Thank you to all our loyal clients, support workers and families (all 800 or so of you!) for helping us celebrate 10 years of making a positive difference to people’s lives.

What better way to mark the occasion than the exciting evening spent with family and loved ones exploring the Adelaide Zoo after hours.

Not even the weather could dampen our spirits!

Check out our video from the night!

As part of our 10-year anniversary, we wanted to hold an event that would recognise and celebrate the people that have been with us throughout the journey. Those of you – our clients, staff and others, who continue to make a positive difference in the community – each, and every day.

Accessible, family-friendly and interactive, the Zoo proved a perfect venue for both young and old, and people of all abilities.

Anticipation and excitement was high, with several guests arriving well before the Zoo’s gates opened.

With a range of activities on offer, guests were encouraged to explore the Zoo at their leisure, take advantage of the ‘Street food’ stations in the Zoo Rotunda, enjoy a meal on the Central Lawns and listen in to the 1079 Life team who were broadcasting live onsite from their mobile studio!

For many, a highlight was the special Zookeeper Animal Encounters, which included feeding of the Sumatran tigers in the Zoo’s Immersion Longhouse, and a ‘Wild Show’ on the Central Lawns, introducing some native Australian animals to the gathered crowd. Many families were delighted to meet an adorable quokka and see a clever galah stretch her wings over the crowd.

A brief downpour tried to dampen spirits, but they were rapidly lifted by the wonderful Tutti Arts Choir.

As a multi-disciplinary arts organisation, Tutti (meaning ‘everybody’) aims “to break down barriers, challenge preconceptions and boldly place disabled visual and performing artists centre stage.”

The Tutti Choir was a perfect embodiment of this, featuring over 40 people of all ages, both with and without disabilities, coming together to share the joy of music.

Over the 30-minute performance, the choir sang a mix of original songs and well-known hits, ranging from the Easybeats ‘Friday on My Mind’ to John Farnham’s Aussie classic, ‘You’re the Voice”. The audience was also treated to an impressive didgeridoo solo introducing the Yothu Yindi song, Djapana.

With such an infectious energy, it didn’t take much for the choir to encourage the audience to sing along!

Tutti’s performance was capped off with a surprise rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for one of Assured’s Support Coordinators Chrish, along with choir member Jane and guest Olivia.

Following Tutti’s uplifting performance were the event formalities with MC and 1079 Life presenter, Scotty.

This included the presentation of awards to Assured’s longest serving staff (16 employees), some of who have been with the organisation since the very beginning. One lucky audience member was then announced as the winner of the door prize, a $1000 accessible holiday experience from The Good Scout Travel Co.!

As the sun set on a successful evening, the event closing words were with Assured founder and CEO, Julie de Jong.

“Seeing you all here today is a testimony to the vision, Nicky and I, Michael and Graham had over 10 years ago,” said Julie.

“Firstly, I would like to thank, God,” she said, “For birthing the idea and the vision of Assured Home Care to Nicky (my daughter) and myself.”

“To allow us to be stewards of his business and allow us to serve and support those in the community who are aged or living with a disability.”

“I would also like to thank all of our staff,” she said, “ for your compassion, your caring and all of your hard work, to help Assured reach this amazing mile-stone.”

“And finally, I would like to thank our clients and their families for choosing Assured Home Care and trusting us to provide your support.”

A great night had by all, and here’s to the next 10 years!

As many of our support workers can attest, developing strong bonds with the people that they care for, and their families, can be the most satisfying part of the job.

“It’s all been a good experience,” says Support Worker Berneice, revealing the positive attitude that she brings to her work.

Over the last 8 years, Berneice has worked with several disability and aged clients across Adelaide, with some relationships spanning her time with Assured.

“I’ve always worked in caring,” says Berneice.

“I did do a stint in a nursing care facility but found that it didn’t allow the time to really develop a connection with people,” she says.

“I definitely prefer the rapport and one-to-one relationship that comes with working in home support.”

“Just the feeling that you are helping families, and the appreciation that clients have of the work that you do.”

It’s this close relationship, built over the years, that Berneice values the most.

“With some of my clients, I feel like I’m an extra Nanna,” says Berneice.

“Some clients have waited until I come back from holidays, rather than have another support worker in,” she says.

“That’s very rewarding to hear.”

Support Worker Anne would agree.

Making the career change to disability care some 7 years ago, Anne has enjoyed the strong bonds that she has developed, not just with her clients, but with their entire family.

“I’ve been able to observe the impact of an individual’s disability on the parents, and siblings,” she says.

“Having the ability to step in and help families, when I’ve seen the Mum’s (in particular) really struggle – is very rewarding,” she says.

“Caring for others has enhanced my life.”

A sentiment that Support Worker Myrna would wholly agree with.

Myrna used to work in manufacturing, but with a downturn in the industry, looked to domestic support as a career option.

“Becoming a part of people’s lives has been extremely rewarding,” says Myrna.

“Knowing that my clients look forward to me coming, and just to hear them smile or laugh is very motivating,” she says.

“I have some ‘golden girlfriends’, elderly clients who I spend some of my time with, even outside of work.”

“I learn a lot from them, such as crafts, recipes, gardening and games,” she says.

“I value my work and should have done it years ago,” she says.

Support Worker Fatma, who has been with Assured now for over 9 years, sums it up well.

She believes that caring for others has made her a happier person.

“I love the people”, she says.

“If they cry, I cry. If they laugh, I laugh.”

“My job makes me a better person,” she says.

“It helps me to understand people and gives me more knowledge of how to help people.”

We will be recognising Berneice, Anne, Myrna, Fatma and several other long-serving staff as part of our 10-year anniversary celebrations.