Supporting Sunnyfield clients for 40 years

It’s a big year for Support Worker, Maria, as she celebrates 40 years of services at Sunnyfield. It’s a huge milestone, but when you consider the fact that Sunnyfield is about to celebrate 70 years, it puts into perspective just how big of an achievement it really is.

Starting in August of 1981, Maria was just 16 years old when she started her career as a Disability Support Worker and never looked back. When Sunnyfield ventured into the Disability Accommodation service, Maria helped set up the first Supported Independent Living home in Beacon Hill. Maria now supports clients in a Shared Living home in Frenches Forest which feels like a second home to her. “I’ve had the privilege of supporting the same clients throughout my years. Michael (pictured above) is one of the first clients I supported when I started. He was only 11 years old and now he’s 51. We grew up together and have a special bond.”

“I love my job. Going to work feels like going to your own house.”

When asked what keeps her motivated each day, Maria’s answer was simple. “I love my job. Going to work feels like going to your own house.” We can certainly say the feeling is mutual, as Maria is one of the most valued, and longest-standing members of the Sunnyfield family. Thank you for your dedication and unwavering support over the years.

Are you interested in joining the Sunnyfield family? Browse our current opportunities at our Careers page. 

Our staff share their journey

A business is only as good as its people. Now we might be biased, but we have some pretty amazing people working at Sunnyfield, each playing a role in disability advocacy and contributing to our common goal – providing brighter futures for people with disability.

Our strength and success rely on the quality of our people. As Sunnyfield approaches its 70 year anniversary, our history and continual achievement of service excellence is a testament to our people. We spoke with a few of our sunny staff who shared their journey and thoughts on what it’s like to work for Sunnyfield.

A place to make a positive difference

“My career started as a P.E. Teacher, coaching youth with disability in the UK, and as I have a younger brother with an intellectual disability, I wanted to merge my passions of people, health, and fitness and continue supporting people with disability to reach their goals.

I landed the role of Community Support Worker at Tweed Heads Hub and with loads of support, on-the-job training, and learning I moved into a Team Leader role, and then after a year progressed into the Service Coordinator of Sunnyfield’s Shared Living service.

Every day is different, I continue to learn and I’m lucky to have fantastic mentors by my side. In my new role, I work with a team to support three residents in their shared living home to live a healthy, fun, and active lifestyle. It’s a great feeling to see clients develop new skills from things you’ve supported them to learn in their day-to-day lives. It’s why I get up each day to come to work – to enrich and empower the lives of the clients I work with. If you’re thinking about a career change, my advice is to hurry up and do it, it’s the best job.”

Callum,

Service Coordinator
Shared Living – Tweed Heads

A place to grow

Tim’s an ‘old hand’ at Sunnyfield, having started his career over ten years ago as a Support Worker. Tim spent the following six years driven by his curiosity to understand disability service provision, building rapport with clients, families, and carers, and working across a range of front-line management roles including Regional Manager, Assistant Manager, and Service Coordinator.

“Every day I am learning and evolving in this role, quality and consistency in practice and service delivery is something I am very passionate about. In my role as Learning Consultant, it is integral that we understand the needs of the business and the needs of the people we deliver disability services to each day. Sunnyfield’s training programs are the bridge between quality and consistency, arming staff with the knowledge and tools to deliver great service.”

Tim, Learning Consultant
People, Learning and Culture

A place to thrive

“It’s such a privilege to find a job which consists of making a positive impact in the world. At Sunnyfield every day is different, every day is an adventure, and all my colleagues and clients are amazing people. After a few false start careers, I began working in disability support in what I thought would be a temporary job … but I loved it! After one year working for another NDIS-provider, I then came to Sunnyfield, and that was where I really hit my stride. The training, programs and positive environment which Sunnyfield facilitates are amazing.”

Josh, Community Support Worker
Allambie Heights Community Services Hub

“Working at Sunnyfield has given me the opportunity to work with both children and adults in different environments such as Community Services, Shared Living and Short Term Accommodation. The experience has enabled me to build a bond with different clients while supporting them with their goals and enriching their lives by giving choice. I love it!”

Emily, Community Support Worker
Bexley Community Services Hub

Ready to make a change?

Be part of Sunnyfield’s story and browse our current available opportunities today.