University student cares for the community
Wed 06 June 2007
Carita Hague, Jounalism
Erin Long has used the skills learned at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) to help charity organisation, Carers Queensland, help others.
Erin has worked in a part-time, volunteer capacity with Carers Queensland for 18 months, carrying out public relations activities, which Erin says have helped promote awareness of the organisation and the services it offers to carers.
Erin said, “The main role I have undertaken for Carers Queensland includes writing stories and taking photos about the organisation’s carer support groups or events which take place throughout the year, at various locations across the Coast”.
“The stories and photos are published in the Sunshine Coast’s local papers and Carer’s Queensland magazine publication, First.”
Carers Queensland is a not-for-profit, non-Government, registered charity dedicated to supporting people in Queensland who are caring for others. They provide support services including face-to-face and telephone counselling and free information kits.
Erin says the charity arranges support group meetings and events, that include retreats and educational seminars, which give carers “…a chance to meet with other carers in similar positions”.
Carers Queensland also notes on their website that they are “…committed to advancing the recognition of the role of carers through ongoing advocacy, negotiation and communication with government (at all levels), service providers and other community agencies”.
Erin became involved with Carers Queensland through her mother Lorraine, who works in the organisation’s Maroochydore branch.
More specifically, Carer Services Officer Janine Drew approached Erin to work for the charity, as they were short-staffed.
Erin believes her work with Carers Queensland has been of mutual benefit.
“My work with Carers Queensland has been very interesting and rewarding. I have had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of issues in the community and how other people live. I have also experienced what it is like to work in the industry and I can add any published pieces to my portfolio to show prospective employers …,” Erin said.
Erin, who is studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in journalism and minoring in public relations, says there are numerous skills she has learnt at USC which have helped her carry out her roles with Carers Queensland. These include interviewing skills, learning to write for different mediums and audiences and learning how to prepare media releases and to take and edit photographs.
Erin’s contribution to Carers Queensland is also proof of the success of the University’s teaching and learning approach as she has attained the attributes the USC seeks for its graduates.
Most notably, Erin has demonstrated the ability to apply and communicate knowledge, respect difference and diversity, and to develop a strong sense of social responsibility.
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