By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Many things have changed in Casey in the past 20 years.
But the leadership at the celebrated Casey North Community Information and Support Service (CISS) is not one of them.
At its annual general meeting, Casey North CISS paid tribute to its enduring executive director Susan Magee, social worker Lidia Gruszka and admin manager Samantha Findlay.
The three have served throughout Casey North CISS’s 20-year history.
They’ve seen countless office moves, hundreds of volunteers, a Global Financial Crisis and an ever-larger populace in Casey.
“If anyone had suggested to me 20 years ago that I would still be here … I am not sure I would have believed them,” Ms Magee told the AGM dinner at Bunjil Place on 15 November.
“The time has gone quickly for me, and there has always been a new challenge to rise to.”
Ms Gruszka said it was “mind-blowing” to be recognised for her service.
“The aim is for people to leave happy, that we can settle them and make a difference.
“So that they don’t leave in tears.”
Ms Findlay paid tribute to the passion and culture of the service – and to the 6200 annual hours put in by volunteers.
“It’s just a great place to work.”
Ms Magee also gave a dire warning of the debt-laden families on the edge of “extreme financial distress”.
Last year, the CISS provided more than $390,000 of emergency relief to more than 4000 visitors – 132 of those were homeless.
If interest rates took off, “a scenario far worse than the last GFC could be ahead of us,” Ms Magee said.
In a popular move, Kay Morland nominated for the CISS board – taking the seat of her late husband and Casey mayor Mick Morland who was tragically killed in June.
The CISS continues to produce free financial resource guides for low-income households as well as families at the brink of breakdown.
It also provides financial counselling, no interest loans, Christmas hampers and winter coats.
