A highly respected and much loved Quandamooka woman, Rosie Bell joined YFS in 2009, working in the Burrabilly program providing mental health and early intervention supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their families.
“It was the first time,” Rosie says, “in my whole working life where I could apply for a job working in the town where I had lived and raised my children. In Logan.”
Rosie, who had spent many years working in community and education services in Brisbane, was struck by the need for cultural First Nations services in the Logan community.
“In my first week, I could see that just supporting all my client’s siblings – they were a large family – that could have been my whole caseload. I realised it’s a big job and I’m here for the long run.”
Two other things stood out to Rosie in her early days: the opportunity for YFS to grow its understanding of how to make the workplace a culturally safe place for First Nations’ staff, and YFS’ commitment to keep improving their practises.
“In my first case management meeting there were improvements on the agenda, and that impressed me. Improvement – it’s not a scary word.”
“It’s something always talked about here – what’s working well, what’s not. We’re always progressing, each one of us and as an organisation.”
Shortly after beginning at YFS, Rosie initiated a working group with staff and Logan Elders to raise awareness within community of YFS’ work supporting First Nations clients and to advocate for more supports. The group also developed YFS’ first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2012 and helped drive the development of YFS’ First Nations Cultural Framework.
“It took a while but once it was established and we had the first RAP it just grew in momentum. Senior staff were committed and it grew naturally amongst all the staff.”
When the State Government ceased funding Burrabilly, YFS made a commitment to continue the program through their Commonwealth families work, Step by Step.
Rosie developed YFS’ work with young First Nations’ parents and their children – initiating cultural responses for families and partnerships in the community.
Rosie worked with families in their toughest circumstances, including with a family of six children whose mum was receiving palliative care.
“I worked with the three youngest siblings to make sure they had the supports they needed at school. And I said to the oldest siblings I would be there. We will support you.”
After the children’s mother passed away, the oldest sibling asked Rosie to help finish writing a eulogy for her mum, and the family asked her to read it at the funeral service.
“I [still] see them, the family, around. They are beautiful and respectful young adults now.”
In a farewell speech at Rosie’s retirement last year – after more than 50 years working in community services – Cath Bartolo recognised Rosie’s invaluable impact on YFS through her leadership, wisdom, and skills as a family and youth practitioner.
“During your time at YFS you have been a wise Elder and mentor to Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff. You are one of YFS’ treasures and YFS is a stronger organisation for your enormous contribution.”
And as YFS celebrates its 40th anniversary, Rosie wishes the organisation a strong future, one that builds on its strengths and remains inclusive.
“We all come here [to YFS] because we are connected to the community services sector for a reason…the staff have a voice. And we use it with courage.”
