Elaine Jaeschke
Department of Health
Arriving in Katherine in 1987 with Physiotherapy skills, and planning to stay 2 years, I quickly found work with the Department of Health in a health promotion role, before establishing the Katherine Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) later that year.
Looking back at those thirty plus years, I am privileged to have worked with many skilled and dedicated health professionals, support staff, managers, service provides and amazing clients, whom I learn from every day.
Some highlights include:
- Establishing and coordinating Community Connections, a day therapy centre for aged people in Katherine and close communities
- Facilitating the establishment of the first Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist positions in the Katherine region
- Working in the Top End Remote Aged and Disability Program leading the integration of Allied Health, Disability and ACAT services to provide an equitable and quality service to all people and communities in the Katherine Region. I appreciate and value the approach of Aboriginal clients and services, which help us grow as a service and individually.
- Supporting people living with disabilities to choose how they participate in home and community life. Their transition to NDIS was rewarding, and in 2017 this work was recognised at the Disability Service and Inclusion Awards.
- Leading the Community Allied Health Team from a case management to a therapy model completes the cycle with the ACAT role being the one constant throughout my career, and I thank everyone who has supported me during this time.
