As an advocate for students at Carinity Education Rockhampton, Bridgitte Tones is committed to empowering young people - and inspiring her team of youth workers to deliver the highest level of support.
Bridgitte is the school's Student Wellbeing Coordinator who Deputy Principal, Danielle New, says passionately "cultivates a culture of growth and excellence through continuous mentorship and guidance".
Danielle said Bridgitte exhibits "exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change for her students, her team, and the broader community".
"Her leadership ensures that youth workers continually grow their skills, knowledge, and confidence to support students through their challenges, with compassion and without judgment," Danielle said.
"Bridgitte also plays a vital role in advocating for the wellbeing and success of her students by fostering strong, collaborative relationships with families, caregivers and a wide range of external providers."
She works tirelessly to ensure students receive support from organisations such as Child Safety, Youth Justice, Queensland Police Service, HeadSpace, child youth mental health services, Girls Time Out, Lives Lived Well, and alcohol and drug support agencies.
"Bridgitte's ability to effectively liaise with these agencies ensures that students' needs are met comprehensively and holistically, particularly those who face complex personal and social challenges. Her advocacy efforts extend beyond her students, creating positive change in the community," Danielle said.
Bridgitte's forward-thinking vision also includes developing innovative programs to support students who need specialised education and well-being services. Her proactive approach ensures students have every opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
Bridgitte led the creation of an outreach program for students involved with youth justice or child safety, providing them with education and essential wellbeing support even if they cannot attend school in person.
"My goal is to provide adaptive support, reaching out with the right support at the right time, building relationships and trust before expecting a young person to take on the huge challenges that go with getting an education these days," Bridgitte said.
"Advocation for youth in and out of school is something I find incredibly easy to do. I am humbled daily that my students trust me with their feelings, their hopes, dreams and often fears and come and talk to me.
"Every day I come to work I get to see a student or many actively work towards achieving a life goal. What could be more motivating than that?"
Bridgitte said International Women's Day is a day of reflection and acknowledging the "amazing women I am so lucky to be surrounded by" and the "amazing young women I support as students".
"I am truly lucky to have so many examples of wonderful female role models, forward-thinking women driving change within our sector and lobbying for the needs of others," Bridgitte said.
