Caring is a family affair at Australian Unity
It was in the late nineties when Gloria McInnes and her sister-in-law Jocell Robertson began working for the Home Care Service of NSW (now known as Australian Unity).
Gloria, now Service Coordinator at Australian Unity's Bankstown branch, 19km southwest of Sydney's CBD, began a career as a care worker more than 25 years ago when she decided to return to the workforce after having children.
She said: "When Mitchell, my baby, was in preschool, I started to feel that I needed to do something and to interact with people over the age of nine!"
Gloria's children Jennifer Carley and Mitchell McInnes have joined their Mum and Auntie at Australian Unity. With a background as an Enrolled Nurse, Jennifer switched to care work after having her own children.
"After working in the community, I don't think I'd ever go back to the hospital setting. I love how I have more time to talk to the clients and get to know them,” said Jennifer, a Home Care Worker Coach.
Mitchell began his care work journey seven years ago, fitting in the work around his studies.
"Working with my family has given me the chance to see a different side to them and what they're passionate about. Not many people get the opportunity to see their family members in a working environment, so I do feel lucky to experience that,” he said.
Gloria has enjoyed watching her children in the workplace.
"My son Mitchell joined as a care worker and made me realise that, after all the years I had spent picking up after him and cleaning his room, he was more than capable of doing this himself!"
Jocell said all the family members are learning different skills, experiences, and perspectives from each other.
“As my retirement gets closer, I am so glad we have this time together,” Jocell said.
“We will be talking about it for many years to come.”
