It’s about Community

“I was very sports orientated at school and it was everywhere. Tennis, softball, cricket, whatever. But softball was one of the main things for girls at that time and I was the catcher.”

“I’m bringing this up because it was all about the team, about teambuilding. You know, if you’re playing a team sport, you’re with everybody and helping everybody to achieve and to win as well.”

“I do like to win, but I also understand losing and accept that this also happens.”

“So I believe that when it comes to Mental Health, I see myself as the ‘Catcher’ when people fall down, I’m there to catch them.”

Petria then went back to UNI at age 48 to study Psychology and she said that she felt like the Pied Piper where a number of the young students saw her as a mentor.

Then in 2020 Petria joined the TRC council election race on the platform of growing the Toowoomba Region economically and socially with an inclusive society.

"I'm about inclusion, and particularly for people with a disability, first nations people, people with mental health issues.”

Unfortunately Patria did not gain a seat, but this hasn’t stopped her in her drive for an inclusive community.

Patria is also heavily involved in the LGBTIQA+ community and is the coorganiser of the Rainbow Pride Float in the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

“The first LGBTIQA+ float was in 1995 but there hasn’t been one since, Toowoomba might not have been ready for such a float back then and the people on the float had to wear masks.”

Patria is now operating as an independent NDIS Recovery Coach and Support Coordinator.

An NDIS Recovery Coach is a professional who provides support to individuals with disabilities as they pursue their goals and objectives as outlined in their NDIS plan.

The coach works in partnership with the individual to identify and address any barriers they face in accessing and engaging in services, activities, or resources.

The coach also provides guidance and direction to help the individual develop skills and strategies to achieve their personal goals.

The NDIS Recovery Coach is not a therapist or counsellor, but rather a person who provides professional guidance and support to individuals in order to help them reach their desired outcomes.

The coach works with the individual to identify areas of improvement, create achievable goals, and develop an action plan to reach those goals.

The coach is also responsible for providing support and feedback as the individual works to achieve their goals. This includes providing advice, resources, and referrals to help the individual succeed.

Additionally, the coach works to provide emotional and practical support, such as providing encouragement, reassurance, and advocacy.

The NDIS Recovery Coach is an important resource for individuals with disabilities who are looking to reach their full potential.

Through the support of a coach, individuals can take control of their lives and make progress toward achieving their goals.

I’m sure that Patria will continue with her great community work and I’m grateful that I got to spend this time with her.