A Life Transformed

“Life before I came in here was one hell of a mess,” tells Gill Waminda Aged Care Centre (“Gill Waminda”) resident and NDIS client, Brian. “It was my own fault to let it get that way, but it got that far, and I couldn’t do anything about it.” Today, five years since he first arrived at the Centre, his NDIS Support Worker, Amy, proudly reflects of Brian’s transformation. “Brian has been fully rehabilitated in the five years he’s been here,” she says. “He is very proud of the man he is today.”  

Brian’s initial struggles were largely brought on by the quick succession in which his parents, whom he was very close to, passed away. During his time at Gill Waminda and, with the assistance from his Support Workers, Amy and Stephanie, Brian has developed his confidence and skills. Amy tells, “he has more confidence in the things that he’s doing,” before reaffirming, “he has confidence in himself – he has changed his life and turned it around.” 

Amy has worked with Brian for over eighteen months, and during this time, their work has primarily focused on skill-based projects and hobbies such as fishing, gardening, and building furniture. Amy laughs when she says that each day is rather crammed, noting, “everyday I’m with Brian, we always try and make the most of our time and do something different!”  

Brian and Amy have explored various parts of Goulburn that Brian, a Goulburn local himself, wasn’t aware existed. “We have taken trips to Bungonia National Park, we’ve been out to Fitzroy Falls, we go to wildlife parks, and we’ve been out to the sock factory at Crookwell, and we got to watch socks be made on the machinery,” Amy says. 

Brian’s most recent project they’ve accomplished was building a shelf for his room. “It was one of those ones you do yourself,” Brian proudly beams. “We got it done with Amy’s help. I’ve got Mum and Dad’s wedding photos and some other smaller photos on the shelf.” This project was a major accomplishment for Brian, particularly as it was the first time in a while that he had used tools.  

A larger project the pair is working towards in 2025 is getting Brian to the coast, to reconnect with some of his favourite past times. “Brian really enjoys fishing, and in his earlier days, he used to have a boat and go fishing,” Amy notes. “We have set a goal for next year to try and get Brian back to the beach because it’s been a very long time since he has put his toes in the sand or swam in some salt water. We’re looking to get him down to the coast fishing and for him to chill out on the beach and experience the coast life for a few days.”  

Whilst Amy has been working with Brian just shy of two years as his Support Worker, she cannot speak highly enough of how rewarding the role is. “Definitely do it,” she says to those considering work in this space. “It’s nice to help someone to live a normal life. I enjoy taking Brian out and showing him that he still has a life to live. I just find it really rewarding.”