Pride in my home

Geraldine Thimble has become the first member of the remote community of Mornington Island in Queensland to gain employment in the Pride in My Home Program with Save the Children, Australia’s leading independent emergency relief and development organisation for children.

Geraldine’s story was recently featured in the Closing the Gap: Prime Minister’s Report 2013.

Working in the position since July 2012, Geraldine is primarily responsible for local implementation of the Pride in My Home Program – an initiative led by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

With the support of Save the Children, Geraldine works to increase the community’s awareness and understanding of health and safety issues in the home, economic issues such as household budgeting and meeting tenancy responsibilities, and improving the home environment for families to ensure a safe and happy upbringing for children.

Geraldine was assisted in obtaining her job by Tracey Phillips, an Indigenous employment and training advisor from Job Services Australia provider, Jobfind.

Geraldine said she was really enjoying her work.

“Pride in my home really says it all,” Geraldine said.

“I love being able to share my skills and knowledge with others in the community, to help them keep their homes safe and clean for their children.

“Together with youth in the community, we work as a team to clean their yards for the elders. This is the job for me. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”