TWENTY-FIVE years is a lifetime to work for one organisation. Jan McRae has seen many changes in that time working for Community Interlink as a Case Manager and Program Manager. But she has also had a rewarding and fulfilling career filled with great colleagues and memorable clients.
Retiring this year, Jan reflected on her time at Community Interlink, having worked in five different Cobram offices, two Shepparton offices, and three Benalla and Wodonga offices.
“25 years working for one organisation is quite a long time and no doubt some wonder why I have stayed so long. That’s not difficult to answer,” said Jan.
“I’ve had so many great colleagues. Honestly some of the best, kindest, most down to earth people I have ever met.”
“There are lots that I am still in touch with, some became great friends. Working together in human services does bring people together.”
Jan noted her feelings about the home care and disability support organisation with which she spent so much time. “I feel that Community Interlink has set an excellent standard of working with kindness and compassion, starting where the client is, acknowledging difference and client choice.”
Jan can still remember most of her Clients, from the first few she had in the year 2000, as well as how soon she realised that a constant in the sector would be change.
“Dependent on government funding means you are always going to be subject to change,” she said.
Recently, Community Interlink has seen transition from the Home Care Packages program to the new Support at Home program.
“Community Interlink has adapted and evolved for 33 years and I have every confidence that it will continue to evolve and will continue to provide great service,” said Jan.
“Community work has the potential to positively affect people’s lives and in the long run I think that is what has kept me in the job for so long. My abiding memories will be of people and of achievement.”
