If she could, Roberta Stone would work at Currajong Disability Services forever. Helping people comes naturally to her and is a part of her make up. She spent 26 years in child care prior to a decade with CDS. That came to a tearful end on June 15 when she officially retired.
“I will miss it at CDS and cannot thank my colleagues and the board enough,” Roberta said. “I’ll especially miss the clients, their re- actions when they achieve their goals,” she said. “We’ve all been through so much to- gether, but now it’s time to travel and catch up with my other family and grandchildren.”
When Roberta first walked through the doors of CDS ten years ago she was seek- ing a new challenge. The interest in special needs and the disability services industry had always been there but she said it took a long time to take the leap.
“Helping people is who I am and keep- ing my emotions in check has always been
tough,” she said. “The rewards are there for the right people and they are immeasurable and everlasting.”
With massive positive changes ahead in- cluding the roll-out of the NDIS Roberta has no regrets and knows it is the right time. “Donna Little is great and she is more than capable of taking CDS into the next phase of their development,” she said.
For Donna Little, the new system represents fresh challenges but more importantly new ideas and a chance to build on the good work of those before her like Roberta.
“Roberta has been tremendous and a great source of knowledge and support,” Donna said. “I know I speak for all staff when I wish her all the best.”
Donna Little will take on the role of Residential Team Leader that will incorporate much of Roberta’s old position and some other responsibilities.
By Dane Millerd