We congratulate Michelle, on twenty incredible years of hard work, passion, and commitment!

We asked Michelle, who is based at our Barkly Square office, about her experience over the years with the Y Ballarat.

“For me, one of the things that really stands out is the supportive and friendly culture and the relationships. These are really important to me.

We have such a happy vibe that it’s fun to come into work! And we do like a good morning tea!” she said.

“I started as a Casual Educator at one of our Holiday Programs, and at the same time I was also working as a Casual Relief Teacher at a local school. At that point, the Y did not offer Before School or After School Care, only Holiday Care, or Vac Care as we called it.

When a permanent role came up in the Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) team, I jumped at it and was the Lead Educator at the service in Buninyong. It was exciting when my experience was recognised and I was asked to take a lead in helping set up a brand new OSHC program in Lucas.”

Michelle has appreciated the support with her career as her life changed.

“As my own family grew up, I found that my situation changed, and I looked for new opportunities and had the chance to transition into a more administration-based role. This worked well, with the hours allowing me to balance work and family. I like how I have a good work life balance.

Apart from working at many of the OSHC service locations, Michelle has seen the Y Ballarat’s central administration hub move four times, and she feels that the offices in Barkly Square are her favourite.

“It’s roomy and really cool to have so many other community organisations in the same building and make connections,” she said enthusiastically.

“While Y Ballarat has always been about supporting young people and communities, I’ve seen a shift to being even more education and youth based.”

For Michelle, the greater mission of the Y motivates her every day.

“What the Y stands for is important to me,” she said. “I feel that my contribution plays a role in helping the community and educating children, which has always been part of who I am.”

Thank you, Michelle, for your countless contributions and for making the Y Ballarat an awesome place to work.

Here’s to many more years of success and good times together making the “World a better place, with and for young people!”