Cathi's 30-Year Legacy
at Uniting Communities

One career, countless opportunities

When Cathi Blacker joined Uniting Communities 30 years ago, little did she know it was the start of an incredible career full of variety, challenge and opportunity. 

“It’s quite astounding when I think about it,” Cathi says. “I have done so many different roles at Uniting Communities, and I still love it. It feels like 30 minutes rather than 30 years!”

Cathi started her journey with us as a temporary administration officer in 1995. Immediately feeling at home in our caring and driven team culture, she successfully applied for a permanent admin position with our Youth Services team.  

“I spent many years with Youth Services. I loved it, but I eventually reached a stage where I felt ready for something different. At that time, my family and I packed up and moved from Adelaide to Port Lincoln. Uniting Communities wanted me to stay with the organisation, so they encouraged me to stretch myself beyond administration.”

For the next two decades, Cathi undertook various training and developed her skills across a range of roles, including Aged Care Coordinator, Drug Diversion Clinician and Aged Care Assessor. Her kindness and dedication to improving the lives of others led her into leadership, progressing to several Team Leader positions. Now, Cathi serves as Service Manager with our Aged Care Assessment Service. 

It may not be the career she expected, but Cathi says it’s everything she could have hoped for and more.  

“I feel so lucky that I landed at Uniting Communities. I came in as a temp, but they saw something in me. They encouraged me to try something different and to be something different. That’s why I’ve been here for 30 years. It’s an organisation that sees the potential in people. I still feel excited to get up every day. I’m not here 30 years in, dragging my feet. I’m here 30 years in and asking, ‘What are we doing today?’”

A force for good 

Uniting Communities has undergone enormous change in the past 30 years. When Cathi started, we were known as the Adelaide Central Mission. Our services, support and impact have expanded considerably over the years. And in 2019, we opened the doors to U City – our innovative “vertical village” in Adelaide.

Yet, Cathi says the heart of Uniting Communities remains unchanged.

“It blows my mind when I think of how far we’ve come. But those core things that keep people wanting to work here still exist. We care for the community, we respect individuals, and we support them to live the best lives they possibly can.”

Better lives are exactly what Cathi and her team help create each day. As a Service Manager with our Aged Care Assessment Service, Cathi supports Team Leaders and Assessors across rural and remote areas of South Australia to enhance the independence, safety and wellbeing of older people in their own homes. 

“We have an amazing team of assessors who ensure the best outcomes for clients. They take a really personalised approach – getting to know the older person, finding out what’s important to them, and connecting them with the services they need. It’s about having genuine conversations and truly listening to understand.”

Cathi values that, at Uniting Communities, she and her team can prioritise quality service over numbers.

“One of the things I love about this organisation is that we focus on quality. Numbers are important, but quality is our primary concern. Are we giving the best to clients? Can it be better? That drives everything we do, and that’s what makes this an amazing place.”

Having worked as an Assessor herself, Cathi understands how crucial it is that her team feels supported and connected while undertaking this vital work.  

“We cover a huge geographical area and our people work remotely, but we have a wonderful culture of collaboration and connection. Our Assessors have supervision every two weeks. We also have regular virtual meetings, and we have a weekly virtual coffee catch-up where we chat about anything not-work related – we even get our pets involved,” Cathi laughs. 

“Our team is also quite diverse, from recent graduates to those in the later stages of their careers. That creates a really nice mix.”

A place where everyone can thrive 

Throughout her time at Uniting Communities, Cathi has experienced remarkable growth both professionally and personally. She's raised a family, become a highly respected leader and mentor, and is currently pursuing her social work degree.

“Every significant moment in my adult life has happened alongside Uniting Communities. My two adult sons now live in Adelaide, but since my role as Service Manager brings me to U City regularly, I get to see them often. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Are you looking for a bold, kind career you can be proud of? Cathi says you’ll find fresh challenges, new opportunities and a genuine team at Uniting Communities.

“Do it! Just do it. We have such a positive culture, filled with wonderful people passionate about making a difference. If you’re willing to put in the effort and try new things, there are so many pathways. I'm a testament to that – I started as a temp, and now I help run one of Uniting Communities’ largest services. I absolutely love what I do. I'm not going anywhere – they'd have to carry me out!”