A lifetime dedicated to helping others

Published

August 30, 2022

For more than 30 years, Amanda Exley has devoted her life to supporting some of the most vulnerable children and families.

A Group Manager for Child, Youth and Families with Uniting Vic.Tas across the north of Melbourne and northern Victoria up to Shepparton and Albury-Wodonga, every day she’s making a difference.

Amanda shared her story as part of the Victorian Government’s new Jobs that Matter campaign aimed at encouraging more people to consider working in the community services.

As part of. her role, Amanda and her team regularly work with those who have experienced family violence and children in out-of-home care.

“There’s a certain sensitive nature to the work that we need to do. Supporting (people) through schools, finding housing, finding jobs, escaping violence,” Amanda says.

“One of the most rewarding experiences working in this industry, is to sit with a family and to hear what their goals are and how they want to get there and then how we can support them to do that.

“Letting them see that, there is a way forward and then actually getting there with them and walking that journey and walking alongside them to get there.

“If someone was thinking about working in child, youth, and family services, I would recommend that they wear their heart on their sleeve (and) are prepared to work hard.

“A lot of people will be quite daunted by this kind of a role. I often get told, ‘I don’t know how you do that’, but it’s because there’s a whole team behind you. The work isn’t easy, but it’s very rewarding and fulfilling.”

Hear Amanda’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBl7V53Lwz8&t=6s

Video courtesy Victorian Department Families, Fairness and Housing

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