What would make you stay at a company for 30 years?
We asked Bec, and she said the answer was simple: the people she supports. Recently, Bec celebrated an incredible milestone at Sylvanvale’s December Management All-In event, where her 30 years of dedication were recognised with some well-deserved gifts.
She said that it was nice being able to connect with the people she supports.
“I love hanging out with them, going on trips, having a good time, actually being out there living,” she said. “Being here so long, I’ve even watched some of them grow up, and seeing them now as full-grown adults is a special feeling.”
Continuity of care across such a long time is a big advantage in this line of work, according to Bec.
“Over time, you get to know that person so well that you can understand what makes them tick, see what might be causing stress, and know what you can do to support them throughout the day,” she explained.
Bec reflected on the importance of stability for people living with disability.
“I’ve heard that you can keep around 150 relationships in your life. Imagine being someone living with a disability who is seeing a revolving door of different people every day—hundreds of support workers, therapists, coordinators. I like being a constant in their lives. Someone they know they can trust and connect with. It’s very important for their wellbeing.”
Bec’s roots in the Shire make her connection even stronger. “I’ve always been a Shire girl, and I actually knew some of these guys before I was a support worker. Now, being here to support them feels like a privilege.”
After three decades, Bec still loves her work. “I can’t see myself ever moving on because over time you create great relationships. You think about them even when you aren’t working. Even though I know everything is being taken care of while I’m gone, it’s hard to switch off the part of my brain that knows which days someone has their regular appointments or what time someone else would usually take their medication.
“But it’s really fun. I feel like a detective sometimes, because every day is different, and you’re always trying to figure people out so that you can support them to the best of your ability.”
