Why did you want to be a People Connector with the ACDC Project?
Brett: I wanted to be a People Connector to get to know our community and householders better, to understand the supports and needs of our neighbours and to learn more about the community in which I live and enjoy. I also may get to provide a hand up to someone who is in need, through connecting them to service and supports.
Ashi: Working many years in the community sector, I have seen people who are not so fortunate, are suffering from stigma or not well supported. I care about the community I live in and I’m curious to know and understand more. There seem to be many service providers in the area, but I wonder how these services can better work together in channeling the resources we do have. The Census does not capture the true picture of our society, particularly within mental health. The ACDC Project got me excited in a way that now I’ve got the opportunity to find out for myself.
How have you found door-knocking in Toowoomba so far?
Brett: It has been very enjoyable to be outside, chatting to households and meeting the diversity of families and friends in our community. The majority of people we have met have been very responsive to the project and have praised its aim and purpose.
Ashi: We have only been door-knocking for a short time but it has gone fast. Everything has been a learning curve, but we are coping. To be People Connector is physically and emotionally challenging work. So far the impression is that the Toowoomba community is quite lucky. Where people are willing to engage, we are hearing mostly “we are doing ok” and “we are good.” During these circumstances of COVID-19 and everything else going on around the world, so far Toowoomba people are painting a relatively positive picture. It is early days.
What is one of the best things about your job as a People Connector?
Brett: One of the best things about being a People Connector is meeting new and different householders every day, especially householders from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Being outdoors and not sitting at a computer, working with my peer People Connector Ashi, and being able to support people at their doorstep to identify local supports and services to help them out is wonderful.
Ashi: The best part about the job is finding out the true picture of the community I live in. Through my experience of working in the community sector, I have seen incidences where I thought we could do better as neighbours.
How do you think the ACDC Project will help people in Toowoomba?
Brett: By identifying gaps and usages of local services and supports. Hopefully, find a better way of providing these services in the future within our community. I also hope findings from this project will help connect those in need with a helping hand up.
Ashi: Data coming directly from the households will reveal the demographics of the community, their social and emotional needs, economic wellbeing, and help us to understand the gaps of services and supports. Accordingly, the strategic planning could be completed to improve the effective use of the resources for future.
