Meet Shari – surfer, support worker, and nurse in the making! On her 1 year anniversary with HELP we caught up with Shari to find out more about her journey so far.

Tell us a little about your background

Before I started at HELP I worked at subway for 4 years. I then started my career as a support worker and have been doing that for over 2 years. I also am currently studying nursing at university.

Looking back at your first year at HELP, what has been your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moments have got to be anytime spent with our supported employees talking about everything they got up to on the weekend, chatting about sports and having a joke.

What does a day in the life of Shari look like at HELP?

During my first year with HELP I’ve worked across a number of sites including Ipswich, Acacia Ridge, Eagle Farm, Sunnybank, Crestmead , and HELP’s coffee cart on the Goodwill Bridge, Goodwill Brew. However, at the moment I spend most of my time based at our Ipswich site.

My day usually starts with a team meeting with the other support officers so we can catch up and see what jobs we have scheduled. Throughout the day I support our supported team members while they work- this could be doing tasks like making timber tiles, cutting timber, hammering fire collars, packing show bags, or assembling rhino racks. I like to have a chat with everyone and turn up the music so we can have a good sing-along while we work.

If you could go back in time to your first day at HELP, what advice would you give yourself?

I would say be confident, be open-minded, and ask heaps of questions.

What do you think are the benefits of being a support worker?

The main benefit of being a support worker is being able to help people with disabilities achieve their goals in life. You get to see people realise their dreams, and you can support them along the way.

What’s your advice to someone who might be thinking about a career as a support worker?

My advice would be to always be yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learning is the best part!

On the weekend you’ll find me…

Anywhere near the beach – surfing, camping, 4WDriving!

What are your plans for the future? What are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and advance within HELP and finishing my nursing degree to become a registered nurse.

3 fun facts about me

• I represented Australia in America for competitive cheerleading.
• My favourite food is pizza
• I’ve been skydiving at Coolum beach

If you could invite any three people to dinner living or dead who would they be?

My grandma – Elaine, Gabi Butler, and Bethany Hamilton.

What’s your secret talent?

I can do a backflip

Favourite place in the world?

Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island or Palm Beach.

Favourite Quote?

Sometimes in the waves of change, we find our true direction.

Looking for a job with purpose?

Join the HELP team and experience a rewarding career as a disability support worker. Visit our Careers page to view current job vacancies at HELP.