Celebrate the women who have been mentors: Tricia Novak
On the eve of International Women’s Day, we asked Tricia Novak about why the day is important to her. Tricia works at Carinity Narangba, which supports youth and families in the Moreton Bay area through counselling services.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
As an older person I have seen so many changes throughout my working life. Society has made some huge advances in recognising women in the workplace, but I still believe there is room for more improvements. International Women’s Day is a time where globally we recognise and celebrate women. I like to celebrate ALL women, whether they have had social, economic, cultural, or political achievements or whether they have not and have chosen to be silent achievers or even chosen to be stay-at-home mums.
I particularly like to acknowledge and celebrate the women around me who have been my mentors. My mother is one of those women. She came to Australia from Uruguay in 1972 with my dad and three children in tow, the eldest being 10 and the youngest being three. She came to a country where she didn’t know the culture nor the language. Within three days of arriving both her and dad had employment. Together they built a wonderful life for us, had their own business, learned the language, and encouraged us to be the best people we could be.
The women I work with, Diana and Anita, are such beautiful strong women who give so much of themselves to help children and families who are struggling and still support their families and friends also. To me International Women’s Day is just a reminder to see and appreciate the women around you who are making a difference in whichever capacity they can.
Can you share an example of an initiative you have led that has created significant change within your community or workplace?
I volunteer for Streetlight which is a charity that journeys with people who are unhoused or homeless. We give them a meal and a chat, a hug and encouragement every Monday and Thursday night. When I first started with Streetlight, I realised that apart from Christmas and their birthday, we didn’t really celebrate any other occasion with them. So, the first Easter I was there I made up some special Easter bags with some goodies and handed them out to them. I then did this for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Show Day for the kids.
I also thought to call out to the broader community a couple of times during the year to get clothes, blankets, sheets, towels, sleeping bags, toiletries, and other things to give to our unhoused/homeless community. Imagine my surprise when in one week I did over 20 pick-ups and ended up with a garage full of everything they would need for a cold winter. Mum and I went through it all washed everything (some of the people that donated had washed their items for me) and we took all the goods on a Monday or Thursday night over a period of about four weeks. Our community was so happy and so grateful for everything people had donated. It warms my heart to see how kind and willing people are to help.
I speak to everyone about Streetlight, and often I get asked “how can I help?” I think that the best way to advocate is to speak about what you see. To share the pain and suffering that our community is navigating through. Ensure that people realise that there is a need and problem outside of their homes/lives and that they acknowledge that others need help.
What motivates you to continue driving change and making a positive impact in your work and personal life?
My love for people. This is faith driven and has very little to do with me. My faith story has some very difficult and sad times to it, but God is good. Even as a child I always wondered what my gift from God was. It took me 50 years to recognise that God had gifted me with the ability to love people where they are. I’ve always been a people’s person. I’ve always advocated for the underdog. Most of all I’ve always approached people to say hello or have a chat. When my dad was very sick and in hospital for a very long time, mum would joke with my brothers when they asked, “Where is Tricia?” She would reply, “Oh, probably in another ward talking to some stranger”. My heart truly aches when I see someone struggling or in distress. So instead of just having the feeling of wanting to help, I have asked God to lead me to where I can help. He has answered, and here I am.
