New Child Safety staff for Doomadgee and Mornington Island
From left: Doomadgee Child Safety Support Officer, Jeannette Hughes; Minister for Child Safety, Desley Boyle; and Mornington Island Child Safety Support Officer, Peter Nathan.
Two new Child Safety Support Officers (CSSOs) will be working to support the children, young people and families of Doomadgee and Mornington Island in 2007.
Jeannette Hughes has been appointed as the new CSSO for Doomadgee, while Peter Nathan is the new CSSO for Mornington Island.
Jeannette Hughes will begin working with the local Doomadgee community after the wet season, when the area becomes accessible by road.
"I am looking forward to working with the local kids and families. My dad came from Doomadgee, and I also have a number of family members there," Jeannette said.
Jeannette has a long history of working in community services, particularly in rural and remote areas.
"I was previously based at Mornington Island as a CSSO, where I provided support for kids in care, their families and foster carers," she said.
"A lot of my work involved helping families get back on track, for example by referring them to services such as Positive Parenting Programs, the Indigenous Family Support Unit and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Service."
Prior to being based at Mornington Island, Jeannette worked from the Mount Isa Child Safety Service Centre, working with families in Doomadgee, Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Normanton.
"Before I joined Child Safety I also worked for 10 years in juvenile protection in Darwin, helping at risk teenagers," Jeannette said.
Peter Nathan, the new CSSO for Mornington Island, is also looking forward to getting his teeth into his new role.
"I have already been to Mornington for one contact visit, touching base with the local council, community groups, local Elders and other government departments," Peter said.
"I am also getting to know the case files, the children on the Island, and local families and foster carers," he said.
"My aim is to be a liaison for the community, and to work closely with the community to keep kids safe."
Peter said his role will include supporting other departmental officers and the local community, making contact visits, working with parents and foster carers, and liaising with other community service providers.
Growing up on Mornington Island, Peter already has strong ties with the area.
"I lived on Mornington until I was seven, and my mum's family still lives there. I have also spent a lot of holidays there, as I really enjoy the way of life," Peter said.
Peter said he is looking forward to moving back to Mornington Island to take up the CSSO role.
"The best thing about living and working in a rural or remote community is that you create a strong network around you - your colleagues are not only your workmates, but also your friends," he said.
"It is an easier way of life. It is only two minutes to walk to work, and there are all the benefits of the area such as fishing and camping."
Peter started working with the Department of Child Safety in November 2006. He is also currently studying a degree in Social Science, majoring in Psychology, via correspondence through James Cook University.
- Last updated
- 5 February 2007