Meet the team: David Jones

At EyrePlus, our strength lies in our people. Each team member brings unique experiences and a shared commitment to empowering communities across the Eyre Peninsula. In this series, Meet the team, we’ll introduce you to the passionate people who make our work possible.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I recently got married (22/12/2023) in Sydney the day before going on a cruise to New Zealand, and this time got to visit New Zealand as the first cruise (and overseas trip on Ovations of the Seas) was in 2020 and the day before embarking COVID19 was declared a Pandemic so a 14-day cruise with stops in Nouméa, Vanuatu, and New Zealand ended up being a 7-day cruise that turned around not far off of the New Zealand shores and started and ended in Sydney. My weekends are usually hectic as I leave for Yalata on Sunday afternoon after going sports pistol shooting and come home Friday afternoon after closing the Yalata Community Council main office, leaving me with Saturday to get stuff done. 

What led you into this line of work?

Previously I was working in security and was on call 24hrs/7 days a week with little to no time off. I initially applied for a job at Town Camp, but Eva thought I would be better suited as an Employment Consultant and offered the opportunity to apply for the role of Yalata Community Employment Consultant with Complete Personnel, and two years later I moved over to EyrePlus. 

Tell us about your role and what a typical day at EyrePlus looks like for you

Very busy directing community people to the right people to help (if I cannot help) with a very wide range of inquiries for community members on and off my caseload, a large portion of time spent communicating with the community and outside organisations to keep up with the ever-changing movements and programmes taking place. 

How would your team describe you?

Laid back and enjoys a good joke.

Do you have previous experience in this industry / related experience? 

Most of my previous experience has been in administration and security. I’ve now been working as an Employment Consultant in Yalata for almost 7 years.

What is your favourite thing about working for EyrePlus?

I like the independence and that I often get to help community members in ways that change their lives for the better. 

What have you learned in your time with EyrePlus?

“Go with the flow and expect the unexpected”

To work in a remote community, you need to learn to go with the flow and expect the unexpected.

Any advice for someone looking to get into similar work?

Focus your time on those who show they want your help.