Brenda gives back to her community and herself as a support worker thanks to CQU - CQUniversity

By Greg Chapman

The experience of seeing people care for her mother and a desire to pursue her own dreams has helped Brenda Magner change lives as a support worker.

The 44-year-old recently started employment with LiveBetter after completing a Certificate III in Individual Support at CQUniversity's Gladstone campus - a goal she has been eager to achieve for several years.

"After dedicating the past 26 years to nurturing my family, my focus shifted towards personal growth and professional fulfillment," she said.

"With my children becoming more independent, I saw an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and pursuing individual support at CQU Gladstone represented not just a career change, but a profound personal investment in myself."

She said securing work and helping care for members of the community was extremely fulfilling.

"In my role, I have the privilege of assisting older individuals maintain their independence and dignity within the comfort of their own homes," she said.

"It's incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact of my support as I help them navigate daily challenges and strive to enhance their quality of life.

She said CQU's training helped prepare her for the role.

"The instructors and administrative staff at CQU were exceptionally knowledgeable and supportive, which made my learning experience both enjoyable and rewarding," she said.

"However, pursuing the course online presented its own unique set of challenges. Despite this, I remained committed to my studies, overcoming obstacles through perseverance and the guidance of my teachers. Their patience and encouragement empowered me to navigate through the coursework successfully, instilling in me a newfound confidence in my abilities.

"I pursued this career not for monetary gain, but because of my personal experiences supporting my mum during her time in aged care facilities. Witnessing both exemplary and inadequate care fuelled my desire to make a difference in the lives of my clients and advocate for their well-being. Now, with both of my parents having passed away, I am determined to channel my compassion and dedication into meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of others."

She encouraged anyone interested in study in aged care or a career in Individual Support to explore their options.

"I would encourage anyone with a compassionate nature and a desire to make a difference in people's lives to explore a career in individual support. The industry offers not only a fulfilling career but also an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of others," she said.

"If you have a genuine passion for helping others and get satisfaction from making a positive impact, individual support is definitely worth considering."

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