Staff Stories

Jake (Group Leader)

Been with Somerset for 1 season

Jake has completed a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and Majored in Outdoor Education in the land of the long white cloud. Upon completion he stayed in Auckland and contracted himself out to many varied companies to gain some all round experience in the industry.

Jake enjoy's Somerset's style to Outdoor Education and how it enables him to pass on his passion to those in his group about the great outdoors. He enjys the extended programmes which gives him the opertunity to journey with the group through not only the physical, but the emotional experiences that these camps offer.

And Jake's word's of wisdom: "Just begin. You can do anything if you take the first step and commit... Your gains will be equal or above the effort that you put in. You will realise that heights are not scary, paths are not too long and mountains are not too huge..."

Clare D (Group Leader/Coordinator)

Been with Somerset for 2 years

After completing her Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation in Cairns in 2009, Clare began working for Somerset in January 2010. Her Real Estate background is vastly different to her new line of work in spending her ‘days and nights in a pristine bush setting and seeing the students really appreciate the great outdoors!’

Clare believes Somerset is a positive and friendly environment to work in, her work mates are enthusiastic and she enjoys that management are always improving facilities and introducing new and exciting activities.

Jackie (Food Services)

Been with Somerset for 3 and a half years

Jackie is one of our hard working 'behind the scenes' employees, who's hard work enables Somerset to run successful programmes. She enjoys the diversity of her position (cooking, driving, cleaning, whatever...) and the opportunity to work with and meet lots of fun, young people who are good at their jobs.

Jackie, a mum and local to the Valley feels lucky to have a job in her own community and the ability to work near her daughter's school (especially with the school bus dropping her off at our main office each afternoon!)

Andy (Casual Group Leader)

Been with Somerset for 5 years

Andy is vastly qualified in the Outdoor Recreation Industry. Not only completing his Certificate IV, but is currently completing his Diploma in Outdoor Recreation. He has freelanced as an Instructor for the last 6 years in both Centre Based Programmes and Expeditions.

Andy loves working for Somerset due to the ‘Great Staff, Great Site and Great Systems’!

Matt (Programme Coordinator)

Been with Somerset for 2 years

Matt is an ‘Outdoor Ed-der’ through and through. As well as having extensive training (Dip. Outdoor Recreation) and experience (Group Leader, Instructor, Freelance Guide, Instructor/Assessor for TAFE, Programme Co-ord and running a Canoe and Kayak Business) in the Outdoors, he loves to spend his free time paddling and riding among other outdoor pursuits.

Matt, like our other staff, believes the location of the Colo is incomparable to anything and the surrounding bushland’s ability for running multi-day activity programmes is one of the best landscapes to work in. Matt enjoys the staff at Somerset, who he describes as fun, passionate and easy going people who make working at Somerset a pleasure.

He enjoys the closeness without being ‘too close’ to Sydney that Somerset provides and the accessibility of the Blue Mountains and other great locations.

Josh (Group Leader)

Been with Somerset for 2 years

Josh has a certificate in Outdoor Education and Leadership and has followed this with a Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Business Management. Josh is one of our returning Kiwi's to Somerset and has been with us on and off for over 2 years now.

Josh is inspired to work at Somerset due to its great atmosphere in its bush location. He enjoys seeing students learn and grow in the outdoor environment ad helping them to experience what the great outdoors has to offer. 

Tess (Food Services)

Been with Somerset for 1 season

Tess joined out Food Services team in January 2011. She enjoys the varied job tasks her role presents, especially preparing and cooking good food for the guests. The atmosphere the students bring to the dinning hall (especially after they are fed!) makes her job very rewarding.