When you think ‘Public Servant’, what image comes to your mind?
Whatever it may be, it’s unlikely you’ll picture the image of somebody like Adrian Smith (picture above, left). After his former employer closed their major manufacturing operation in Brisbane [no, Henrietta, I won’t get you started. No politics in Rotary!], he decided to dedicate his body and soul to help seriously disadvantaged, homeless youth to regain traction in what we take for granted: participation in the everyday economy; more actually, participation in everyday society. His title is ‘Project Lead’ at Youth Outreach, a ‘Specialist Homelessness Service’.
Whilst we enjoyed a delightful cooked breakfast prepared by their charges, the 90 minutes we spent in company with the organisation’s dedicated leadership team, Chief Operating Officer Angela Sheeran, Vice President Jamie Preston, Pearl Kirikiri and Adrian Smith certainly were a bit of an eye-opener for most of us. The possible exception being our member Evan Mita, whose vocation at Mission Austraila is to help these people every day.
In addition to gaining a trade qualification, these young teenagers learn “normal” living skills, are helped in essential matters such as gaining a driver’s license, opening a bank account. Space does not permit a full outline of this organisation, financed by the Queensland Government. You can find it all on their website: https://www.homelessyouth.com.au/
Thank you, Ross and Evan, for organising this most instructional, as well as thorougly enjoyable Vocational Service visit.
(Photo, from left: Adrian Smith, Surfers Sunrise Rotary President Paul Seymour, Jamie Preston, three of the workers, Angela Sheeran, Pearl Kirikiri)