Regularly, we will feature a member of the HBNC team, giving you a chance to Meet the Neighbours. The goal is to highlight and celebrate the people at the heart of our organisation, who work tirelessly to make the Wide Bay Burnett community a stronger and more resilient one.

This week, we'd like you to meet Anthony Lang, Team Leader - Youth Services.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I was raised on a beef cattle farm in South East QLD & for as long as I can remember I’ve always enjoyed the great outdoors. My thirst for new experiences is unyielding and love to explore the next big adventure. In recent times I’ve taken up tennis & though I think I might play as good as the best; the truth is far from it! However, the game itself is fun & I appreciate the regular exercise. 

 

What is a quick summary of your professional background?

Looking back, I must admit my professional background is extraordinarily diverse. A large part of my early employment stems within the electrical distribution industry. However, there was plenty of short stints where I had to pick up work in random ventures on a cotton farm; a recycling plant; a forensic hospital; a long-line fishing boat etc. The list goes on. However, my life settled down after I spent 3 years working and living in the United Kingdom. Thereafter, I returned to Australia and entered the human service sector & haven’t looked back.    

 

What drew you to work with the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre?

The initial draw card that made me apply for a position with HBNC was the evident diversity/inclusiveness within the organisation. It was apparent that HBNC caters for people of all ages, backgrounds & current needs. The ability to be able to offer our community members a holistic support network within a single entity in my experience is quite rare. However, since commencing I must admit that it has become the staff within HBNC that has become the biggest draw card. Each person I have met are truly inspirational and tenacious in their desire to help our fellow community members.

 

How do you see your role making a difference in the lives of the community’s most vulnerable?

Personally, I feel my role within HBNC is to support the team to achieve our mission to build a strong, cohesive, and healthy community by developing and providing programs, activities, and services that respond to the needs of the most disadvantaged and isolated people in the community.

 

What’s one thing you hope to see happen or change for our community?

My top priority is to empower our community to go for and achieve their hopes and dreams in a respectful, connected and inclusive manner.