It Starts Here: How One Educator is Inspiring Lives Where Her Journey Began

Behind every success story is a first step. A first chance to learn, grow, connect and thrive.  

At the Y NSW, we see those moments every day, and they are the reason behind our national brand platform, ‘It Starts Here’.  

We see first swims, first-time volunteers, first jobs, first handsprings, first gym memberships, first layups, first pickleball matches, and more! For some, we see their first time feeling safe and connected through our not-for-profit programs like Alternative Suspension and Streetgym. Whether someone joins us as a participant, volunteer or employee, the Y is where confidence is built, skills are developed and lifelong connections are formed. For many people, that first step becomes the beginning of something much bigger. 

For educator Indi Elgood at Hammondville OSHC, her first step with the Y NSW turned into the opportunity to follow her goal of working with children while studying primary education at university.  

“I’ve really enjoyed watching the children grow into their personalities and being able to see the children come out of their shells,” she described her rewarding role.  

Indi brings a unique perspective to the role because she previously attended Hammondville Public School and the OSHC service when her mother was a teacher at the school. That connection with the school community has helped her build strong partnerships that support children – particularly when it comes to behaviour guidance and emotional support. 

“I try to make all sessions engaging to all the children and I try my best to find common interests among the children to create activities and games," she said. 

Through her care and commitment, Indi has supported children to flourish in a service that is vital to many families.  

“It provides families with flexibility with their work,” she said.  

“I feel honoured they put their trust in me and the Y to provide care for their children.” 

Trust from parents and guardians also stems from the Y NSW’s two-educator model. 

“By having two educators rostered on at all times, we are able to manage supervision and tasks we need to complete, allowing children to have more of our attention,” Indi said. 

“By being able to provide children with more attention, we are able to gain knowledge of their interests to make before school care and after school care more engaging for them, allowing each individual child to thrive and feel supported.” 

From some of the earliest steps children take towards living inspired lives at OSHC services, to setting a positive example like Indi – it starts here, at the Y. 

Find out more about our OSHC services here and find out more about a career at Y NSW here.