Meet Callum: Creating Change One Conversation at a Time

At Jobedge, we work hard to create meaningful change, and it’s our incredible team that makes it all happen.

Each member of our team brings something unique to the table, and today, we’re introducing Callum Donnon, one of our dedicated Mentors who works closely with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

Callum is part of South Australia’s deaf community and was born and bred in the state. He’s currently studying to become a social worker and brings both professional experience and lived insight to his role. Outside of work, Callum enjoys motorsport, urban-exploring Adelaide’s hidden corners, and expressing his creativity through photography, digital artwork, reading and writing.

His path to Jobedge wasn’t one he had planned. After a retrenchment, he came to Jobedge as a client seeking support. At the same time, the team was looking for a new Mentor. Right place, right time, and a perfect fit. Having already worked with South Australia’s deaf community for over five years in support roles, coordination and Allied Health, Callum brought valuable experience to the team from day one.

“There’s no ‘typical’ day,” Callum says – and that’s exactly what he loves about his role. He might be based in one of Jobedge’s South Australian offices, out in the community meeting with new or existing clients, collaborating with service providers, helping clients prepare for interviews, or visiting workplaces to support both clients and employers. That variety, he explains, keeps every day interesting and rewarding.

Being deaf himself, Callum has first-hand understanding of many of the barriers his clients face. He’s passionate about challenging misconceptions and believes that people are often “disabled” not by their hearing loss but by the barriers created by wider society.  As Callum puts it: “‘One size fits all’ usually ends up fitting nobody.” This perspective helps him connect deeply with clients and advocate for change.

For Callum, the best part of working at Jobedge is the opportunity to make a positive, tangible impact every day. Whether it’s seeing a client gain confidence, succeed in an interview or thrive in a new role, he thrives on knowing his work is changing lives.

Since joining Jobedge, patience has been one of Callum’s biggest lessons – particularly with himself. “There are only so many hours in a day,” he says, a reminder that supporting others also means managing his own pace.

His advice for anyone thinking about a similar career is simple: ask yourself why you want to do this.

“If you are people-focused, enjoy variety and are open to learning (a LOT), take the chance and go for it. Keep an open mind – I had never considered the field before entering and it has changed my entire perspective of the future and what I want to be. We often do not know what we want until we actually have it.”

Callum Donnon

Callum’s story is just one example of how Jobedge walks alongside participants on their journey. Discover more about our support services or career opportunities by visiting our Job Seekers and Careers pages.