Riley Cunningham
Barrack Heights,NSW
Summary
Dynamic and empathetic professional with a diverse background spanning youth work at Top Blokes Foundation to retail and event coordination. Excelled in program planning and mentoring, enhancing team efficiency. Skilled in adaptability and critical observation, consistently delivering exceptional customer service and operational improvements.
Professional Youth Development Specialist with strong record of fostering positive growth and resilience in young individuals. Adept at creating and implementing programs that support emotional, social, and educational development. Strong focus on teamwork, flexibility, and achieving impactful results. Skilled in conflict resolution, mentoring, and community engagement, with reliable and adaptable approach to changing needs.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Worker
Top Blokes Foundation
08.2023 - Current
- Facilitated youth development and leadership programs for young people from diverse backgrounds.Facilitating in school programs of up to 20 young men aged 10-24 for 16-18 weeks on a range of highly important topics such as Alcohol, Drugs, Mental Health, Resilience, Anger Management, Leadership and Teamwork and many more.
- Promoted a safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviors among participants.
- Provided guidance and advice to youth, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues.
- Established trusting relationships with young people through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of program hours.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
- Provided individualized support for at-risk youth, resulting in increased self-esteem and positive behavior changes.
- Advocated for the unique needs of each young person by partnering with school personnel or other service providers when appropriate.
- Supported and mentored students in developing skills to become successful in community.
- Contributed to the organization''s strategic planning efforts by providing valuable insights into youth trends and emerging best practices in the field.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions among youth, promoting understanding and respect within community.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring to individuals facing challenges, guiding them towards positive life choices and opportunities.
- Fostered safe and inclusive environment, enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to share experiences and support each other.
- Engaged young people in discussions about mental health, leading to increased awareness and access to support resources.
- Advocated for youth needs and interests in community forums, raising awareness and sparking positive change in public perceptions and policies.
- Promoted positive peer interactions by facilitating group activities and modeling respectful communication techniques.
- Managed and led activities promoting growth in mental, emotional, and educational areas.
- Assisted in identifying and reducing barriers to youth engagement and development.
- Led workshops on various topics such as leadership skills, career planning, and healthy relationships, empowering youths to make informed decisions about their futures.
Kitchen Hand
Crooked River Winery
02.2023 - Current
- Prepare and present meals, maintain cleanliness, enhance kitchen efficiency
- Collaborated with other kitchen staff members to ensure smooth workflow during peak dining hours.
- Supported chefs in food preparation tasks such as chopping ingredients, peeling vegetables, and marinating meats.
- Labeled and stored all food items correctly and checked expiration dates routinely.
- Managed time to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Contributed to a positive team atmosphere through effective communication with colleagues and supervisors.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Promoted a safe work environment by adhering to strict health and safety guidelines during all tasks performed in the kitchen.
- Maintained proper food storage procedures to preserve ingredient freshness while minimizing risks of contamination or spoilage.
- Maintained strict adherence to food safety regulations, ensuring all dishes met health standards.
- Monitored food temperature, discarding items not stored correctly.
- Maintained high personal grooming standards and uniform presentation.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
- Ensured kitchen cleanliness and hygiene standards were maintained, significantly reducing cross-contamination risks.
- Streamlined waste disposal procedures, minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
- Adapted to different kitchen stations as needed, showcasing versatility and broad skill set.
Event Labourer
South Coast Party Hire
03.2022 - 04.2023
- Marquee, Sperry tent and Pagoda assembly and instillation.
- Packing and organising trucks.
- Working with and managing teams varying from 3-10 people.
- General warehouse maintenance and housekeeping.
- Provided exceptional customer service to all guests and escalated concerns where needed.
- Assisted in the successful execution of events by setting up and breaking down equipment, signage, and decorations.
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Expanded skill set through continuous learning of new techniques, tools, and equipment related to laborer tasks.
- Improved worksite efficiency by maintaining clean and organized work areas.
- Contributed to successful completion of projects by following instructions from supervisors and adapting to changing priorities.
- Promoted a positive work environment by demonstrating strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Demonstrated flexibility with shifting responsibilities based on project needs, contributing to overall productivity levels.
- Upheld company reputation for quality workmanship through dedication to best practices within the laborer role.
- Delivered consistent results under challenging weather conditions or other external factors affecting productivity.
- Mitigated potential hazards with thorough site cleanup efforts at the end of each workday.
- Bolstered team morale with a positive attitude and willingness to help others when needed.
- Followed instructions and safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Enhanced project timelines by collaborating effectively with team members on various tasks.
- Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks.
- Supported construction projects by assisting with heavy equipment operations and manual labor tasks.
Retail Sales Assistant
City Beach
04.2021 - 03.2022
- Maintained clean, organized store environment for an inviting shopping experience for customers.
- Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases.
- Improved store appearance with effective merchandising and creative displays.
- Organized store merchandise racks and displays to promote and maintain visually appealing environments.
- Handled incoming phone calls professionally, addressing customer inquiries or directing them appropriately within the store.
- Addressed customer issues tactfully, resolving any concerns while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
- Monitored customers for signs of security concerns and escalated issues to management.
- Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and handling returns professionally.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales targets and objectives.
- Supported promotional events by setting up displays, creating signage, and engaging customers with enthusiasm about promotions.
- Contributed to a positive work atmosphere by consistently demonstrating a professional attitude towards colleagues and customers alike.
- Increased sales by providing exceptional customer service and product knowledge.
- Used POS system to process sales, returns, online orders, and gift card activations.
- Participated in staff training sessions to enhance product knowledge and improve overall sales skills.
Civil Trainee
JBG Contractors
01.2019 - 03.2020
- General labour work and occasional heavy plant operation.
- Demolition work,
- Used variety of hand and power tools to complete tasks.
- Enhanced team productivity by assisting in routine operations and shadowing experienced colleagues.
- Learned new materials, processes, and programs quickly.
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
- Participated in safety drills, ensuring readiness in case of workplace emergencies.
- Helped maintain a safe working environment by regularly cleaning up debris, removing hazards from walkways, and properly storing materials onsite.
- Supported skilled workers, learning various trades while maintaining a clean and organized job site.
- Boosted team morale and promoted a positive work environment through effective communication, teamwork, and adherence to company policies.
- Participated in on-the-job training programs to continuously improve skills and stay current with industry standards.
- Followed orders closely to help prepare for jobs, ready sites, complete assignments and clean up work areas at completion.
- Loaded and unloaded materials onto trucks and trailers.
- Followed instructions and safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
Bricklayer’s Labourer
Norkliff Bricklaying
07.2018 - 01.2019
- General Bricklaying labour
- Reduced material waste by effectively utilizing resources and recycling leftover materials when possible.
- Enhanced job site safety by consistently maintaining a clean and organized work area.
- Strengthened teamwork dynamics by assisting colleagues in heavy lifting tasks and offering support as needed.
- Accelerated overall job progress through active participation in the loading and unloading of materials onto and off of vehicles.
- Identified potential safety hazards and reported incidents and hazards to management.
Crew Member- Back of House
McDonalds
04.2016 - 07.2018
- Ensured kitchen cleanliness, adhering to health and safety regulations for optimal sanitary conditions.
- Performing tasks both individually and in a team.
- Working to strict time constraints.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service during peak hours.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment providing support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, handling multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or efficiency.
- Kept food preparation area, equipment, and utensils clean and sanitary.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Maintained high-quality food preparation standards, adhering to company guidelines for safety and cleanliness.
- Trained new team members on procedures, customer service, and sales techniques.
- Ensured proper food storage protocols were followed, contributing to improved food safety measures within the establishment.
- Strengthened workplace safety by promptly identifying potential hazards and taking corrective action.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to continuously update knowledge of company policies and procedures.
- Supported inventory management efforts by accurately tracking stock levels and reporting low supplies to supervisors.
Education
High School Diploma -
Oak Flats High School
Oak Flats12.2017
Certificate IV in Youth Work- Working Towards - Youth Work
TAFE NSW
Shellharbour, NSW12.2025
No Degree - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
A.S.I.S.T
Online02-2023
Skills
- Quick learner
- Efficient Communication
- Cooperative teamwork
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Organised
- Youth supervision and development
- Trauma informed
- Conflict de-escalation
- Behavioral interventions
- Mentoring and advocacy
- Active listening
- Relationship building
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Youth mentoring and advocacy
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Mental health crisis response
- Data confidentiality
- Cultural Competency
- Community mental health programs
References
- Jacob Morrison, Current Regional Coordinator (Top Blokes Foundation), 0431 857 963
- Dane Tobias, Current Head Chef (Crooked River Winery), 0401 735 100
- Leigh Cooper, Previous Supervisor (South Coast Party Hire), 0448 241 446
Skills
- Highly empathetic
- Program planning
- Mentoring
- Customer service
Education
true
Timeline
Youth Worker
Top Blokes Foundation
08.2023 - Current
Kitchen Hand
Crooked River Winery
02.2023 - Current
Event Labourer
South Coast Party Hire
03.2022 - 04.2023
Retail Sales Assistant
City Beach
04.2021 - 03.2022
Civil Trainee
JBG Contractors
01.2019 - 03.2020
Bricklayer’s Labourer
Norkliff Bricklaying
07.2018 - 01.2019
Crew Member- Back of House
McDonalds
04.2016 - 07.2018
High School Diploma -
Oak Flats High School
Certificate IV in Youth Work- Working Towards - Youth Work
TAFE NSW
No Degree - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
A.S.I.S.T
Similar Profiles
Jen HaynesJen Haynes
Community Fundraising Coordinator at Top Blokes FoundationCommunity Fundraising Coordinator at Top Blokes Foundation
Mohammad MazraehMohammad Mazraeh
Owner & Manager at Blokes & Barbers, Modbury TriangleOwner & Manager at Blokes & Barbers, Modbury Triangle
Archie MorrisonArchie Morrison
Lawn Mower at "Some Blokes Mowing"Lawn Mower at "Some Blokes Mowing"
CHANEL DIABCHANEL DIAB
3IC at Adidas3IC at Adidas
Nicole KnollNicole Knoll
Greenlife Merchandiser at Greenlife MerchandisingGreenlife Merchandiser at Greenlife Merchandising