At Sylvanvale, our dedication to learning and development helps us stand out in an industry that values expertise, care, and passion. We spoke with Lee and Mary from the Learning & Development (L&D) team about the work that goes into making sure that the more than 20,000 hours spent training by Sylvanvale staff each year runs smoothly and effectively
Lee and Mary – Learning Facilitators
Throughout Sylvanvale’s halls, you will often catch Lee and Mary with their beloved trollies filled with textas, notebooks, and a random assortment of Kahoot prizes. Much of their time is spent pushing these trollies around, travelling between Head Office, Liverpool, Blacktown, and Katoomba. It’s for an important mission: to create a safe, comfortable space where learners feel they belong and can contribute meaningfully.
Lee said that a big part of the job was to bring energy and positivity into the room at every one of their almost daily training sessions. “We want everyone who attends these sessions to feel that they are getting the most out of them,” Lee said.
One standout moment for Lee was being part of Sylvanvale’s rollout of Active Support training helping frontline leaders develop coaching skills through a four-day program designed by La Trobe University. A recent visit to the Blue Mountains to run one of these sessions left her inspired: “I saw gold everywhere. Every support worker was doing their best to ensure they’re creating quality of life for their clients rather than simply providing for their needs.”
Mary’s move into L&D was shaped by her journey into motherhood and her hands-on experience supporting people with disability over many years as a manager in the sector. That practical insight has made her a powerful trainer, connecting deeply with the realities of frontline work.
“In my manager role it was the support and coaching of staff that I enjoyed the most. Skill development and personal growth always show up as client outcomes and enhanced quality of life,” Mary said.
“My transition into the L&D role was the most exciting part of my career. I love being able to contribute to the disability service sector and helping achieve better outcomes for people with disability through supporting worker learning.”
Mary particularly loves the conversations and the contributions each participant makes when sharing their stories and ideas with others. Everyone’s contribution is valuable in the learning space.
Traits that make the team tick
Agility is key, Lee said. “You have to pivot quickly when last-minute venue changes, unexpected levels of attendance, or tech issues enter the fray. You make the best of what’s in front of you.”
For Mary, it’s all about the support of colleagues and adapting to surroundings.
“We Show up!” Mary said. “We all regularly check in on each other and help each other out so that we can all be flexible in our approach to making things work.”
Why learning matters at Sylvanvale
Training at Sylvanvale is all about building excellence. The organisation invests heavily in its people, ensuring support workers are equipped to deliver best-practice care and navigate complex situations with confidence.
“You can’t have quality client support without support workers who are the very best at their work,” Lee said. “Training shows them they’re supported, prepared, and valued.”
“If we don’t reflect on what we are currently doing and consider what could be done differently next time we can’t continually improve” Mary said “Training creates a safe space for critical thinking to question assumptions and consider alternative approaches.”
