Aninna Tarasenko
Murray Bridge,SA
Summary
I'm a proud Aboriginal woman deeply committed to walking stronger with my people. Currently working towards my Diploma in Narrative Therapy, I have solid training in Mental Health Peer Work and best practice clinical care, all through a culturally safe lens. I am passionate about empowering First Nations communities, especially our next generation of youth, by creating programs and spaces that honour culture, support healing, and help people discover their strengths and voices. I lead with heart and culture, ensuring everything I do is culturally safe and trauma-informed. My goal is to build resilience, inspire positive change, and walk a strong, united path with my community. With experience in program design, advocacy, and community engagement, I bring both cultural knowledge and practical skills to lead meaningful, lasting impact.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Cultural Program Coordinator / Senior Aboriginal Community Engagement & Youth Worker
headspace Murray Bridge
Murray Bridge, SA, Australia
05.2020 - 08.2025
- Delivered culturally safe guidance and emotional support to Aboriginal youth, empowering their personal and leadership growth.
- Designed, led, and evaluated mental health, educational, and social programs tailored to diverse community needs.
- Organised and facilitated/co-facilitated up to 50 community events, forums, and outreach initiatives to strengthen engagement and connection.
- Developed grant proposals and managed program documentation to secure and maintain funding.
- Built and sustained strong partnerships with Aboriginal organisations, agencies, and community leaders.
- Mentored youth and staff, providing cultural leadership, advocacy, and capacity-building support.
- Coordinated volunteer programs and promotional activities to enhance community participation.
- Represented the organisation at public events, raising awareness and advocating for community wellbeing.
- Led training sessions for staff to enhance cultural competence and program delivery.
- Monitored program outcomes to ensure effective service delivery and continuous improvement.
- Advocated for social service programs, successfully increasing community awareness and funding.
- Spearheaded fundraising and resource development to support sustainable community initiatives.
- Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
- Monitored performance metrics closely to evaluate areas requiring intervention or adjustment, making data-informed decisions that contributed positively towards overall results.
Disability Support Worker
Equality Life Disability Service
Murray Bridge, SA, Australia
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Safely transported clients to social activities and appointments.
- Maintained clean, safe, and hazard-free home environments.
- Assisted with daily living tasks including meal preparation, errands, laundry, and shopping.
- Provided physical support such as lifting and repositioning clients.
- Monitored client health by tracking vital signs, administering medications, and reporting behaviors.
- Documented care activities and maintained accurate client records.
- Developed individualized daily activity plans tailored to client needs.
- Collaborated closely with healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care.
- Conducted supportive in-home visits to promote client wellbeing.
- Enhanced quality of life for clients with physical and intellectual disabilities through compassionate care and assistance.
- Assisted clients in reaching personal goals through targeted skill-building activities and therapeutic interventions.
- Advocated fiercely on behalf of clients when necessary to ensure their rights were respected in various settings such as education or healthcare environments.
Postal Services Officer
Australia Post
Murray Bridge, SA, Australia
03.2015 - 05.2020
- Provided service and sales to walk-in customers.
- Monitored inventory and made orders to replenish.
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Assisted with budgeting and financial management to keep office operating within budget.
- Processed Identification documents such as Drivers licenses, TFN applications, Passport applications and other ID services.
- Expedited package processing time with accurate weighing, labeling, and postage application.
- Guaranteed confidentiality of sensitive information by following proper handling procedures for classified mail items.
- Handled high volumes of mail during peak seasons with diligence, maintaining quality standards in sorting and distribution processes.
- Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety guidelines and reporting potential hazards.
- Completed daily administrative tasks such as updating records, filing documents, and managing inventory levels.
- Assisted management in meeting performance goals by staying informed about company policies and regulations regarding postal operations.
- Delivered exceptional customer service while managing long queues during busy times, effectively minimizing wait times.
- Promoted an inclusive workplace culture through respectful interactions with peers and supervisors from diverse backgrounds.
Food and Beverage Attendant
Bridgeport Hotel
Murray Bridge, SA, Australia
01.2018 - 10.2018
Kitchen Hand and Restaurant Waiter
Osteria Sanso
Kanmantoo, SA, Australia
01.2015 - 12.2016
Restaurant Supervisor
Indian Masala & River Chicken and Seafood
Murray Bridge, SA, Australia
02.2013 - 02.2015
Process Worker
Adelaide Mushrooms, Rinpra Onion Farms
Murray Bridge, SA, Australia
03.2012 - 12.2012
Education
Diploma of Narrative Approaches for Aboriginal People - Counselling, Group and Community Work
Nunkuwarrin Yunti Of SA
Adelaide07-2025
Foundations for Building Trauma Awareness - (IHT)
Blue knot foundation
Vulnerable Persons Related Employment Screening - undefined
Working With Children Check (WCC)
06.2025
Provide First Aid & CPR - undefined
ST John Ambulance Australia
02.2025
Certificate II - Learning an Australian Aboriginal Language - Ngarrindjeri
Taundi Aboriginal College
02.2025
National Police Clearance - undefined
National Crime Check (NCC)
11.2023
Healing Circle Work Facilitator - undefined
Kultchafi Healing Circle Work Masterclass
09.2023
Youth Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander MHFA - undefined
Mental Health First Aid Australia
08.2023
Safe Place Training - Through Their Eyes
Safe Environments for Children & Young people
06.2023
Workshop 1 & 2 - undefined
headspace National Cultural Supervision Project
06.2023
Trauma Informed Care & Cultural Practice Training - undefined
Cultural Contractor's SA
05.2023
Certificate I - Information & Technology
TAFE
01-2011
Certificate II - Retail
Ascent Training
01-2013
Certificate III - Business
Maxima Training Services
01-2016
Certificate IV - Mental Health Peer Work
Simple Solutions
01-2022
Skills
- Cultural Sensitivity & Safety
- Strong Collaborative Partnerships
- Project Planning & Program Management
- Clear & Concise Communication
- Develop Compelling Grant Proposals & Budget Management
- Comprehensive Report Writing
- Mental Health Advocacy and Support
- Narrative Therapy Techniques
- Coordinate SEWB Healing Programs
- Ensuring Precise Client Documentation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Facilitation of Cultural Awareness Trainings
- Goal-oriented Planning
- Initiative-driven Approach
Awards
- Aboriginal/Torres Strait Female Worker of The Year Award, Ngarrindjeri Nation, 2020-06-01
- Indigenous Apprentice of The Year Award: Cert III Business, Maxima Training Services, 2016-03-01
BOARD & GOVERNANCE ROLES
- Board Member & Trusted Youth Voice, Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service
2020 – 2021, 2024 – Present
Actively contributed to governance, strategic planning, and community advocacy for culturally safe health and wellbeing services. Recognised as a trusted voice for youth perspectives within the board. - Board Member & Trusted Youth Voice, Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority (NRA)
2025 – Present
Provide leadership and cultural guidance supporting regional justice reinvestment, community healing, and development. Represent youth interests and perspectives in decision-making. - Board Governance Training - Completed March 2025
Strengthened skills in effective governance, leadership responsibilities, and community representation.
Timeline
Disability Support Worker
Equality Life Disability Service
12.2021 - 12.2022
Cultural Program Coordinator / Senior Aboriginal Community Engagement & Youth Worker
headspace Murray Bridge
05.2020 - 08.2025
Food and Beverage Attendant
Bridgeport Hotel
01.2018 - 10.2018
Postal Services Officer
Australia Post
03.2015 - 05.2020
Kitchen Hand and Restaurant Waiter
Osteria Sanso
01.2015 - 12.2016
Restaurant Supervisor
Indian Masala & River Chicken and Seafood
02.2013 - 02.2015
Process Worker
Adelaide Mushrooms, Rinpra Onion Farms
03.2012 - 12.2012
Vulnerable Persons Related Employment Screening - undefined
Working With Children Check (WCC)
Provide First Aid & CPR - undefined
ST John Ambulance Australia
Certificate II - Learning an Australian Aboriginal Language - Ngarrindjeri
Taundi Aboriginal College
National Police Clearance - undefined
National Crime Check (NCC)
Healing Circle Work Facilitator - undefined
Kultchafi Healing Circle Work Masterclass
Youth Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander MHFA - undefined
Mental Health First Aid Australia
Safe Place Training - Through Their Eyes
Safe Environments for Children & Young people
Workshop 1 & 2 - undefined
headspace National Cultural Supervision Project
Trauma Informed Care & Cultural Practice Training - undefined
Cultural Contractor's SA
Diploma of Narrative Approaches for Aboriginal People - Counselling, Group and Community Work
Nunkuwarrin Yunti Of SA
Foundations for Building Trauma Awareness - (IHT)
Blue knot foundation
Certificate I - Information & Technology
TAFE
Certificate II - Retail
Ascent Training
Certificate III - Business
Maxima Training Services
Certificate IV - Mental Health Peer Work
Simple Solutions