1. Before School,After School & Vacation Care
for the North Coast Region
Wednesday 20th July 2016
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
I have been associated with Matthew Haines, on both a professional and personal level, for
approximately 4 years, and in that time I have witnessed the developmentofhis admirable personal
qualities. I find Matt to be a mature, sensible person ofconsiderable promise.
Matt accepts responsibility withoutfuss and shows enthusiasm and complete involvementwhen
participating in activities. His approach to his work, as well as his speech, is confident, carefully
framed and always polite. These characteristics, along with his sense ofcommitmentand task oriented
determination, has at times, seen Matt promoted to a leadership role within our organisation.
In early 2012, Matt approached my Child Care organisation as a volunteer seeking experience working
with children. Observing his instant rapportwith both children and adults alike, Ihad no hesitation in
seeking to employ him on a casual basis as an assistant for the Grafton Before School, After school
and Vacation Care programs. These programs provide adventure based activities aimed to increase
self-confidence and build self esteem ofthe children participating in them. Whilst at university pursuing
his career in Sports Administration, he continues to work as an invaluable member ofour team
whenever he is available and in holiday periods.
During his employmentwith us some ofMatt’s duties are to: -
 To spend a major part of the working day in face-to-face contact with children assuming duty of
care as the primary carer for children between the ages of5 and 13 years, including those with
Special Needs.
 To assistand to be responsible to the Supervisor in all matters pertaining to the operations of
the Centre.
 To assistin the preparation of the programme ofactivities each day, including cleaning up and
forward planning.
 Liaise with various Community Organisations in order to organise, guide and supervise a range
of community based experiences and activities included within the programme.
 Work both independently and in team situations to formulate budgets and planned expenditure
 Supervise and participate in excursions.
 To ensure that all possible precautions are taken to avoid accidents and to protectproperty and
equipmentofthe service.

2. Matt has proven to be a very hard worker and is very aware ofthe responsibilities thathis position
involves. Parents, children and staff alike have found him to be enthusiastic, friendly, completely
trustworthy and dependable. He is able to instill a sense ofquietconfidence to others in their
interactions with him. With these aspects in mind, he was quickly elevated to a managementposition
within our organization and is currently an integral part ofour Grafton managementteam.
I have no hesitation in highly recommending Matt to a position with any prospective employer in this, or
any field he should so desire, as Ifeel the experiences would be invaluable to all concerned. Iwish him
well in his endeavours. Should you require further information, pleases contactme through the above-
mentioned channels, or by phoning 0437 033 143.
Yours sincerely,
David Bourke
Director Community OOSH Services