Employee Spotlight: Marijana Turcinov

For a person who is deaf, securing work on a remote mine site might seem to present some challenges; however, understanding the access requirements of a person with a disability can be an opportunity for everyone involved to learn and possibly have their own ideas of ‘disability’ challenged.

In June this year, Marijana Turcinov who uses Auslan (Australian Sign Language) started at CCS Beverley Minesite in SA. Initially, there were heightened safety and social concerns but by making some adjustments and putting in place a solid plan, they were addressed.

Before Marijana could join our site team, there were risk assessments to be updated, sourcing of Auslan/English interpreters, arranging Deaf Awareness Training by Deaf Can:Do, installing visual alarms and adjustments to the way we operate within the kitchen and dining room.

The team at Beverley implemented a ‘Buddy System’ to support Marijana in learning the tasks and build awareness within the team. Staff who attended the Deaf Awareness Training were surprised how quickly they were able to learn basic Auslan and finger spelling, so the team can now communicate much more effectively.

Thanks to a team effort and a willingness to learn – it’s been a huge success. Marijana’s career with Cater Care is looking bright, and she is now very much a part of our Beverley team.

Discover the services Cater Care provides to the remote mining industry.