Mel Slater has only been with the In Great Company team since the start of the year, but she’s already been privy to all the wonderful friendships that come out of the volunteer program. She shares some of her experiences below.
What is your name?
Mel Slater
What is your Current role at Feros Care?
Operations Manager, Volunteers and Social Program
How long have you been in this role?
I have been doing this role since January 2022, and prior to this I worked in the Quality and Risk team for Feros Care.
Tell us about your background in life and work.
I was born and raised in Perth and moved to Queensland in 2012. I am recently married with two boys and one stepdaughter. My boys are 14 and 12, and my stepdaughter is 6. They are all growing so fast, it only feels like yesterday that they were babies in nappies…
I have worked in the public service since I was 17 and completed a Commerce Degree at Curtin University. After moving to Queensland, I decided to try something completely different and started working at Gold Coast airport as customer service officer. Working at the airport was amazing! I really enjoyed that customer interaction and the excitement of watching people flying off to amazing holidays. With COVID I was no longer able to work at the airport and was fortunate enough to start my journey with Feros Care soon after. I have found working in aged care another big change and have enjoyed learning as much as possible about the positive way Feros Care engages with the community.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle and enjoy swimming at the beach and have completed half marathons. I’ve recently started reformer Pilates and have become quite addicted. I try to go at least 3 times a week.
I really enjoy learning new things and am constantly enrolling in short courses that interest me. I recently enrolled in a Cert IV in Aging and have enjoyed spending time completing the practical component in one of the Feros Care Villages in Wommin Bay.
I love spending time with the kids whilst they still enjoy my company! I don’t think it will be too much longer before Mum isn’t cool anymore.
What attracted you to Feros Care/In Great Company?
I love the values that Feros Care embrace, they really resonated with me. Especially the Dream Makers and Kindness Warriors. The thought of helping people make their dreams come true is so wonderful and personally fulfilling.
What is the most satisfying part of your role?
In Great Company has such a positive impact on so many lives. I love hearing the stories of the clients who have met great friends, had new experiences and what a positive impact it can have on their lives.
How valuable do you believe the In Great Company Volunteer service is?
The volunteer program is so very valuable, demonstrated over and over again in the positive feedback we get from our senior participants and volunteers. The program focusses on being person-centred and supports making great like-minded matches. The program is also rewarding for the volunteers who get just as much out of the friendships that are made.