Page 12 - Just Better Care Possible Magazine Issue 9

CENTRAL COAST
They named it
There’s a bridge in Woy Woy that is the subject of an inside joke among locals.
In the 1950s, the legendary British comedian, Spike
Milligan, often used to visit the New South Wales coastal hamlet to drop in and see his mother.
Dryly, he once nicknamed the town “God’s waiting room” because of its high proportion of retirees who had settled there to enjoy the sea breeze and bowling clubs.
Milligan was known for his absurd sense of humour. It appears he may have had some issues with the elders in his life, having once quipped, “My father had a profound influence on me. He was a lunatic.”
Love or loathe him, Spike left an impression wherever he went.
In true larrikin spirit, the locals dedicated a bridge to him, eponymously named, The Spike Milligan Bridge.
“Locals take pride in that story, and it’s a good reminder to make light of life’s tough times,” says long-time local Steve.
Steve is a Support Professional with Just Better Care Central Coast. He has always lived in Gosford, a 14-minute drive from Woy Woy.
Even when he was commuting to Sydney for work, which takes almost two hours by train, he’s always been loyal to the Central Coast.
When his father was diagnosed with dementia at 60, Steve got
to know the Community Support
Professional who provided his in-home care until his father passed away several years later.
It was a difficult journey as the dementia increasingly affected his dad, but the Community Support Professional provided Steve with welcome advice and company.
Learning about the profession during this time, Steve realised
it would allow him to live in his hometown and pursue something meaningful.
He completed a training course in Gosford and was hand-picked by Just Better Care Central Coast owner, Verity.
“As soon as I finished my training, I started at Just Better Care in April 2017. I haven’t looked back since,” Steve says.
Steve has been volunteering at the training centre where he did his initial studies. When he speaks to students, he’s a passionate advocate for working in community care in Gosford.
“Verity volunteered me as someone who could speak about the importance of community care work,” he says wryly. “So I’ve been talking to new classes every few months.”
Ever the advocate, he recently met with the CEO of the Central Coast Mariners, the A-League soccer team from Gosford, and suggested the players might like to meet his customers.
“I go to every game and I’ve gotten to know reps from the club
over the years,” he says.
“The CEO offered to have the
customers down at the club one training night to meet the players, so we’re organising that as soon as we can pick a date that works.”
You can only have that kind of connection to the club and community when you are a neighbour.
Proud of what he’s achieved in a little under three years, Steve often reflects on his dad and, tough though his final years were, they helped him find his calling in community care.
And Spike Milligan; was his prognosis correct?
“I know plenty of families that have moved up here for the lifestyle, so I am not sure about that,” he laughs. “I think the place might have changed a little since the 1950s!”
“But, to be honest, I’m not sure I know many better places to enjoy your retirement than the Central Coast. Just check out the view from the bridge.”
Help make a difference to someone’s life with a rewarding career in care. Visit justbettercarecareers.com to apply now.
12 — JUST BETTER CARE
POSSIBLE
Spike