I come from a family that supported and encouraged people with abilities that differed from what was considered average. As a result I naturally looked to developing this empathetic view into what I wanted to do with my life.

My Dad raised my sister and I as a single parent. He was (is) a kind, caring man who put himself out to help others. Dad could not read and write and he had trouble understanding a lot of things, but he was an awesome home maker and he cooked great food. Every night after my sister and I went to bed he would get our school uniforms ready for the next day. During Winter my sister and I knew to find our clothes folded in our own piles sitting on the hotwater cylinder (when they used to be in the Laundry Cupboard) so they were nice and warm for us to put on.

My sister and I would take turns staying with my Nan and Uncles on their Farm on weekends. My Uncle had Polio as a child and as he aged his mobility and health declined. I spent a lot of time helping him around the Farm and just chatting with him about things that interested him. His stories, chat and banter never bored me. His excitement was my encourager. Uncle Neil helped me develop patience and empathy at an early age.

My Dad remarried when I was 14. My Step Mother had Mental Health challenges and was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Her Son, who was the same age as me, had Autism. Dad and her separated after about 4 years but he stayed close by supporting her where he could.

When I was 22 My Dad and I moved to Queensland to support my Sister. She had developed some health issues, including addiction during a 4 year term in the Army. I met my first wife in Queensland and my 2 kids were born there. When my eldest was 4 she was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. Most of the next 16 years I was carer for her and her Mother who had Hip, Knee and Spinal issues. My Kids mother had 2 separate Neck surgeries. Firstly, fusing C3 to C6 in 1999 then approx 4 years later C6 to T1. As a Child she had Perthes disease (hip) which resulted in several reconstructive surgeries and eventually a Hip replacement when she was 30 (one of the youngest people in Tasmania to have a full hip replacement).

During these years I also worked as a Support Worker, Day Respite Worker for Post School Aged Teenagers, Personal Care for Adults, Informed Child and Adult Trauma and now as an Independent Support Worker.

I have highlighted the various ways my life has led me to a caring role in both my working and family life. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, evening walks, the occasional game of Pokemon GO. I also enjoy quiet times with Family and friends watching TV and chatting about life.