Croquet, connection and community at Sundale Burnside
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When Kim joined Sundale’s In-Home Care team 12 years ago as a Domestic Assistant, she never imagined the role would become the start of a long-term career in aged care.
“I didn’t think I’d progress like I have,” Kim says. “It’s been amazing.”
What began as her first role in community care gradually became a career built around learning, growing and taking on new opportunities.
Encouraged by colleagues who recognised her potential, Kim completed her Certificate III and moved into a Care Worker role.
As her confidence grew, she continued studying and taking on new responsibilities.
Kim progressed into care coordination, completed an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management and mental health qualifications, and became one of Sundale’s Mental Health Ambassadors.
Most recently, while working full-time and raising a family, she completed her Diploma of Nursing and became an Enrolled Nurse.
“Every opportunity I’ve had has come because someone believed in me,” Kim says.
“The support from my managers and teammates gave me the confidence to keep learning and take the next step.”
Building a career in aged care
Kim’s journey shows how an aged care career can develop over time.
Starting as a Domestic Assistant gave her an introduction to community care and the people she was supporting. From there, further study and new responsibilities opened the door to Care Worker, care coordination and nursing roles.
Today, Kim provides nursing care, clinical reviews and care coordination for customers across the Sunshine Coast.
For people considering aged care careers or aged care jobs on the Sunshine Coast, her story is an example of how an entry-level role can become the beginning of a much broader career pathway.
Twelve years of continuity and care
One of the most meaningful parts of Kim’s story is the continuity that has come with those 12 years.
One of her first customers from her days as a 21-year-old Domestic Assistant remains in her care today.
As Kim’s skills and responsibilities have grown, so has her understanding of that customer and their changing needs.
That long-term connection reflects one of the things Kim values about working in In-Home Care: being able to build relationships while continuing to develop professionally.
And Kim is still looking ahead.
Her next goal is to continue her studies towards becoming a Registered Nurse.
Twelve years after starting as a Domestic Assistant, she is still learning, still progressing and still caring for someone she met right at the beginning.
Interested in a career with Sundale? Explore current opportunities across Team Sundale.
