General News
4 September, 2020
Leaving Lifeline with a legacy
LIFELINE Mareeba will be losing a valuable family member after Manager Theresa Whiteing decided to resign after 15 years of service.
LIFELINE Mareeba will be losing a valuable family member after Manager Theresa Whiteing decided to resign after 15 years of service.
Theresa was approached to work for lifeline many years ago while still working in a local retail shop.
She accepted the offer and hasn’t looked back, becoming a shining example to those who volunteer at lifeline and members of the community alike.
Over her long stint as Manager at Lifeline Mareeba Theresa has only fond memories and she “cannot put them down to one particular memory.”
“I love what I do and I love my wonderful customers but I have to take a little bit of time out for me now,” she said.
“I’ve been so fortunate to work with so many amazing people in the community and people that you would not normally meet in retail.
“They become long-time friends and family members, these people that I would even have in my home, they are just wonderful.”
Theresa counts herself as the lucky one meeting so many people from different backgrounds and walks of life often even becoming friends.
“I must say that I am only one part of an extra ordinary team of people that I have around me, they are the ones that have made Lifeline Mareeba the success that it is,” Theresa said.
“One of my great highlights has been working with Flexichoice, I’ve been able to provide a place for people with different abilities to come and be included in the community.
“Being here has taught me how to grow and get outside of my comfort zone.”
Mareeba Lifeline Shop Assistant Sarah Mirarchi looked back on the time she spent with her role model, Theresa and had many good memories.
Sarah has been volunteering her time at the Lifeline Mareeba since she was still in high school seven years ago, only the recent four years has she been paid.
“She’s just taught me so many things, she’s always putting you first and she’s just an amazing woman,” she said.
“Without her none of this would be possible, she’s a massive part of the community.
“I always look up to her and she is always teaching me life lessons.”
