TAFE NSW Albury’s student of the year is not only passionate about supporting vulnerable children but ending ageism in the workplace.
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From 150 students graduating last week, Ros Twycross was selected for the accolade and also won the Karen MacLean Memorial Award.
Ms Twycross, who moved to the region from Melbourne in 1998, completed her diploma of community services this year.
“I expected to get my certificate and leave – I was shocked to get one award, let alone two,” she said.
“I had done an associate diploma in social science and I was a childcare worker.
“When we moved up here I continued to work in that area, and became a foster carer.”
Ms Twycross became involved with Upper Murray Family Care just a year after arriving in Chiltern, and over the course of 12 years – living in Oaklands and even the former Coreen pub – provided care to 80 children.
“I had gone to primary school with a child whose family did foster care … then I saw an advertisement for UMFC,” she said.
“I thought I could bring my childcare experience, but the foster care would also maintain my childcare skills.
“They stayed with me ranging from 24 hours to three-and-a-half years – how long I had my last child.”
Ms Twycross, now living in Lavington, decided in 2012 it was time to take a break from foster care – but despite her extensive experience, was unemployed for a year.
“Nobody wanted me because my piece of paper was old,” she said.
“It’s a stereotype but it’s true; you become invisible as soon as your hair goes grey.
“There was one workplace where I really felt discriminated against because of my age.”
Through employment support, it was suggested to Ms Twycross that she undertake a computer course with TAFE – which she did in 2016.
“I spoke to the career counsellors and they suggested because of my background I do community services,” she said.
“I’ve gained so much confidence through this.”
Ms Twycross is open to wherever her diploma might take her – she has worked this year with the Woomera Aboriginal Corporation.
“Children are our next generation and they have a right to be supported – they are born into situations that are not their fault,” she said.
“Don’t ever think you can’t learn new things.”
