Help Save Nicole - Legal Fees & Keep Her Home
Donation protected
For those that don’t know me by way of introduction I am Nicole, a single mother to a beautiful 11 year old boy, I’d like to share with you this awful journey and why I am seeking your support.
In mid-2017 after an extensive 11 year career with the Federal Government I made the decision to pursue a career change and move into the education stream and be a part of enriching students at the end of their schooling years and help them with venturing into the working world, as I am motivated in helping others reach and achieve their full potential and find joy in interacting with people from all walks of life, both in my professional and personal life.
After grappling with the fears of exploring a new career path, after having put this aspiration on hold for many years to focus on being the best mother I could to my beautiful son, particularly as I was a single mother and my income was the only household income, I decided it was the right time in my life to take a leap of faith and explore a new career which I felt would give me more fulfillment and drew at my heart strings, as I would be involved in making a difference in the lives of students who will become the future workforce and leaders of our country.
After successfully winning a position as a result of a competitive recruitment process which included applicants that were already working in the education stream in addition to competing with a person whom was temporarily in the position for some time, I made the decision to take a cut in pay and other employment benefits and accepted the position offer, as I felt I had found what I had been seeking in a career and what I had aspired in my life for a long time.
However, not long after accepting what seemed too good to be true offer, things for me did not quiet go to plan and took a turn for the worst very quickly in 2018, whilst upholding my values and respecting the privacy of others, therefore I will remain brief in my explanation and try and articulate as best as I can to give you an overview of what transpired.
With excitement, enthusiasm, dedication and entering a world with endless possibilities of rising through a career path in education, I commenced my new position at the end of 2017 with a team of six and an acting manager, upon commencement in my new position things were going well and the feedback I was receiving verbally in addition to the written probation report was positive. In February 2018 the manager of the section returned after extended leave, workplace issues become apparent and with my role.
In March 2018 I approached senior management to discuss the issues which I had identified, but over the course of time and after many attempts to resolve these matters the issues went unresolved and sufficient attention and/or action was not taken to rectify my concerns. This includes their lack in abiding by stipulated ACTs, Legislation, to ensure my workplace was safe.
As a result of the lack of efforts to resolve my concerns, I could no longer attend the workplace and left suddenly in June 2018 and was unable to go back, due to the impact on my mental health. Throughout this period I accessed numerous forms of help mechanisms and strategies to help me with returning to the workplace.
In November 2018 I returned to work on rehabilitation in another work area. The so to speak rehabilitation plan that was put in place for me was poorly executed and as such this resulted in shortly after my return to the workplace being faced with the same difficulties in my health, in not being able to attend work. In the past this would have been an obstacle that I would have embraced and pushed forward with a can-do-attitude and positive approach, however due to the adverse actions of others and the poorly executed rehabilitation process I was unable to endure this hardship imposed on my mental state and as such a further return to work was not possible from then on wards.
Like most people I have faced and adequately handled multiple life stresses in the past. Prior to this incident I would have described myself as someone who was strong, driven, caring, positive, hard working with an ability to achieve sound results in my professional career and enjoyed working closely and communicating with people from all walks of life. Over the course of my professional career and as a result of numerous roles that I have held, I've established great working relationships which I have nurtured and further developed long after moving into different positions, some friendships span the course of 20+ years. The extent to which this had on my well-being and mental health has become significantly evident to all my friends whom I love and adore, with friends commenting “that is not the Nicole I know, I want her back”.
In the 11 months that I have been off work and battling with this road-block I have consulted with numerous health service providers and professionals assisting me with overcoming the issues that I am faced with, in addition to my attempt at rehabilitation (and return to work), however to no avail I have not achieved the outcome that I would have hoped to achieve (for a full recovery) and have come to the realisation that this is no longer possible, as I have explored every avenue provided by the medical health professionals, case management, in addition to my own methods which I continue to incorporate in my life, meditation, walking and other small things in an attempt to bring me peace and solitude.
I find it extremely difficult to ask for help but I need it more than ever before. I am no longer able to return to work and as such have worked tirelessly trying to fight my case and reach a suitable resolution but have exhausted all avenues to resolve this matter without the need to for legal advice and representation, however this is no longer ascertainable, and I have recently had to contact a lawyer to assist me reach an outcome. In doing so, this has resulted in now being faced with crippling legal fees in addition to paying the mortgage on my home, utility bills and putting food on the table for me and my son.
I firmly believe and wish to emphasise that even once an outcome has been reached legally the reality is that a return to life as I once knew it is not likely and a full recovery will never be achieved, however I need to reach an outcome to ascertain some momentum in moving forward for the sake of not only myself and my wellbeing and mental health but for my beautiful son, who does not deserve to see his mother’s world torn apart through the unfair actions of others. In addition to fighting for a greater cause and paving the way for others who have been faced with similar burdens due to unfair treatment (as a result of their workplace). I have been doing all that I can to reduce the household expenses and researching and moving forward without the need for legal representation up until now, in particular as it become apparent that I would be unable to return to work, I would be faced with a (25%) reduction on my wage (due to exceeding the 45 week rehabilitation period), this equates to about $550 a fortnightcome June 2019, and potential loss in income altogether in the near future.
The absolute idea of having to lose my home which I have worked so hard for, I designed and built 6+ years ago on a single income is gut wrenching. I never contemplated that this would ever be my reality and that I would be faced with such hardship through the adverse actions of others and my inability to return to work.
I no longer have access to the internet (at home) and have to resort to using free WiFi at places like McDonald. This has proved challenging at times, in particular I have had to respond to correspondence on my case. This has been all quiet difficult to grapple with as I have been someone who has been hard working for many years and achieved a satisfactory lifestyle even on a single income, only to get to this outcome.
Friends, family, community, will you help me to stand up for my case and save my home, by making a donation, no matter how big or small, everything will make a difference. In early-June 2019, I will not be able to meet the mortgage repayments on my home and could potentially face bankruptcy. I cannot even begin to explain the mix of emotions that comes with the high likelihood of this occurring, as a result of actions of others that have crippled me from ever being able to return to work and prosper as I once did. The toll this has taken on my life and in turn if I cannot provide like I once did, for the life of my child is beyond comprehension.
I hope that you find it in your heart to help me make a stand for not only my own well-being, personal outcomes, it’s also important to me for the greater good of society, so others don’t have to face a workplace that makes them feel unsafe, this is what I am standing up for too. The only way that I will achieve this is through seeking legal assistance and representation. It is difficult to determine the exact cost of these proceeding however this will most likely be a substantial figure.
Your donation and support will be deeply appreciated.
Many blessings
Nicole
In mid-2017 after an extensive 11 year career with the Federal Government I made the decision to pursue a career change and move into the education stream and be a part of enriching students at the end of their schooling years and help them with venturing into the working world, as I am motivated in helping others reach and achieve their full potential and find joy in interacting with people from all walks of life, both in my professional and personal life.
After grappling with the fears of exploring a new career path, after having put this aspiration on hold for many years to focus on being the best mother I could to my beautiful son, particularly as I was a single mother and my income was the only household income, I decided it was the right time in my life to take a leap of faith and explore a new career which I felt would give me more fulfillment and drew at my heart strings, as I would be involved in making a difference in the lives of students who will become the future workforce and leaders of our country.
After successfully winning a position as a result of a competitive recruitment process which included applicants that were already working in the education stream in addition to competing with a person whom was temporarily in the position for some time, I made the decision to take a cut in pay and other employment benefits and accepted the position offer, as I felt I had found what I had been seeking in a career and what I had aspired in my life for a long time.
However, not long after accepting what seemed too good to be true offer, things for me did not quiet go to plan and took a turn for the worst very quickly in 2018, whilst upholding my values and respecting the privacy of others, therefore I will remain brief in my explanation and try and articulate as best as I can to give you an overview of what transpired.
With excitement, enthusiasm, dedication and entering a world with endless possibilities of rising through a career path in education, I commenced my new position at the end of 2017 with a team of six and an acting manager, upon commencement in my new position things were going well and the feedback I was receiving verbally in addition to the written probation report was positive. In February 2018 the manager of the section returned after extended leave, workplace issues become apparent and with my role.
In March 2018 I approached senior management to discuss the issues which I had identified, but over the course of time and after many attempts to resolve these matters the issues went unresolved and sufficient attention and/or action was not taken to rectify my concerns. This includes their lack in abiding by stipulated ACTs, Legislation, to ensure my workplace was safe.
As a result of the lack of efforts to resolve my concerns, I could no longer attend the workplace and left suddenly in June 2018 and was unable to go back, due to the impact on my mental health. Throughout this period I accessed numerous forms of help mechanisms and strategies to help me with returning to the workplace.
In November 2018 I returned to work on rehabilitation in another work area. The so to speak rehabilitation plan that was put in place for me was poorly executed and as such this resulted in shortly after my return to the workplace being faced with the same difficulties in my health, in not being able to attend work. In the past this would have been an obstacle that I would have embraced and pushed forward with a can-do-attitude and positive approach, however due to the adverse actions of others and the poorly executed rehabilitation process I was unable to endure this hardship imposed on my mental state and as such a further return to work was not possible from then on wards.
Like most people I have faced and adequately handled multiple life stresses in the past. Prior to this incident I would have described myself as someone who was strong, driven, caring, positive, hard working with an ability to achieve sound results in my professional career and enjoyed working closely and communicating with people from all walks of life. Over the course of my professional career and as a result of numerous roles that I have held, I've established great working relationships which I have nurtured and further developed long after moving into different positions, some friendships span the course of 20+ years. The extent to which this had on my well-being and mental health has become significantly evident to all my friends whom I love and adore, with friends commenting “that is not the Nicole I know, I want her back”.
In the 11 months that I have been off work and battling with this road-block I have consulted with numerous health service providers and professionals assisting me with overcoming the issues that I am faced with, in addition to my attempt at rehabilitation (and return to work), however to no avail I have not achieved the outcome that I would have hoped to achieve (for a full recovery) and have come to the realisation that this is no longer possible, as I have explored every avenue provided by the medical health professionals, case management, in addition to my own methods which I continue to incorporate in my life, meditation, walking and other small things in an attempt to bring me peace and solitude.
I find it extremely difficult to ask for help but I need it more than ever before. I am no longer able to return to work and as such have worked tirelessly trying to fight my case and reach a suitable resolution but have exhausted all avenues to resolve this matter without the need to for legal advice and representation, however this is no longer ascertainable, and I have recently had to contact a lawyer to assist me reach an outcome. In doing so, this has resulted in now being faced with crippling legal fees in addition to paying the mortgage on my home, utility bills and putting food on the table for me and my son.
I firmly believe and wish to emphasise that even once an outcome has been reached legally the reality is that a return to life as I once knew it is not likely and a full recovery will never be achieved, however I need to reach an outcome to ascertain some momentum in moving forward for the sake of not only myself and my wellbeing and mental health but for my beautiful son, who does not deserve to see his mother’s world torn apart through the unfair actions of others. In addition to fighting for a greater cause and paving the way for others who have been faced with similar burdens due to unfair treatment (as a result of their workplace). I have been doing all that I can to reduce the household expenses and researching and moving forward without the need for legal representation up until now, in particular as it become apparent that I would be unable to return to work, I would be faced with a (25%) reduction on my wage (due to exceeding the 45 week rehabilitation period), this equates to about $550 a fortnightcome June 2019, and potential loss in income altogether in the near future.
The absolute idea of having to lose my home which I have worked so hard for, I designed and built 6+ years ago on a single income is gut wrenching. I never contemplated that this would ever be my reality and that I would be faced with such hardship through the adverse actions of others and my inability to return to work.
I no longer have access to the internet (at home) and have to resort to using free WiFi at places like McDonald. This has proved challenging at times, in particular I have had to respond to correspondence on my case. This has been all quiet difficult to grapple with as I have been someone who has been hard working for many years and achieved a satisfactory lifestyle even on a single income, only to get to this outcome.
Friends, family, community, will you help me to stand up for my case and save my home, by making a donation, no matter how big or small, everything will make a difference. In early-June 2019, I will not be able to meet the mortgage repayments on my home and could potentially face bankruptcy. I cannot even begin to explain the mix of emotions that comes with the high likelihood of this occurring, as a result of actions of others that have crippled me from ever being able to return to work and prosper as I once did. The toll this has taken on my life and in turn if I cannot provide like I once did, for the life of my child is beyond comprehension.
I hope that you find it in your heart to help me make a stand for not only my own well-being, personal outcomes, it’s also important to me for the greater good of society, so others don’t have to face a workplace that makes them feel unsafe, this is what I am standing up for too. The only way that I will achieve this is through seeking legal assistance and representation. It is difficult to determine the exact cost of these proceeding however this will most likely be a substantial figure.
Your donation and support will be deeply appreciated.
Many blessings
Nicole
Organizer
Nicole Murray
Organizer
Amaroo ACT
