Faces of Baptcare | Meet Sharmila

Sharmila Thiruvannamalai works in our Western Adelaide office in a Service Area Manager Community role, managing four team members. She talks to us about her passion for working in disability community services, how she collaborates with her professional networks for improved client outcomes and shares some tips on team management.

Tell us about your Baptcare role – what does a typical day look like for you (assuming there is such a thing as a ‘typical day’)?

I joined the Baptcare NDIS Team in South Australia in March 2018 as a Local Area Coordinator. Over time, I was promoted to Community Project Manager and now I work as the Service Area Manager for Community. In this role, I support community teams across Tasmania and South Australia.

My days vary significantly. Sometimes I’m in back-to-back meetings with external stakeholders, senior management, team members and government representatives. Other days, I attend expos, community events and meet with local community groups. Additionally, I’m responsible for developing and implementing community capacity-building projects, which are essential for helping people with disabilities feel included and supported in pursuing their goals. These projects encompass four areas: First Nations, Accessibility and Social Inclusion, Inclusive Employment and Early Childhood.

Can you tell me about your background and what led you to become a Service Area Manager in community services? What kind of training did you complete?

I’ve always had a passion for working with people and serving the community. In my home region of South India, I worked with various levels of government, including the Ministry of Rural Development (Federal Government) and the State Women Development Corporation, as well as other high profile non-government organisations. These roles saw me planning, implementing, evaluating and monitoring numerous community projects, including for tribal populations.

I’m determined to continue pursuing my passion for community service here in Australia. I’m deeply interested in developing plans for people with disabilities, learning about customer management systems and how supports are identified for people with disabilities.

Understanding the history of Australia is crucial in my role, especially when working with First Nations clients, to ensure we deliver our services in a culturally respectful and effective manner. I decided to pursue a Diploma in Community Services to complement the deep experience I brought from my work overseas and completed studies just as the Service Area Manager role became available. I was delighted to be successful in my application for that role, which I am still working in today.

Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your work? (Happy to keep names anonymous)

Yes, I recall this truly memorable and positive experience during my time at Baptcare. An individual I supported had a severe bloodborne disease and chose to isolate at home, reluctant to engage with others. Conscious of his needs, I conducted his planning meeting over the phone, providing all necessary information virtually. After several conversations with me, he expressed a desire to meet in person at the office. When we met, he shared his gratitude for the meaningful support I provided, thanking me multiple times. Since then, he has sent me a Christmas card each year and occasionally checks in with a phone call, even though I don’t work directly with him anymore.

How do you collaborate with other professionals and organisations to support your clients?

I’m proud to represent Baptcare at professional networking and industry events, as well as inter-agency meetings, establishing new connections and engaging with key industry stakeholders. My goal is to share knowledge and stay informed of the latest industry trends. I always offer assistance before requesting any favours in cross-collaboration opportunities. This approach helps us achieve mutual goals for the benefit of our clients.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this field?

Working in community services is incredibly rewarding, offering a fulfilling journey that allows you to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Stay passionate about making an impact in your community.

I see you have four direct reports – how did you learn to manage teams and get the best out of people?

I am fortunate to work across two states with contrasting demographics, gaining valuable insights from senior managers in both regions. I am also lucky to work with an amazing, highly qualified team. As a small team, we collaborate closely to achieve organisational and project goals, always supporting one another to ensure success. We embrace diversity in our team, and I believe the best way to bring out their potential is by providing autonomy and empowering them to fulfill the responsibilities of their roles.

What changes / improvements would you like to see in Australian disability services and how we, as a community, respond to people with disabilities? Are we doing enough?

Consistency, with fewer constant changes, is key to achieving sustainable outcomes for people with disabilities.

How do you relax in your spare time (e.g. hobbies, sports, pets, etc.)

I enjoy spending time with my daughter and my pet cat, Gigi. On weekends, I like to swim and I love practicing yoga either in the early mornings or evenings.

What’s your favourite movie/book/tv show and why?

I enjoy watching thought-provoking films, and one of my favourites is The Man Who Knew Infinity (Tamil version: Ramanujan). This movie highlights the life of the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, who made groundbreaking contributions to number theory. It also touches on the challenges he faced while navigating cultural and religious differences when he moved abroad. I have a strong interest in documentaries and autobiographies, and I tend to watch TV series in my native language. One of my favourite books is Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday. It explores how many of our biggest challenges arise from our own attitudes, particularly from ego, selfishness and self-absorption.

What’s your motto in life / guiding principles?

I studied at Gandhian University, where I was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. One of the quotes that resonates with me deeply is, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” which I strive to embody in both my personal and professional life.

If you could invite anyone in the world to a dinner party with you, who would you invite and why?

Ratan Tata (Indian industrialist and philanthropist), not because he was one of the wealthiest people but because I admire his humility and commitment to using his resources for social good. I would love to ask him about his approach to philanthropy and his substantial contributions toward rural development, women’s empowerment, sanitation and animal welfare.