Tamara Davis has dedicated a large portion of her working life to community services. With a background spanning roles at Bendigo Regional YMCA and Anglicare, she joined Amicus Community Services in 2020, just two weeks before COVID-19 lockdowns began.
Starting as a Support Coordinator, Tamara is now Specialist Support Coordination Manager, leading a team of five. “I’ve always wanted to work for organisations that genuinely care,” she says. “That’s really important to me, and it’s what keeps me in this sector.”
A simple motto
Amicus’ support coordination service has built a strong reputation across Bendigo and the region. The experienced team is known for its knowledge, reliability, and determination, guided by a team charter built on the values of being “trusted, respected, knowledgeable and determined.” As Tamara explains, “Our team motto is, because we care about people. It’s simple, but it’s something we stand by every day.”
For many participants and families, choosing the right provider can be daunting. Tamara cautions against unregistered providers, who sometimes take advantage of vulnerable people. “We’ve seen participants come to us after terrible experiences of funding misuse. That’s why it’s so important to choose a registered provider with proper oversight.”
Funding that fits
At its heart, Amicus’ role goes far beyond connecting participants to services. Support coordinators also help ensure a plan keeps pace with a participant’s needs. “Sometimes people’s funding just doesn’t cover the supports needed,” Tamara explains. “Our job is to gather the right evidence, work with a range of service providers, and go back to the NDIS to request a plan review. When that funding finally comes through, it’s one of the most rewarding moments for us to see the impact it has on the participants and their families.”
She points to the example of young people finishing school, where significant daytime support suddenly disappears. “Helping families through that transition can be tough, but it’s also where we know we can make a huge difference, so we are pretty determined.”
Laser-focused on excellent care
Amicus itself has experienced major change in recent years. But under Managing Director Stan Liacos, Tamara believes the organisation has renewed its focus. “We’ve got great leadership and a really clear direction now,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s about making lives better for our participants, and that’s what we are laser-focused on each day.”
