Introduction to our Newest Program Trainer, Sue!

We are excited to welcome our newest Program Trainer to the Mackay team, Sue!

With a background spanning everything from working on boats in the Great Barrier Reef to running family day care and even organic vegetable farming, she brings an incredible tapestry of life experience to Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH).

However, it’s her 18 years as a horticulturalist and team leader for two local council nurseries, including 17 years of experience facilitating all-abilities volunteer sessions, that truly highlight the value she brings to our HPHH Mackay team. Sue has spent nearly two decades nurturing growth of all kinds—a skill that now takes on an entirely new meaning as she steps into her role supporting our participants to connect with others and the rescue animals at RSPCA Mackay.

Drawn to HPHH by her love of working with people of all abilities, and excited for the opportunity to learn new skills alongside our participants on working with animals, she joins our Mackay team with a blend of curiosity, compassion, and courage, strengthening our capacity alongside Senior Program Trainer, Terri, to build confidence, capability and purpose for our incredible participants.

At the heart of her approach is something beautifully simple: making a positive difference in someone’s day. She believes in creating authentic moments of happiness; especially in a world where small moments can have the most powerful impacts. Sue’s strong belief is that “everyone has some skills that can contribute”, and she is looking forward to meeting participants where they are at, discovering what brings them joy and empowers them, and contributing to their personal growth in sessions.  

Her connection to animals is equally heartfelt. As the proud owner of an elderly rescue dog, Charlie, she has seen firsthand the extraordinary and unconditional love animals can bring into someone’s life. She’s passionate about supporting the shelter animals in session and looking forward to enriching their time in care alongside our participants.  

Even in Sue’s short time with us, she has already supported some meaningful moments of growth, including helping a participant carefully bring a cat-themed Christmas tree project to life, following his design precisely so he felt heard, respected, and proud of the outcome.

Sue brings a wealth of insight into creating accessible, inclusive environments. Now, she’s excited to bring those same strengths into a space where animals and people come together in life-changing ways.

We’re thrilled to have her on board and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll help create across our Mackay programs. Her experience, big heart, and her passion for growth will only strengthen the pathways of confidence, independence and purpose for hearts and paws alike.