For as long as he can remember, Tony Petrin’s always had an adventurous side. He’s 36 years old and one of those lucky people who seems to have been everywhere and done everything. As somebody living with cerebral palsy, Tony decided long ago to live life without limits.
Tony joined the Northcott recreation program as a teenager and found himself hiking through the Tasmanian bush, camping beneath the stars in Canada, and reeling in fish from sun-glazed lakes.
Tony’s time with the recreation program left a lasting impression. He says, “I benefitted so much from all those incredible experiences. They’re more than memories; they helped me grow into the person I am.”
These days, Tony lives happily in United for Care’s Erskineville Vertical Village where he’s a Supported Independent Living (SIL) participant. But here’s the inspirational part; he’s also a support worker in the Northcott life skills program.
Tony says, “As I got older and began to live more independently, I decided it was time to give something back. Becoming a support worker was the natural way for me to do that. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Priceless Life Experiences
Before the days of the NDIS, Tony received support from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, which included physiotherapy, speech therapy and counselling sessions. After the NDIS launched, Tony was given additional funding for a support worker.
Tony says the inclusion of a support worker had an enormous impact on his day-to-day life. “We would garden together, do my speech therapy homework, or go to the swimming pool. We even cooked and sold a pasta sauce I made at Surrey Hills market.”
Tony’s support worker helped open his world up to endless possibilities. He says “I love going out, having fun, and experiencing new things. Now, as a support worker, I’m able to give other people that same level of enjoyment.”
Tony’s says his role enables him to share his love for the great outdoors, “We explore the parks around Sydney, catch the ferry to Cockatoo Island, or take the train to the Blue Mountains. We go just about everywhere. It’s an amazing experience for all of us.”
Going the Extra Mile
Having received support for so many years, Tony says he knows the difference between a good and not-so-good support worker. This understanding means he always goes the extra mile for the people he works with.
Tony says, “You’re not just there to help them in a basic way. You need to be empathetic, compassionate, and engaged. You’re aiming to coach them and become a positive influence in their life. You won’t achieve that just by making them a cup of tea.”
Tony believes one of the biggest challenges being a support worker poses is bringing a renewed sense of purpose to every interaction.
He says, “You might go bowling with someone and even though you’ve done that a hundred times before, you still need to make it a meaningful experience. The person you’re supporting can pay for the ticket, learn how to position the ball, and even order their lunch. It’s never just another trip to the bowling lane – it's a chance for them to develop new skills and grow as a person.”
Being a Role Model
As somebody with a lived experience of cerebral palsy, Tony says he’s able to give practical day-to-day advice that other support workers might not be able to offer. He says, “If somebody needs to find out about choosing disability accommodation, I’m in the perfect position to help them because I’ve been there and done that.”
On a deeper level, working with people who are living with cerebral palsy gives Tony the chance to set a good example. He says, “I might be with a teenager who uses a walking frame or struggles with speech. When they see me walking into a coffee shop and ordering a coffee, I become a role model. They look at me and think ‘If he can do it, I can too’.”
Tony understands that being somebody people look up to comes with responsibility. He says, “It motivates me to be the best version of myself and do everything I can to help them develop.”
Learning Together
While Tony embraces his position as a role model, he believes it’s important to stay on the same level as the people he supports.
Tony says, “When you support someone, you shouldn’t take over the activity. Instead, you do it with them. If you go to the zoo for the day, you can look at the map, discuss what animals you want to see, and plan your route together. It’s not just about leading them round the zoo. It's a chance to really be with them and share an experience.”
Tony believes this approach helps people reach higher levels of personal growth. He says, “If you get on their level then you can engage with them. When people are engaged, they can absorb something new and develop. The key to mentoring is to drop the idea that you’re the teacher. You can just relax, have fun, and focus on learning together.”
Looking to the Future
With a rewarding job and a comfortable home in Erskineville, Tony says he’s more than content. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t planning the next chapter in an already eventful life.
Tony says he wants the next phase of his career to be about training and upskilling other support workers. His combined experience of living with cerebral palsy and being a support worker make him the perfect candidate for this role.
When asked if he would encourage other people living with disabilities to become support workers, Tony says “Absolutely. It’s a job that a lot of people would find extremely rewarding. If you’re living with a disability, it makes it easier for you and the person you’re supporting to relate to each other. It’s a dynamic that works perfectly.”
Crucially, Tony also believes that living with a disability and supporting others sends out a powerful message. He says, “It shows everybody that people living with disabilities can do anything they set their minds to. If you follow your passions, work hard and believe in yourself, sky’s the limit.”
Ready to Begin a Journey of Discovery & Independence?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) by United for Care offers a personalised service that empowers you to live a fulfilling life on your terms. With our expert support, you can explore your passions, build meaningful relationships, and experience the freedom of living independently.
Join United for Care’s program of events and activities and discover the excitement of adventure. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Hunter Valley to the scenic beauty of the Blue Mountains, there's always something new to explore. And with a wide range of activities, from art classes to speed dating, you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with others and make new friends.
Don't miss out on the chance to live a life filled with adventure, connection, and independence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your NDIS goals and live a life you’ll love:
.webp)
