Being a Support Worker for Interchange Australia is such a rewarding job
Here at Interchange Australia we have a wide range of staff, both in our office and out in the field performing all the services for our valued clients and participants. We regularly try to shine a spotlight on these amazing staff to show you all just how incredibly hard working they all are.
Today we are introducing you to Jen, who is one of our incredible Support Workers based in the Southern Highlands.
Being a Support Worker for Interchange Australia is such a rewarding job and I am so beyond glad I joined the team, I love it so much.
By Interchange Australia Marketing Coordinator Tahlia Bunt.
My name is Jennifer Cowan, I am a Support Worker for Interchange Australia. I grew up in Liverpool with one sister and two brothers. Our Dad was an Automotive Engineer, a Mechanic AND a Wood Turner, which kept him very busy while Mum made all our clothes and knitted our jumpers. We didn’t have a lot growing up, however, we regularly went on family camping trips, we learnt to water ski, ride horses, play tennis, ride motorbikes, and go prawning and fishing. My Dad was also NSW Champion Stock Car Driver. Mum worked and supported Dad with his business at Campbelltown, ‘GMR Engine Reconditioners’ and he also has ‘GMR Auto Part Shop’ and ‘Camden Good Tone Exhaust Repairs’.
I moved from Liverpool to Tahmoor in the Wollondilly Shire where I have pretty much lived since my school days. At 16, I worked in Wynyard at a solicitor’s office which I absolutely loved. I also worked with my Dad and helped him with his parts shop, which he eventually asked me to leave my job and manage for him, I learnt a lot about cars working there. I then worked for Volvo, Repco, and then Mack Trucks Chipping Norton. I was always involved in something to do with cars in my earlier life. I then went on to get married and have two beautiful children who are now in their early 20’s. I decided I wanted to change direction with my career and I began working at Queen Victoria Gardens, a high care retirement facility in Picton, for nearly 14 years, I loved working there.
After 14 years at the same job I decided I needed something new and less physically challenging. I am the kind of person who thrives when I am helping other people, so I came to Interchange Australia which was the best decision I have ever made, I love my job so much. I really enjoy how varied the role is as a Support Worker, I am still able to help many people but in many different settings. I have clients that need personal care, clients that need help with their house work so they can remain independent in their own home, clients who need help with food preparation, some clients need help getting to and from appointments and some clients who just need the extra help with their grocery shopping. I also frequently go on Interchange Adventures on the weekends with our NDIS participants and drive the buses to Sydney, Canberra, Penrith and much more. I also occasionally help out in Day Options in Bowral at Travis House and Springett House. As well as all of that, during the school holidays I also run the ASDESI kids program which definitely keeps me on my toes! The variety in the role ensures that not one day is the same.
Being a Support Worker for Interchange Australia is such a rewarding job and I am so beyond glad I joined the team, I love it so much. I will be here at Interchange until they say to me “Jennifer you’re turning 90 next week we think you should retire!”
