Meet Paige Wilkinson: Supporting Swan Hill Parents Through Parent Pathways

At are-able, we are committed to empowering parents and carers by providing guidance and opportunities to help them navigate their journey back into the workforce. One of the dedicated individuals making a difference is Paige Wilkinson, our Parent Pathways Mentor in Swan Hill. With her own lived experience of balancing work and parenting, Paige is passionate about helping others find the support they need.

A Love for Learning, Adventure, and Family

Paige’s journey is shaped by a deep love for learning, the outdoors, and food. She’s an avid reader, enjoys spending time in her vegetable garden, and loves fishing, camping, and going for walks with her son and three dogs. In her early 20s, she spent two months backpacking through Europe, embracing new experiences and cultures. Now, life revolves around family, and as the partner of a trained chef, food is always at the heart of their home.

A Personal Connection to Supporting Parents

For Paige, becoming a Parent Pathways Mentor was a natural step. She understands firsthand the challenges of balancing parenting with employment—finding childcare, navigating job applications, and maintaining mental well-being.

“When I saw this role, I knew it was what I wanted to do—help parents and carers by being a point of reference and support,” Paige shares. She knows that many parents feel overwhelmed trying to juggle everything, and she’s determined to make their journey easier.

Helping Parents Take the Next Step

Each day, Paige connects with local community organisations, gathers resources, and meets with participants to explore job and study options. She helps with referrals, career guidance, and practical support tailored to each parent’s needs.

What she enjoys most? Meeting parents and carers, hearing their stories, and learning about their journeys. “I’m constantly inspired by parents and their resilience—no matter what life throws at them, they keep going,” she says. She takes pride in being a safe space where parents can share their goals and challenges without judgment.

Breaking Down Barriers to Employment

Many parents struggle to find a job that fits their caring responsibilities, especially when employers expect complete availability. “One of the biggest challenges is finding an employer who understands the realities of parenting,” Paige explains.

The Parent Pathways program helps by matching parents with family-friendly employers who respect their availability and don’t pressure them into shifts they can’t manage. This approach allows parents to return to work without sacrificing their family’s needs.

Success Stories That Inspire

Paige has already seen incredible successes. One standout moment was helping a participant secure a job in the cleaning industry—a field she had never worked in before.

“The employer, a mother herself, was incredibly understanding about availability and worked within the participant’s child’s kindergarten and daycare schedule. My participant finally felt supported by an employer, which she hadn’t experienced before. It was amazing to be part of the journey, from helping with paperwork to standing by her side during the interview.”

Looking to the Future

Paige’s goal is simple: empower parents. She wants to help them find their voice, recognise their own needs, and access work or study opportunities without sacrificing their family’s well-being.

Her advice to parents considering the Parent Pathways program?

“Give it a go! The program is completely voluntary, so there’s nothing to lose. You’re in control, and you can step in and out as you need, with no impact on your parenting payments. We’re here to support you in whatever way works best for you.”

With mentors like Paige, Parent Pathways is making a real impact—helping parents feel heard, valued, and ready for the future. To learn more visit Parent Pathways | are-able