Jagmeet Sandhu

Community Development Officer

I have always had a passion for working in the community. In India, where I was born, I worked in a few charitable organisations. I completed a Bachelor’s degree in 2004, a Master’s degree in 2006 and, in 2007, migrated to Australia. In Canberra I undertook a Diploma in Community Services with a placement at Community Services 1#. This was an amazing experience for me and gave me the opportunity to apply for a permanent position as a Community Development officer. I now work at Community Services 1# where I feel proud to be part of an organisation that is positively impacting people’s lives. I love the shared vision of creating a better community.

I was born in Punjab, India and had a happy childhood living in an isolated and peaceful place. I used to play traditional games that kept me entertained for hours; the best part of my evenings was listening to my grandparents tell fascinating stories from their youth as well as history and spiritual talks. I could see the excitement in their eyes as they shared these memories. Those moments were magical; they remain fresh in my mind.

I moved to Australia because of this country’s high standard of living, its diverse and multicultural society, strong economy, excellent health care, quality education and natural environment. The warm, sunny climate is the same as in my country of birth. I chose Canberra because it is a perfect place to work and raise a family. Its schools, colleges and universities offer excellent educational opportunities, its natural surroundings give ample chances for outdoor activities with my two children – a boy of eleven and a girl who is six.

Working at CS1# has been an amazing experience, the work culture is inclusive – everyone is encouraged to share ideas so there is room to learn and grow. I can see myself working here for a long time.

Deepa Madan

Director – Throsby Out of School Hours Care Program

I was born in Delhi capital of India, a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. Growing up in a joint family with many cousins has provided me with a sense of community and created opportunities for socializing and bonding. I loved participating in street play and social gatherings, which helped me to develop social skills and create fond memories. I believe in religious beliefs and personal wisdom, which have been important in guiding one’s decisions and actions, and in shaping my worldview.

I came to Australia in the end of 2014 for better economic prospects, education, and quality of life. We choose to migrate to Australia to provide our son with better opportunities for his future. Australia has a multicultural society and embraces diversity, making it a welcoming and inclusive place to live.

The love story between my husband and I began when we met through a common friend. However, my conservative family did not accept our love story, as we had a love marriage that was not the norm in our community. Despite this, my husband’s kind and loving nature created a remarkable space between him and my family. We have been married for almost 25 years, and our bond has grown stronger. We are a very family-oriented couple and love spending time with our loved ones.

We are grateful for each other and the life we have built together, and we look forward to many more years of love, happiness, and togetherness.

I joined Community Services #1 in 2015 as a student educator. I still cannot forget that day that CS#1 called me and asked if I would like to come for an interview. At that time, I was doing a hospitality job to earn money to survive in a new country.

I have a passion for working with children and have experience in a school library for 12 years in my home country. Working with children can be incredibly rewarding, as we get an opportunity to help them learn and grow and positively impact their lives.

I appreciate the work culture at CS#1 and the respect shown among colleagues regardless of their position within the organization. A positive work culture that values respect and equality is essential for creating a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.

At CS#1 Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable, and we work on policies and practices in place to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. In addition, a workplace that values diversity and inclusivity can bring various perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to better decision-making and outcomes.

I have progressed through multiple roles at CS#1, starting as a student educator, Team Leader, and Assistant Director for a short period and ultimately becoming the Director.

I want to thank my seniors for their support and guidance helped to develop the skills and knowledge needed to progress through the different roles at CS#1. This type of mentorship and support through CS#1 is invaluable for professionals at all levels of an organization.

One of the best parts of working in the childcare industry is the opportunity to positively impact children’s lives as we play a critical role in supporting the development of young children by providing a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn, play, and grow.

Every day is different in my role and every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.

Working in this setting also allows me to build meaningful relationships with children and their families. Knowing that I have played a role in helping a child reach their full potential can be incredibly satisfying and provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment at the end of the day.