It’s been nearly two months since my position was made redundant at the Canberra Business Chamber, 30 applications, 10 interviews and on top of that battling personal issues and I still haven’t managed to secure a job.

A normal person with skills in my area would have no problem to obtain a new job in 3 months. But I know myself, getting back into the workforce is always a challenge, due to my stutter. It’s a constant battle.

Stammering can be covered under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on carrying out normal day-to-day activities. (British Stammering Association, June 2019)

I have recently experienced on two job interviews this question being asked: ‘Would you like a pen and paper?’ This is implying that I am unable to communicate with the interview panel; that I seem to apear weak; that I lack communication skills; that I need special assistance in answering a question. These assumptions are irrelevant and should never be brought up in a job interview situation.

In our current society, organisations must be educated and having a person asking a stutterer this question is an insult, and it is discrimination. The person that had made this statement may think they are ‘helping you’. To a stutterer no they are not helping, they are actually putting you down!

It’s ignorance and judgment that is getting in the way. We need more people to be educated in how to communicate with others who have a disability. It’s about embracing people not judging them and encouraging others when they are in a tough situation.

Here is my Toasmasters Speech I performed, which addresses my experience at a Job Interview. I hope this helps and educates people to be more aware of what difficulties and challenges people with a disability/ impediment in our society have.

This weekend was one of class, beauty and elegance... and I’m not talking about the intimate number of guests at the launch which was held at the ‘Artelier & Billich’ at the Sheraton Hotel. It was the amazing dresses that were presented at the first Australian Launch organised and presented by Alenka Bonic, owner and Director of Artelier&Billich.

If you haven’t heard of Matija Vuica, well Hollywood is going crazy for her right now. This collection that was presented last night in Sydney on the 3 August is something that Croatia and Hollywood are very proud of! As a designer myself, I have a passion for clothing and this fashion show last night was outstanding!

Watch this space! Looking forward to see what journey is in store when Artelier&Billich bring two Croatian icons Charles Billich and Matija Vuica together.

#billich #atbillich #artelier&billich #mosmondesign #fashiondesigner #croatia #art #fashion #fashionshows

Business After Business networking event - thanks CareSuper for hosting this great event we had for the Canberra Business Chamber!  What a great night it was for members of the business chamber to get together and mingle, with the newly opened Philip oval and functions building.

This networking event  in partnership with the chamber, encourages other organisations from around Canberra to host a networking evening for the chamber's members. Its a great way to connect with other Canberra businesses, and develop new working relationships, in a growing regional economy with increasing global reach.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA stated at the National Gallery of Australia today: Strong population grown, housing market is resilient, and Canberra continues to have low unemployment. Great success with the new infrastructure with Canberra's Light Rail. More than 77 thousand trips, journey’s taken so far on the Light Rail.

Monica Shanahan designed the multimedia slides, and branding of the event.