Recognising our support workers

On 14 August, we proudly celebrate Support Worker Recognition Day, which recognises the dedication and consistent efforts by our support team to enrich customers’ lives.  

Our support workers provide more than just personal care, they build bonds with their customers, allow their independence to flourish, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. 

Community Support Worker, Sheree Pearce, describes her career as “the most rewarding job.” Sheree has been a support worker at Rocky Bay for the past three and a half years and was recently recognised with a 3-year loyalty award.  

Prior to Rocky Bay, Sheree worked in the aged care sector, but felt she had much more to give. She enjoys the nature of work, where she has built a strong rapport with her customers. 

“It’s the job I haven’t looked back from, it’s so rewarding. You have your challenges like any job, working (with customers) is just so fulfilling. I can’t see myself ever leaving,” says Sheree. 

Each day her job and the location she works from varies, often it starts with picking up her customer and helping them decide how they want to spend their day in the community. Sheree says without support workers helping to make community access possible, many individuals would miss out on the experience.  

“You should treat the customer how you want to be treated. Regardless of their ability, there are lots of activities they can experience – give them all the options. As long as they’ve got a smile on their face and they’re out in the community,” says Sheree. 

Sheree has three children of her own who constantly teach her valuable skills, which she uses to assist her work by having a better understanding her customers’ needs.  

Over time, Sheree has gotten to know her customers and has gone beyond to make sure they’re always happy and comfortable. Sheree embraces her customers’ interests – whether it be creating unique playlists for each of them, coordinating in Disney outfits, or matching in Fremantle Dockers shirts to celebrate when they win. 

Support work can be taxing, so in order to recharge to be at her best, Sheree likes to spend her time on social activities like softball, which she plays with her family. She also enjoys netball and doing diamond painting. 

To Sheree, support work is about giving her customer’s families the much-needed respite they need to help recharge, as well as providing outstanding support to each individual. 

“The families are grateful and appreciative for what you do, you build relationships with them too. I call work my happy place…I love my job” says Sheree. 

A massive thank you to Sheree, and to all of our amazing support workers here at Rocky Bay – the incredible dedication, support and care you show our customers changes lives.

To find out more about our Community services click here or call our friendly Customer Engagement team on 6282 1900.