Ashlan Smith is the customer service and allied health general manager at genU. She speaks with Independent journalist Jena Carr about what she loves about working for the disability and ageing support service and what makes Geelong’s Armstrong Creek home.
What is your connection to Geelong?
I moved to Geelong from regional Victoria at 19 years old to study Psychology at Deakin University.
My husband and I decided to make Geelong our home, and we now live in Armstrong Creek with our two sons.
What do you like about where you live?
I love that Geelong has everything you need without being too big.
It has amazing beaches and great shopping, and you are close enough to Melbourne for any big sporting or music events not on offer here.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Our families live in Regional Victoria and Werribee, so having our immediate family closer to us would be nice.
Thankfully we have created our close-knit group of friends and neighbours who are like an adopted family and provide us with support.
Where is your favourite place to spend time?
I am a bit of a homebody, and I love spending time with my family at home.
Whether swimming in our pool, playing cards or entertaining family and friends, there is no place like home.
I also love going to the beach with my husband and children, who love surfing and bodyboarding. Our favourite beaches are Point Roadknight and 13th Beach.
What is something people may not know about you?
I volunteer as the Disability Liaison Officer for the Geelong Little Athletics Centre. My boys are club members, and we love spending Saturday mornings over the summer at the Landy Field Athletics Track.
Given my experience in the industry, I was nominated to take on this role and ensure that Geelong Little Athletics Club is inclusive and can be accessed and enjoyed by all children, no matter their ability.
What do you like about your work?
I have worked for various Geelong-based disability support services for more than 20 years and have spent my last seven years at genU.
I love working for genU and particularly love that this organisation has been in the Geelong community for over 70 years.
The founders of the organisation were a group of parents who had children with a disability, and these families worked together to create a space that was inclusive and accepting of their loved ones.
The last seven years have seen significant growth for genU. However, the organisation remains committed to the people we support.
Our staff values are strong, and our operating models place the person at the centre of everything we do.
I work with so many committed and passionate people who are truly dedicated to people with a disability and those who are ageing.
It is great to come to work every day and be surrounded by such amazing people.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The team I support at genU offers allied health services to people with a disability and those who are ageing.
If you would like to find out more about these services and how you can access them, please call and speak to one of our friendly staff on 1300 558 368.
