Page 45 - Port Douglas Magazine 44

With just six dollars in their bank account, they embraced the
challenge of starting fresh. After a year in a tent, they upgraded
to a caravan, one they bought, gutted, and rebuilt from scratch.
Heather’s career began in early childhood education, a field
where she learned the importance of early intervention and
collaboration with families and support services. Over time, her
career led her to human resources at Mossman Gorge, where
she became part of a team dedicated to fostering a culturally
aware and supportive workplace.
Joining the team at Mossman Support Services felt like the role
for which she had been preparing her entire career. Providing
ongoing support for well-being, alongside opportunities for
growth and development, has helped strengthen teams and
foster a healthier, more connected community.
At Mossman Support Services, she works alongside an incredible
team dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives. Whether
offering crisis support, facilitating community programs, or
simply creating a space where people feel seen and heard, the
team is driven by the belief that everyone deserves connection
and support.
The biggest challenges facing the community include social
isolation, mental health struggles, addiction, and a critical lack
of affordable housing. Many people in the region are without
extended family support, increasing the risks of loneliness and
financial hardship.
Heather has seen many people walk through the doors of
Mossman Support Services in crisis, unsure of what they need
but knowing they can’t go on alone. She vividly recalls one of
her earliest experiences: Helping a 73-year-old woman who
had suddenly become homeless. With no housing services in
the shire, simply handing her a swag and camp gear wasn’t an
option.
Heather While the organisation provides immediate financial crisis
support, the focus goes deeper; understanding the more
McGillivray -Taylor complex issues and empowering people with long-term
solutions. Community programs play a big role, offering a space
where people can share skills, learn from one another, and form
MOSSMAN SUPPORT SERVICES meaningful connections.
Heather credits her incredible team for making a real difference.
If there’s one person who truly embodies the spirit Their dedication, teamwork, and compassion inspire her daily.
of community in the Douglas Shire, it’s Heather No two days are the same. While there are moments of joy and
laughter in delivering programs, there is also the deep satisfaction
McGillivray-Taylor. As the manager of Mossman of knowing they are helping to create a sense of belonging,
Support Services, Heather leads a dedicated team easing loneliness, and bridging gaps in the community.
providing vital programs and services, supporting According to Heather, the Douglas Shire is not only unique for its
individuals with disabilities, youth initiatives, and breathtaking beauty, natural playgrounds, and tropical climate,
broader community programs designed to foster but also for its deep sense of community. Beyond its diverse
inclusion and well-being. cultural background, there is a shared understanding of looking
out for one another.
Heather credits her independence and resilience to her In times of crisis, this spirit of care and generosity shines. Heather
upbringing in Noble Park, Melbourne. Raised in a loving, has seen locals step up time and again, whether through
supportive family, she and her brother had strong role models donations, volunteering, or rallying together during challenging
in their parents, who provided guidance while allowing them to times like the COVID-19 pandemic or the aftermath of ex-Tropical
learn from their own mistakes. Cyclone Jasper.
Though filled with happy memories, Noble Park perhaps wasn’t Recognising the need to align services with the local environment
the safest place to grow up. At the time, Heather and her friends and culture, Heather envisions a purpose-built facility in the
didn’t think much of it, but looking back she realises the diversity area, designed to foster connection while respecting the region’s
of the area. She recalls skipping school one day and walking unique landscape and heritage. Outdoor events, from youth
with friends to a house nearby when police cars repeatedly engagement programs to community gatherings, play a crucial
drove past, searching for an armed suspect who had shot at role in ensuring that everyone feels welcome and included.
officers the night before. With such a deep passion for the community, balancing work and
Despite that, Heather enjoyed a carefree childhood with country personal life isn’t always easy, but Heather embraces both the
adventures, and family holidays by the river. challenges and the rewards. Dedicated to making a difference,
Those early outdoor adventures proved invaluable when she puts in long hours to support others. But she also knows
she and her husband first arrived in Port Douglas, where they the importance of taking a step back, whether by spending time
spent their first year living in a tent. While on their honeymoon, outdoors or simply pausing to recharge.
they instantly knew this was where they belonged. The natural At the heart of it all, Heather’s mission is simple: To help people
beauty, relaxed atmosphere and welcoming community felt like feel supported, connected, and valued. And through her work at
home, the place for which they had been searching. Mossman Support Services, she’s doing exactly that.