Heartbeat of the Hastings: Bec Willing and Able’s community gems

ANYONE who shops at op shops like Willing and Able knows there are community gems behind the scenes who make the experience a pleasant one.

They are the friendly faces, the helping hands, the people who quietly make your day just that little bit better.

One of those friendly faces is this week’s Heartbeat of the Hastings, Bec*.

She is part of the team at Willing and Able creating a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for the community every day.

One of the longest serving employees, Bec has spent the past 15 years building confidence and skills through supported employment.

For her, it is more than just a job.

It is the purpose and the chance to keep growing.

Born in Port Macquarie, Bec attended Westport Primary and high schools before completing her HSC.

“I was born here in Port Macquarie at the old hospital on the hill,” she said.

“I did Hospitality at TAFE, then I met Donna who was working for Centrecare at the time.

“Later, she started working at Willing and Able placing Supported Employees, and she gave me a call.

“That was 15 years ago and I’m still here.”

Supported employment provides people with disability real, paid jobs, with on-the-job support funded through the NDIS to help them succeed.

Over the years, Bec has become a familiar and valued presence, taking on a wide range of roles across the organisation.

“I’ve worked in the Op Shop doing clothes sorting, bric-a-brac sorting, helping move furniture around, putting bric-a-brac and clothes out on shelves and racks, serving customers at the register.

“And I’ve been the main Willing and Able barista since the coffee shop opened.

“There isn’t much I haven’t done in the Op Shop.

“I’m a ‘bitzer’!”

What stands out most for Bec is not just the work, but the people.

“Relationships, connections and friendships, and I love how helpful and understanding everyone is.”

Her journey has been one of quiet determination and personal growth.

“We do reviews on our job performance every year and in the past I was always too slow at making coffees.

“I’m now fast enough.

“I worked hard to get here and I’m really proud of myself.”

Looking ahead, Bec remains focused on what matters most to her.

“I would like to keep working at Willing and Able and achieving my goals, and maybe one day I might look at open employment.”

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Willing and Able has been offering employment under this model in its various formats since 1986.

By Sis HIGGINS