Meet Michelle Tucker, a Disability Support Worker at ConnectAbility for 33 years
For more than three decades, Michelle Tucker has been a valued part of ConnectAbility. Her journey has been shaped by genuine connection, purpose and a belief in people’s right to live full, self-directed lives. In this Q&A, Michelle reflects on what drew her to support work, the moments that have stayed with her, and why she still loves what she does.
Why did you choose to become a Support Worker?
Being in an office working nine to five wasn’t my idea of being fun, I had been doing volunteer work with people with a disability as part of my studies at Uni and really enjoyed helping people out in the community. The role of a support worker was a fairly new concept at the time and I was fortunate enough to find a role that I truly love doing.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day as a Community Support worker?
Every day arriving at the Warabrook Hub and seeing customers smile and being excited about going out to do things that they choose to do – that’s the best part of the day.
In what ways does Connectability’s culture make you feel supported and appreciated?
A supportive culture makes a huge difference, especially in the disability field. Sometimes the work can be quite challenging and other times great fun. It’s nice to be able to share both the good and the bad with your work colleagues and feel supported in what you do. ConnectAbility provides support all the way from management, team leaders and support workers. Everyone is made to feel like they’re part of the team.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about the impact of community support work in the disability sector?
Community support has such a big impact on people’s lives. Without support some people would be sitting at home, hardly leaving their house. It’s not just support for some people, it can be their whole life. They get to build friendships and do things they’ve never experienced before. It could be something small like having control over their money for the day, choosing what they have for lunch or living independently from family.
What’s your favourite success story from your time here at Connectability?
In the past, supported living options were pretty limited for people with a disability. If you wanted to live out of home you basically had the choice of an institution or a nursing home. We supported a lady who was able to live independently in a house that enabled her to have minimal supports. This was something that neither she or her family ever thought was possible. To see someone truly happy and living their best life is the best reward. A highlight was seeing this person get married and having a ConnectAbility bus decorated as her wedding car.
How did you first come to work at Connectability and what motivated you to stay?
Mark Grierson was the first manager at Community Access, now ConnectAbility. I had worked with him in Sydney in a similar role. He mentioned that he was going to Newcastle to start a new service and he said that if I was interested in moving back home that I should apply for the role of support worker. I never thought that 33 years later I would still be working for the same service, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. When you enjoy going to work, it’s not really work. I’m very lucky to be able to say that I love my job.
How have you seen ConnectAbility evolve since you started and what stands out as a proud achievement?
ConnectAbility has grown so much since its beginnings. We originally supported 12 people with two support workers. There have been so many changes with funding structures even before the NDIS that we’ve had to adapt to and change the way support is carried out. We’ve been very fortunate to have skilled management that have allowed the service to grow without compromising the support we provide to people with a disability. Our service users have always been the priority and focus of the service moving forward.
Tell us about a customer relationship that really touched your heart – what made it special?
It’s hard to single out one when every customer has had an impact on me. The biggest privilege that I have had is being able to support the same people for many years. To support someone from when they’ve first left school to now being in their 40’s and 50’s is really special. We’ve literally grown up together and shared life’s ups and downs along the way. For some people, due to circumstances beyond their control, you may have been their only constant in their life. To provide that comfort, stability and security to someone is life changing for both of us.
For more information on our day programs and one-on-support support options, visit www.connectability.org.au/services/disabilities/ or fill in our referral form here.