“The best thing about working with Mum is knowing that outside of work, I have someone who really knows what it’s like to work in this space,” says Lauren. “It’s certainly given us a lot to talk about over the last few years.”
Rayelene adds, “The biggest challenge is not to get into ‘shop discussions’ when we’re not at work, but my husband and Lauren’s wife have a good crack at keeping us in line.”
Rayelene: “I started in ReConnect in January 2019. I actually applied for the ReStart Program. I didn’t hear anything for three months and then got a call asking if I was free later in the day and would I still be interested in working for ACSO but in a different program. I met the ReConnect Program Manager and Team Leader at a coffee shop and before I got back to my car received a phone call offering the job and asking when I could start. Happy Days.”
Lauren: “For me, I was trying to get into Youth Justice and made it all the way through a three month/five stage interview process only to be knocked back because I was on a waitlist for a knee reconstruction. I was feeling really disheartened. Mum was secretly thrilled; she didn’t want me going into a YJ centre. She told me about a vacancy at ACSO, in the ReStart program – which is pretty similar to what she does in ReConnect – where I’d have a bigger impact than would ever be possible inside the walls of a Correctional Centre. I thought this sounded like an excellent opportunity to get into the forensic space, and Mum has always spoken so highly of ACSO, so there was no reason not to give it a go.”
“No, not at all surprised. Lauren has been looking after vulnerable people since kindergarten. She can be a cranky, stompy little minx with the biggest heart. I guess my fondest memories of Loz taking care of people is the way she took care of my parents.”
“My grandfather (Mum’s Dad), worked at Parkville Youth Justice Centre, back when it was Turana Youth Training Centre. Growing up, a good chunk of his dinner table stories started with the phrase ‘Back when I was in the Department.’ I think my passion for social justice may have come from hearing some of his stories, thinking ‘you can’t do that’, and wanting to be a part of a better system for supporting disadvantaged members of our communities.”
Rather than her own achievements, Rayelene says the thing she’s proudest of are the achievements of the participants she works with:
“I can’t say there’s a proud moment for me, but I can say I am proud of the achievements of some of my participants. One proud moment was watching one of my participants interviewed on TV about his volunteering. He volunteers to support police, and other first responders as they attempt to warn young people about the hazards of driving substance effected. He has lived experience of what it’s like knowing you are responsible for the death of someone you know and what his actions have cost and continue to cost. He shares those costs and emotions in the hope he can deter someone from making the same mistakes.”
Lauren says her favourite part of the job is supporting her amazing team:
“As a ReStart Team Leader, my favourite part of the role is my team. I feel incredibly honoured to be able to collaborate with, support and guide some of the most compassionate, innovative and driven people I’ve ever worked with. I get to be part of their journey, witnessing them grow in skill and confidence, problem-solve alongside them, and celebrating all of their and their participants’ wins, big or small.”
Rayelene: “Whether it’s passionately caring or passionately outraged. Whatever she approaches in life, it’s ‘all in’ with her. And the people around her, including myself, get caught up in that powerful feeling she emits.”
Lauren: “Mum has always excelled, wherever she has focused her time and attention. But it’s been evident that she has found her Passion in case work. I would hazard a guess and say that Mum probably racks up more kms in an ACSO Fleet car each week than anyone else in Victoria. She is always out and about getting the job done, meeting the needs of her participants and ensuring that the future they’re working towards is within reach.”
If you’re inspired by the life changing work Rayelene and Lauren are doing, learn more about working with ACSO.