For Nowa Nowa local Bonnie Rotheram, getting to her full-time job in Lakes Entrance generally involves a lift from her mum or dad.
She has worked at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) since she was 16, building a career at the reception desk and now saving for her first home.
Bonnie completed a traineeship earlier this year and now has an ongoing job with GLCH.
In 2025 she was also a finalist in the prestigious Wurreker Awards – recognising excellence in Koorie training, education and employment.
In addition to this achievement, she played a key role in Lakes Entrance Football Netball Club’s under 17 netball premiership earlier
in the year.
Just a few years ago, Bonnie struggled in school and was unsure of her next steps. She now wants to inspire other young people who feel school isn’t the right fit.
“I’d like to be a role model for kids my age who aren’t enjoying school, there are so many other ways around it all,” she said.
Bonnie is the oldest of three, and her morning before work involves helping her little sister get ready for school.
After her mum drops her and her sister off, she takes her place in GLCH’s customer service team, often helping people book in for podiatry, physiotherapy and gym-support programs at the Jemmeson Street site.
Bonnie has completed a GLCH traineeship, which including a Certificate III in Business and Administration, and is looking forward to continuing to grow in her role as a customer service officer.
“I was working at a coffee shop before I came here. I didn’t really know what I was going to do,” Bonnie said.
“But I knew I had to work and I wanted to work and keep learning.”
Bonnie grew up in Rawson, near Mt Baw Baw, moving to East Gippsland with her family while she was at secondary college.
“School wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy it, and I wasn’t doing very well,” she said.
For Bonnie, the support she found at GLCH through her employment and training has made all the difference.
“The study I did for my traineeship, I would never have done that at school, but here with the help and support I was able to participate in learning.”
GLCH chief operating officer Bec Woodland nominated Bonnie for the Wurreker Awards, recognising her hard work ethic, and the calm approach she takes to ensuring GLCH clients have a great experience.
Bonnie was the youngest ever finalist in
the awards.
“Bonnie is an asset to GLCH. She works hard to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients and patients, each and every day,” Mrs Woodland said.
“Our team is built on local talent, and we love seeing and celebrating the development of our staff as they grow skills and enhance their careers.”
For Bonnie, work has been a stabilising and rewarding experience, and she’s kept in touch with her age group through involvement in the netball club.
She’s now focussed on her next goals.
“I’m saving for a house deposit; I’d like to buy a house young. I really enjoy the Lakes Entrance community – there’s a lot of opportunities.”
GLCH is currently recruiting for roles in administration, childhood education and podiatry. For more information on working at GLCH visit the website.
