As one of 12 finalists in the Geelong Awards for People with Disability Awards, Isla Connolly received due recognition for her flexibility, eagerness to learn new skills, leadership and desire to be a voice for people with disability.
Isla was delighted to be put forward for the award, when asked if she was comfortable being nominated. “That’s such a kind thought, and I’m really honoured you’d consider nominating me,” Isla said.
At the awards presentation held in conjunction with International Day of People with Disability on Tuesday 3 December, Isla reiterated how it was a real honour to be nominated along with so many other inspiring nominees doing great things in the community.
This recognition comes as no surprise to everyone who has seen her grow and flourish in her supported employee roles at genU.
Isla has been making a positive impact since joining genU in 2021, quickly establishing herself as an integral part of the kitchen team at genU’s Eastern Hub Community Centre.
During her time there, she wowed everyone with her amazing baking and cooking skills, renowned for her cakes, pastries and chocolate houses she produced for various functions at genU’s Eastern Hub. Her eye for detail and patience to produce quality food ensured guests were guaranteed excellent fare.
In the middle of this year, it was time for a change, with Isla swapping baking for gardening, in a transfer to the genU Geelong Community Nursery.
“It’s a pleasure to have Isla working with us at the nursery with her sense of humour and the way she conducts herself and works in a professional manner,” genU’s Geelong Community Nursery coordinator Karyn Visser said.
Helping Isla make the shift from the genU Eastern Hub kitchen to genU South Geelong nursery is her connection with the Friends of the Geelong Botanical Gardens, where she volunteers to help with all tasks from potting to weeding and their regular plant sales. In line with her skills, Isla is also on the Fundraising, Events, and Catering Committee.
“This interest has enabled Isla to transition to working at our nursery where she works in a most capable manner with our staff and crew,” Karyn said.
genU CEO Clare Amies congratulated Isla on being named a finalist in the awards, a recognition that was richly deserved.
“We pride ourselves on creating a working environment where our supported employees feel encouraged to reach their full potential and can shine every day following their passions at work,” Ms Amies said.
“Isla has shown just how many diverse skills she has, in the kitchen and the garden, and this reinforces how our program gets positive outcomes for people with disability who want to work.”
In a sign of her confidence and wanting to make a difference for other genU clients, Isla shares her lived experience as a supported employee in the newly formed genU Client Advisory Committee. As a reliable committee member, Isla attended all meetings in 2024.
Importantly, Isla speaks as a voice for many clients, giving genU a vital insight on how clients want their services to look like. This valuable input helps genU make decisions, design projects and other service improvements.
She’s provided feedback on best ways to communicate with herself and others. She communicates the importance of attending the Client Advisory Committee with her supported employment supervisor.
Through her rapport with other supported employees, Isla is comfortable chatting with those who may be interested in the committee, about raising their own issues or the ways they can provide their own feedback to genU.
In her spare time, Isla applies her creativity across a wide range of hobbies, including baking at home and for functions, and she has used her sewing skills to make dresses.
“I have no doubt that Isla could achieve other goals and aims that she might have in the future if she wants to,” Karyn said.
To find out more about the genU program to support your employment goals, visit Disability Supported Employment Pathways At genU.