Chris’ story
Chris Miller’s relationship with his work goes beyond a job – there’s a strong cultural and family connection, too.
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As a family support practitioner with ATSICHS Brisbane (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service), Chris was driven by wanting to help people through a challenging time in their lives.
A family connection
Between his parents and other family members, Chris estimates there is 120 years of combined experience working in the same vocation.
“For me, being disconnected from my culture personally influenced my decision to want to work in this particular focus on First Nations people,” Chris said.
However, working with families in the early stages of child safety issues took a toll on his own wellbeing.
In mid-2023, Chris experienced a mental injury due to the nature of his work.
“I thought I was pretty good at being able to identify those things and then, they snuck up on me,” he said.
ATSICHS Brisbane Work Health and Safety Advisor, Janice Janecic noticed a change in her conversations with Chris.
“You could hear it in his voice… he wasn't him. He wasn't cracking the jokes and whatever,” Janice said.
Finding a good fit
Janice knew that Chris had many transferrable skills from his past work as a tradesman and in policing.
“It's breaking down the tasks that are available and seeing if there's anything on site that they can do. And then if that's not possible, then okay, who else in the organisation needs a hand?” Janice said.
Janice worked with Environmental Services Manager Sharen Suman and WorkCover case manager, Tarana Hayat, to help Chris get back doing suitable duties in garden maintenance at Jimbelunga Nursing Centre.
“From the very beginning I kind of knew that he was very purpose driven. He was always talking about return to work and you get that feeling that this person is motivated and genuine,” Tarana said.
Through WorkCover, Chris was also able to access treatment and support, like sessions with a psychologist.
“I got to actually pause and not have to worry about child safety,” Chris said.
‘A team of my own’
After working at Jimbelunga for several months, an opportunity came up for Chris to fill in as Asset Manager for all ATSICHS Brisbane sites.
Soon after, he was offered the role on a permanent basis.
Chris said the role has allowed him to stay connected to his strong sense of purpose in the work at ATSICHS Brisbane, in a different way.
For example, he now manages the fleet cars he used to drive out to visit families.
“In my mind I'm like, well, I can still do the same work that I did, but I'm doing it from a different place.”
“I've got a team of my own. Instead of me having to, for want of a better word, carry the load, I've been able to support my team this time round and chose a different path… but I needed the support to get there.”
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