S1 | E17 Meet Michelle McDonell - CEO of Home-Start Family Services Australia.

It is a pleasure to share with you in our “I Decide Series” for 2023 Michelle McDonell story this month. Michelle is the CEO of Home-Start Family Services Australia.  Home-Start exists for parents, single mums and single dads, and New Australian families who haven’t established their new tribe yet and who are finding it difficult to cope. It has been operating across the world for 48 years and is in 22 countries.  They have free professional and volunteer services available for people in their homes. They provide training and support to their volunteers to equip and release them to take a journey with a family one family at a time.  Their primary focus is to support families whatever shape they take with children under the age of 8 years. Michelle is a national and international speaker with a wealth of experience backed up by a passion for making a living and a difference. Michelle was born and raised in our local area of Lake Macquarie. She trained as a teacher but didn’t find her passion until she started studying social work and social welfare.  Now our local lass has a voice of influence to the world in a space that has the potential to rebuild communities one family at a time.  Michelle inspired, challenged, and educated me with a perspective of unconditional love and respect for so many people who are vital to our community but fly under the radar overlooked and misunderstood.  I hope you enjoy and consider how you may be able to know more about this amazing work.  Enjoy Michelle’s story.