Sarah
Role: NDIS Admin Coordinator
Plants: A family of potted succulents
“I’ve had some established succulents for years. I harvest small parts from them to build succulent gardens or smaller potted succulents. Tending to them during lockdown and making sure they’re happy and healthy has helped me focus on something other than the news and worrying about things outside of my control.”
Aleshia
Role: Funded Programs Team Leader
Pet: Aussie bulldog named Gussy aka smooshy face monster
“Since rescuing Gus from a shelter last year, when the first lockdown began, this smooshy face has brought so much love and joy (and chewed up shoes and books!) to our family. He’s a big goof ball and very cheeky at times. But he’s also made me laugh and get out of my head during the extended lockdown periods, demanding that I go to bed at 8:00pm so he can get under the cover with me and sleep, aka hog the whole bed.
From the smooshy face cuddles he gives when you’re feeling sad to the fun that’s had when chasing him around the park, I now can’t imagine life without him.”
Melissa
Role: NDIS Sign Up Consultant
Pet: Cocker spaniel named Coco
“Coco has been great company for me and the kids. She sleeps in her bed behind me most days while I work, occasionally coming over for a pat, or when she sees or smells food, hoping she’ll get a little bite.”
Johannah
Role: Administration and Facilities Team Leader
Pet: Long-haired cat named Tayja
“I moved into my own place last year just as the long second lockdown began. That’s when I got Tayja. She’s been a lifesaver since then, with no other company around she’s become not only a companion, but a best friend.
The word Tayja means little gem or gift of God, which is perfectly fitting because she really has been a gift to me.”
Grace
Role: Communications Specialist
Pet: Staffy named Tabasco
“Since bringing Tabasco home six months ago he’s brought so much life into our home.
He’s a great companion on a workday when I’m at home by myself, and a great motivator to get out of bed and go for a walk each morning. We’ve met many neighbours on our walks which has been a great way to connect with others given lockdown limits our daily interactions.”
Kristie
Role: Marketing Coordinator
Pet: Golden retriever named Sada
“Sada loves cuddles with the kids and coming on family walks and bike rides. She’s always up for a pat and loves entertaining my daughter Remi.”
Eliza
Role: Marketing Administration Officer
Pet: Cavoodle named Frankie
“Frankie is a COVID puppy. We got her during last year’s lockdown. She’s been a great distraction and source of company throughout the many lockdowns.”
Yasmine
Role: Marketing Manager
Plants: Veggie garden
“We have a very small veggie garden in our courtyard. Helping my husband maintain it has been such a great family activity during lockdown. It has lifted all our spirits. We grow herbs like parsley, rosemary and mint, plus tomatoes and potatoes.”
Aleshia
Role: Funded Programs Team Leader
Plants: Many! She’s a self-confessed ‘plant addict’
“My plant collection started in last year’s second lockdown. From there, every time a lockdown happened, I would buy a new plant. There was one lockdown where I felt all the feelings, so I ordered multiple plants in one hit. The plants bring a really nice, calm vibe to my house, and have worked well in physically breaking up my lounge room which doubles as my office. My favourite is the peace lily because it lets me know when it needs to be watered by dropping its leaves.”
Raewyn
Role: Personal Care Attendant
Pets: Cats named Libby and Mickey
“Libby and Mickey are my world, and main source of company in lockdown. I’ve had Libby, who is now 13 years old, since she was six weeks old. And I adopted Mickey three years ago.”
Charlotte
Role: Personal Care Attendant
Pets: Rabbits named Betty and Theo
“We adopted Betty and Theo from the RSPCA two months ago for my daughter who has depression and anxiety. She loves taking care of people and her new pets Betty and Theo, it keeps her busy and makes her feel better about herself.”
Sheena
Role: Care Worker
Pets: Dogs
Here are Sheena’s girls.
Jayne
Role: Customer Service Officer
Plants: See office photo
Jayne had a dream to create a garden office. This is her progress so far.
Izabell
Role: Personal Care Attendant
Pet: Mylo
This is Mylo the chihuahua, adopted during last year’s lockdown. He’s 1 now.