Purpose-driven work of community services champions honoured with new exhibition 

A Tasmanian photographic exhibition honouring the essential work of over 28,000 workers and 46,900 (formal) volunteers in the community services industry was launched at the Moonah Arts Centre today.

Workforce Coalition Co-Chair, Ms Lee Veitch, said the exhibition forms part of the Work with Purpose initiative, which aims to attract people to work in aged care, disability, education and care (childcare), and social services, by highlighting the purpose-led meaningful work these sectors offer.

“With demand for community services continuing to increase in Tasmania, the industry requires a significant amount of new jobs just to keep pace with current demand,” Ms Veitch said.

“As a community, we need to ensure the community services industry continues to have the necessary skilled workforce, so all Tasmanians can receive support to live a good life.

“Tasmania’s community service workers are at the frontline of supporting Tasmanians in need, delivering essential services and contributing $1.9 billion each year to the Tasmanian economy.”

Ms Veitch said the Work with Purpose exhibition features images and stories of real life Tasmanians to highlight the meaning, inspiration and reality of the work people do in community services. 

“Each story features Tasmanians who share their own career journeys and the meaning of their work both personally and professionally,” she said.

“The campaign also invites the community to reach out to people they know by sending a free postcard to someone they think would be the right fit for the industry or acknowledging colleagues, friends or family who are creating an impact in their work.” 

To find out more about the Work with Purpose campaign and read about the 12 champions, head to workwithpurpose.au/tasmanian-stories.

Work with Purpose Photographic Exhibition details:
The Work with Purpose photographic exhibition runs from 15-16 February 2024 at the Moonah Arts Centre. Entry is free. The exhibition will then tour communities across Tasmania throughout 2024.

Work with Purpose images are by Philip Bohle (philipbohle.net).