How quickly time flies

Meet Erin, our Living My Way Support Worker of the Year! With over four years of dedication to our Members and community, Erin has brought compassion, and a true passion for connection to her role. Here, she shares her story working with our Member John* and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Helen, Support Worker Coordinator (L), Erin – LMW Support Worker (M), Brooke – Executive Manager People & Culture

It’s wild how quickly time flies in this job. Winning the Award recently was such a humbling experience. Coming into the office and feeling everyone’s excitement was overwhelming in the best way – it reminded me of how valued I am at LMW. But honestly, it’s moments with the people I support, like John, that truly stick with me.

I’ve been working with John for over four years now, and watching his journey has been incredible. He’s grown so much – his patience, his willingness to persevere, and his fine motor skills have all improved dramatically. One of my favourite moments was helping him learn to take and edit screenshots on his phone. We worked on it hand over hand for a while first, and then he just got it. It was a moment that made me realize how much it can be easy to underestimate a person’s abilities.

When I first started in support work, I was nervous. I had no experience in this field, and I carried some of the misconceptions, like thinking this work might be hard or too emotionally draining.

But it didn’t take long to realize that this job is about connection, trust, and seeing the potential in people we support.

I’ve learned so much, not just about support work but about myself. It’s not about being an "angel" or doing something extraordinary - it’s about showing up, being present, and helping someone live their life the way they want.

If I had advice for someone considering support work, it would be to keep an open mind and an open heart. The relationships you build in this role are so rewarding, and you learn to navigate challenges in a way that feels natural over time.

It’s not always what you expect, but that’s part of what makes it such an amazing experience.

Erin, Living My Way Support Worker of the Year

*Member name changed for privacy reasons

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

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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.

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.

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.”