Gerry

Gerry is a farmer. He spent many years working his 4,000-acre farm in Condobilin with his wife and three sons. In 1975, he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (MD), but that didn’t stop Gerry. He adapted his farming equipment to continue working on the land he loved for many more years.

A farmer’s tale

As his MD progressed, Gerry and his wife Rose made the tough decision to sell their farm and move to Grafton and be closer to medical facilities. Gerry has been managing his own Support Workers since 2006 and is a font of knowledge for others contemplating the same.

“We've always found a way to make things work; it's how I've coped with life's challenges. We take great care of our Support Workers, handling hiring and firing ourselves. We're truly grateful for the people who help us. They understand my needs, and often I don’t even have to ask—they just know. It’s been a very successful arrangement.”

- Gerry, EYO Member

Kerrie’s story (Gerry’s Support Worker)

“I’ve been helping Gerry for the last three years with his daily physical support. It’s simple things like scratching his nose, or making sure his beloved radio is left on his tray at the end of my shift so he can enjoy talkback for the rest of the afternoon.”

“Gerry loves nicknames, so in the beginning, it was learning what belonged to what (equipment body parts, and everything). I worked in aged care for 23 years before becoming a Support Worker. I love the difference. You have time to build relationships, and it’s so much more rewarding. Gerry always makes me smile, and the simple things are important for his care.”

“I help Gerry live life the way he wants. We cut out stories from the newspaper that keep him in touch with his love of the land and his life before. He always wants to keep his special memories and I’m always happy to help him.”

- Kerrie, Support Worker

Rose and Gerry (video)

Rose (video)

Kerrie and Gerry (video)

“We have a good system that runs well, and I trust them 100% which is wonderful.”

- Rose, Gerry's Wife

Keen to learn more? We'd love to chat.

Our latest stories

Scott

In 2022 Scott moved house and has been living independently for the last 3 years. With the help of his Support Workers, and members of the community, he’s built a new life that he loves.

Garth

Over five years ago, I was travelling to a friend’s wedding in Ireland when I got very sick. I was able to return to Australia a few months later, for more treatment and eventually I became an amputee. Suddenly, it was like everything I knew had been taken away from me. I had to re-learn from scratch.

Angela

I’ve been with LMW since about 2007, though it was called Allowance Incorporated back then. A Support Worker told me about this great organisation and I decided to give it a try: little did I know I’d still be here all these years later.

Empowering people to get on with life.

operations@lmwl.org.au
Phone (02) 8525 4000
Fax (02) 8525 4011

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Menai Head Office

Ground Floor, 44-60 Allison
Crescent, Menai NSW 2234

Seven Hills Office

Unit 10, 197 Prospect Hwy,
Seven Hills NSW 2147

Mailing Address

PO Box 67, Menai Central,
NSW 2234

ABN

47 110 995 518

Acknowledgement of Country

Living My Way acknowledges the Dharawal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. Living My Way pays respect to Elders past and present and extends this respect to other Aboriginal people visiting our website.

Areas We Serve

We primarily offer disability support services across Sydney – including Western Sydney, the Sutherland Shire and St George – Wollongong City Council regions, and Central West NSW

“Storytelling is how we invite our Member voices to shine and share something meaningful… We want to inspire, engage and educate our community through real stories.”

“We all pitch in to get things done. I would say, hand on heart, that the people we employ are truly Memberfocused and understand how their role can help Members meet their aspirations.”