For Julie, support work is a two-way street—helping others while learning and growing herself. She values CPSN’s genuine, people-first culture and the strong support network they provide.
Outside of work, she enjoys time with family, gardening, crafting, and a good movie. Her advice? Just try—you don’t need all the answers, just a willingness to learn and care.
What is your approach to providing support?
Being able to make a difference in their life. By finding common ground. Using any of my skills that incorporate his interests, joys and abilities. Then we can work together and build relationship and friendship. It’s a two-way street. I’ve learnt so much from them. I’ve learnt now we are all the same. We all have disabilities in our lives.
“It’s humbling. I’m learning to give and think of others. Learning we can’t answer everyone’s needs, all the time. Learning boundaries, making mistakes and re-training. Accepting that not all clients will be a good fit. It’s challenging in a good way.”
How did you get started as a Support Worker?
I was telling a few friends about how I was getting an income again by working as a cleaner. An acquaintance at church overheard our conversation and asked if I’d clean for her son who had a disability. Once I started cleaning the mother asked if I’d help by sitting with him assisting him to eat. I was very scared to move into caring. As a child, I was frightened, by those who were different. The mother trained me in all aspects of his daily routine and now I have been with that family for seven years.
How would you describe the culture of working for CPSN?
I’ve found CPSN to be very relaxed and personable. They offer support, care and training to both clients, families and carers. They have a realistic understanding of what it is like to have cerebral palsy or other disabilities. CPSN employs those who have Cerebral palsy giving equal working opportunities. Their culture appears to me to live what they believe. Authentic.
What could be done to make the current disability Support System better?
This is a difficult question. Only having had two clients, both in their own homes, I have a limited understanding of how fully the NDIS, the agencies and clients work. From what I see; the clients are isolated, by only having carers coming and going. Knowing more of what groups are available for clients to join, where they can meet and interact with all types of people. Weekends away with their carers to experience new places and things to do. Where there can be a few carers and clients together would be great. Gives family members time for their marriages or other commitments. The joy I saw on my clients face when he got to look around a NEW area was the best thing for me.
Do you have any advice for anyone who might be thinking about a career as a support worker?
Try. Have a go. You may find employment as a support worker more fulfilling than any job you’ve done. It involves people. Remind yourself that you’re not on your own. There is a team behind you. CPSN does that. You’re allowed to learn. You don’t need to know everything at once. Keep in contact with your agency supervisors about any concerns. Where you need more information or training – ask.
When you are not working, what are your interests and passions?
I love a good movie or series … yes, I have addictions. Spending time with my grandchildren, daughter and partner. Family, visiting them in NZ. Gardening, creating outside and inside my home. Craft when I can. I’m interested in reading more. I like making my surroundings beautiful. Catching up with friends, coffee now and then. Walks and nature.
We know how difficult it can be to find quality support workers with whom you have a genuine connection. At CPSN, we put a big focus on matching support workers based on personal relationships – someone you click with and who meets your unique support needs. Contact CPSN on (03) 9478 1001 to find out more. We’re here to help.
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