Bio: Hamish Flanery
What brought you here to Sanctuary Aus?
I joined Sanctuary Aus because I am deeply aligned with their values and principles. Their therapeutic framework and service delivery particularly resonate with me. I value direct engagement with individuals and their families over remote support, as I believe that collaborative efforts yield the most effective outcomes.
What keeps you here at SA?
What do you like about your role?
What I most enjoy about this role is the opportunity to work with exceptionally selfless individuals and to engage with people throughout Canberra and its surrounding areas whom I might not otherwise encounter.
Your Previous Work
I have dedicated my entire career to working with children and adults with disabilities. My passion began in high school, where I fulfilled my volunteer hours at a local preschool, discovering my love for working with young children. I furthered this commitment at Lambing Flats Enterprise (LFE) in Young, N.S.W., which offers services to foster independence and connection within the community.
Throughout later high school years, I volunteered as an individual support worker for families needing assistance with children with disabilities. During my undergraduate studies at Bathurst, N.S.W., I worked as a support worker for Vivability, coordinating afterschool care for children aged 5-10 and providing individual support for various clients within the community.
After completing my degree, I joined the Department of Communities and Justice as a Child Protection Caseworker in Queanbeyan, N.S.W. However, after 12 months, I realized this role did not fully align with my desire to contribute meaningfully to the community. Consequently, I transitioned to the disability sector as a Behavioural Therapist, where I have continued to engage with individuals with disabilities and strive to support them effectively through both professional and volunteer efforts.
Your previous study
I I hold a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) from Charles Sturt University and a Master of Counselling from the University of Canberra. Additionally, I have completed a brief training course in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and attended the So SAFE! Workshop. On July 29th, I began studying Auslan through the Deaf Connect Society, with the goal of becoming fluent in this form of communication to enhance my connection with clients.
My commitment to growth and community contribution drives me to engage with individuals in the Canberra region and beyond, to better understand how to support those in need. Additionally, the exceptional team at Sanctuary Aus—each member bringing unique expertise—motivates me to remain here. Collaborating closely with them enhances my ability to assist others effectively.