Community helpers

Siobhan Murphy

I’M originally from Scotland and moved to Australia in 2010. I started off in Brisbane, did a bit of the Northern Territory, met my partner seven years ago and we relocated to Roma.

So we lived there for the best part of five years and we just relocated to Toowoomba in January. But before that, because Roma’s so remote, we would do all our shopping and stuff in Toowoomba because it’s got everything you need.

I’m a finance officer here at Lifeline.

What do I love about Toowoomba? The weather’s a lot like home.

We love it because it’s kind of got that community vibe but it’s not as busy as the big cities.

Ashleigh Cranitch

I’VE lived here all my life.

I was born with a disability and Toowoomba’s got all the things I need.

I’ve got everything at my fingertips basically, and it’s not so big like Brisbane.

I think that’s one of the reasons why I love Toowoomba because you’ve got everything you need here, yet you can still go around knowing people, it’s got that sense of community and everyone kind of joins together.

I’m a trainee here at Lifeline.

I started here in September last year and I have a sixmonth contract with Lifeline and ideally I would love to stay because I just think Lifeline is a fantastic organisation and the people I work with are absolutely amazing.

I’m on the reception. I talk to all the clients and have a bit of a laugh with them. I deal with the clients head-on. And give them a hug when it’s tough. I really enjoy it.

Robin Waldie

I’M from Zimbabwe originally. I’ve lived in Melbourne for 20 years, Brisbane for 10 years, and I moved to China for two years.

I left Zimbabwe in my early 20s, I guess because the political situation there was fairly volatile.

There was a fairly uncertain future in that country at that time and we wanted to come and live somewhere secure and safe and somewhere we could have a family and raise them in a secure environment.

Having said that, even after living in Australia all these years I still miss Africa, a lot. I still feel very African on the inside, but it was the right decision to make, most definitely.

Since I’ve been in Australia the nicest place I’ve lived is Toowoomba.

Why? Just it’s a very easy, manageable town. There’s no major traffic hassles. Great schools, good shopping, and in recent years nice food choices.

I’m PA to the CEO which means I’m really varied and interesting job.

Evlyn McKenzie

I’VE been working for Lifeline Darling Downs since 2008. I think I’ve been in Toowoomba for 14 years, and I came up here for my children.

I work in the administration and reception area. It’s a good organisation to work for.

I enjoy helping people not just internally but externally. You always get a variety (of people).

What’s one thing I love about Toowoomba? The climate. I love the rain. I like rainy days because I think of the farmers.

Photo: Matthew Newton THE TEAM: Lifeline Darling Downs employees (from left) Siobhan Murphy, Ashleigh Cranitch, Robin Waldie, and Evlyn McKenzie have a chat at reception.