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Meet the team
Each of the incredible people who work at Just Better Care has been on a journey to get to where they are now. As we discover below, Support Worker Oksana has travelled further and endured more than most.
Oksana
Can you tell us a little
about yourself?
My name is Oksana and I was
born in 1987 in Western Ukraine. After finishing school I studied
at university, majoring in finance. After university, I worked in the accounting department of a factory.
What prompted your move
to Australia?
I had to leave my home due to the war. So, I brought my children here to Australia. I had always been fascinated by Australia and was very attracted to this country as I had heard a lot of interesting things about it.
Many migrants can find the process a little overwhelming. How was it for you?
When the Australian Government gave permission to immigrate, due to the war, my husband and
I applied straight away. Initially we got a tourist visa, then a temporary visa, and now my
family is on a 786 humanitarian visa that gives us the right to live in Australia for three years.
When we arrived we were warmly welcomed by an Australian family in Sydney. They helped us so much with setting up our new lives and supported us as the transition was difficult. We lived there for eight months and made many wonderful Australian friends. It was very nice that many people helped and supported us.
You background is in finance, so how did you find yourself working in the at-home care sector?
After Sydney, my family and I moved to the Waitara district,
near Hornsby, where our Ukrainian friends live.
A friend called Halyna was already at Just Better Care and often talked about her work with people who need help and support. I also wanted to do this kind of work, to play a role in the community and support people.
I have a great understanding of the needs of older people from my own elderly parents back in Ukraine. Even though I had to leave them behind, they still need moral and physical support.
Halyna recommended me to
the local Just Better Care team
and when I was interviewed, I was treated with genuine understanding, support and respect. The team then guided me to obtain the correct training and qualifications to start work. It was a simple process and not hard to make the move at all.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I really am delighted with the opportunities my work at Just Better Care has provided. After having to leave my home country it’s satisfying to now care for and support people in our Ukrainian community here in Australia. The support of so many wonderful individuals means it has become my home from home.
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