Our staff
Nicole Wiggins, Director
Nicole commenced as Director of the EMC in January 2017. Nicole has worked in the Community Sector in the ACT for approximately 25 years. Starting her career in the Youth Sector before moving to the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector, she was the manager of CAHMA (Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy) for almost 15 years. Nicole has qualifications in Community Services, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Project Management and Training and Workplace Assessment.
Nicole’s work at the EMC fits well with her passion and commitment to social justice. “The Early Morning Centre is a place where all who come here are welcomed and treated with respect and dignity. I love being a part of an organisation that provides personalised support to our guests who are experiencing a crisis, then follow up, ongoing support and assistance that improves physical and mental health, reduces social isolation and increases inclusion as part of the EMC community for all”.
Cherie Styles, Assistant Manager
Cherie commenced as a Client Services Officer in October 2019, after having been a breakfast volunteer with the EMC since 2015. While the majority of Cherie’s career has been spent in the commercial sector, she has always had a strong community conscious shown with over 20 years of volunteering in the Canberra community. Cherie has developed strong connections with EMC guests and always shows compassion and understanding to all that use the service. In a short space of time she has been able to learn the essential skills needed showing great initiative and a willingness to learn and expand her knowledge.
Cherie has become a valued team member who commitment and dedication to the EMC has earned her the promotion to Assistant Manager covering the newly opened weekends.
John McDonald, Client Referral Officer
John is our Client Referral Officer and has been with the EMC since August 2008. We recently held a 10-year celebration for John to commemorate his hard work and commitment to the organisation. Before starting at the EMC John worked for 23 years in the Public Service before moving to the Community Sector.
John finds the work extremely rewarding and, after working at the EMC for more than 10 years, he knows many of our guests very well and has established a friendly, respectful working relationship that is reciprocated by the guests.
Jade Hudson, Client Services Officer
Jade is one of our Client Support Officers and has worked in the community sector for many years, with a focus on women’s housing support services. Jade started at the EMC in October 2017, when we increased our opening hours to 2pm each day.
With a strong commitment to assisting vulnerable people in our community, Jade has fit in well at the EMC, building trusting and respectful relationships with our guests. She also has a flare and love of cooking which has been a great asset with preparing the lunches served on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Nic Watson
Nic is responsible for the coffee cart that is located outside the EMC each morning and serves cuppas for our breakfast guests. Nic is the longest serving team member, working for the EMC since June 2008. For the two years before he started, Nic was employed as a security guard for the EMC, by a private security company.
Nic’s long service, passion and commitment was recently commemorated with a morning tea celebration. Over the years, Nic has established long-lasting and meaningful relationships with our guests due to his ability to treat everyone with respect and dignity.
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