Career changes don’t usually start during fire evacuations. For Angelica, that moment changed everything.
At 22, Angelica was working in retail and looking for something different. Not just a new job, but work that felt more human. More grounded. Something that made sense at the end of the day.
“I was looking for work that mattered,” she says. “I wanted to feel like what I was doing actually made a difference.”
On the day of her interview with Sunnyfield, the building was evacuated. Without hesitation, Angelica began helping people make their way outside. As she entered one room, she met Wendy, who pointed at her and said, “I want you to help me out of here.” Angelica took her hand and guided her safely out.
Neither of them knew it then, but that moment would shape the years that followed.
Wendy has been part of Sunnyfield since the organisation first opened more than seven decades ago. Over time, Sunnyfield has been a constant in her life, built on care, trust, and community. Angelica quickly became part of that story too.
Four years on, the pair have shared birthdays, Christmases, and countless everyday moments. They’ve dressed up together for Halloween, laughed through ordinary days, and built a connection that goes well beyond a job description.
Angelica’s own career grew alongside it. Starting with no formal disability sector experience, she progressed from support worker to team leader and now works in a health and safety role supporting Sunnyfield staff. She still credits her time as a support worker as the foundation for everything that came next.
“Being a support worker gave me the opportunity to be part of a community that leads with empathy,” she says. “Every client and every colleague taught me something. Wendy has taught me the importance of being happy.”
Stories like Wendy and Angelica’s sit at the heart of why Sunnyfield is now actively seeking more paid support workers across the Northern Beaches.
This isn’t just a call for people with traditional care backgrounds. Sunnyfield is encouraging locals from all walks of life to consider how their existing life and work skills could translate into a career in care.
People from diverse backgrounds such as hospitality, education, wellbeing, or lived experiences often bring the qualities that make this work thrive: strong communication, patience, practical problem‑solving, and genuine empathy. At Sunnyfield, we’ve seen yoga and wellbeing practitioners incorporate movement and mindfulness into daily routines, and experienced chefs empower clients to build confidence and independence through everyday food and nutrition activities.
For roles that don’t require prior disability sector experience, training is provided. What matters most is curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the ability to connect with people. A driver’s licence is essential, and many roles offer flexibility, making support work a strong option for university students, parents working around school hours, or people who are semi-retired and still want meaningful, paid work.
At its core, support work is about showing up, building trust, and helping people live with greater independence and confidence. For many, it becomes more than a job. It becomes a purpose.
Sunnyfield is currently recruiting support workers across the Northern Beaches. To learn more about available roles or to apply, visit: http://www.sunnyfield.org.au/careers
