Meet the Team – Trudy Bettcher

How long have you been with DPS?

I just had my 10 year anniversary, I started in November 2011. It was quite funny when I first applied for this job. I know the Chief Executive Officer at the time thought I was odd, because the job advert said to apply in writing, so of course I provided a hard copy and I had posted in my application for the job. At the time, in my mind, I thought “in writing” application obviously meant hard copy.

What is your role?

My role of Senior Client Support Officer involves keeping our database of information about service providers in aged care and disability support up to date and accurate.

What are some of the things you’ve learnt in this role at DPS?

I have gained a lot of knowledge from working at DPS about the aged care and disability sectors. It helped me a lot with my own journey assisting my father to access care when he needed it.

What is the best thing about working for DPS?

The people, hearing people laugh. There is such a cross section of people here at the moment. Additionally, it is really nice to know we are helping people through our publications.

What is the best thing you have worked on?

The launch of the Disability Support Guide was interesting and very memorable. I found reading the editorial just fascinating. It was very educational and it actually made me feel warm and squishy inside because you know that people going through that journey were going to have such a great resource.

Now for the fun questions! Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?

Around three or four years ago I went to Greece, which was very fascinating to me, especially around the Olympic Games and how they started. I enjoyed seeing the Colosseum and multiple Acropolis’, as well as that historical aspect you find in Greece. I went with some friends on this trip. We started in Venice and visited the islands surrounding Venice, including Murano Island. We went to the Murano Glass Factory, which was quite lovely. I did buy a Murano glass turtle for $2,000, which was a little bit of a ridiculous purchase!

What’s the best way to start the day?

Walking my dog, Reggie, in the morning. I also pick up a newspaper for an old lady on my street and put it on a table near her front door so she doesn’t have to walk downstairs and get it. So I’m helping the community that little bit.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?

I would win an actual medal for my gymnastics! I used to do that as a kid. I did it until I was 16 years old. My sister and I did gymnastics together. She kept breaking her arms, so she stopped doing gymnastics. I enjoyed the tumbling and the uneven bars, I didn’t like the beam too much, because you are above ground and doing back flips. I would not have the guts to do anything like that today, nor would I have the physical peak-ness.

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