like that, can actually help their disability. It's great that there are employers out there willing to give people a go."