Life Is Worth Living

14/11/2025

✅Careers Expo Highlights – What an Inspiring Day! 🥳

Today’s Careers Expo at Newcomb Secondary College was such a fantastic experience. Year 9 students took part in a fun speed-round rotation, moving through different industry stations every six minutes to explore a range of career opportunities. This wonderful initiative, delivered by Jen Martin, program coordinator from The Smith Family, in partnership with local schools, is all about opening young people’s eyes to what’s possible.

I was honoured to open the event by sharing my own career journey including how my path into disability support began. I also spoke about Tracey, the very first person I ever supported when I entered the disability sector 13 years ago.

What made today even more special was having Tracey attend the expo in person, supported beautifully by her InLife worker Anastasia. Seeing both shine and engage brought everything full circle. 💛

I reminded students that careers aren’t straight lines. They zigzag. They rise, dip, restart, and surprise us , and every twist helps shape who we become.

Thank you to all the industry professionals, school staff, and organisers who created such an energetic, hands-on experience for these students.


🙏

30/10/2025

🚗💨 Wheels to Freedom!

The wait is finally over - and what an incredible moment worth celebrating! 🎉

Thanks to the NDIS, one very proud community member has just received his brand-new assistive technology mobility aid… and today we took it for its first official spin! 🦽✨

We headed straight to the stunning Geelong Waterfront, with the Spirit of Tasmania in the background reminding us just how big the world can feel when independence opens up. 🌊🚢

This new AT isn’t just equipment — it’s choice, control, and a whole new level of freedom to enjoy community access, adventure, and connection.

Here’s to 5 years together, and many more milestones on the road ahead. ❤️

12/10/2025

Happy Birthday, Rod. Our veggie gardener extraordinaire! 🎉

When I first met Rod 13 years ago through Gateways Support Services, I was new to working in the disability field. From those early days, Rod has played such an important role in shaping how I understand the impact disability can have on a person’s life and equally, the value of a compatible support worker, and how much we as support workers can learn from the people we support.

Through our time together, Rod has helped me see the importance of recognising that everyone’s needs, goals, and preferences are unique. He’s reminded me that true support means tailoring our approach to suit each individual because no two people experience or respond to support in the same way.

Rod’s genuine feedback helps us to stay conected and adapt to his changing needs as he progresses on his life journey.

Rod’s love of gardening has also flourished over the years, becoming one of his greatest passions. Watching him nurture plants with such care and pride has been a beautiful reflection of his patience, dedication, and growth. 🌿💚 Not to mention his love of sharing his produce.

At Life Is Worth Living, we hold these same values close to our hearts. Our work isn’t just about care…it’s about empowerment, ensuring people have a voice, build confidence, and develop the skills to live life on their own terms. That’s what the NDIS is all about. Supporting individuality, purpose, and possibility.

Here’s to future growth, and achievements
Happy Birthday, Rod! 🥳🎂

03/10/2025

Celebrating 5 Years of LIWL Dedication

Today is a very special milestone for our Life Is Worth Living family. 💙

Five years ago, Keith joined our service and his very first shift was supporting Julia. Since that day, Keith has been a rock-solid, dependable, and compassionate presence in the lives of so many people here in our community.
His dedication to psychosocial support, his creativity in making people feel special, and his consistency week after week have been nothing short of inspiring.

From the little thoughtful touches (like maintaining a routine, making sure the new barista knows to include a traditional love heart in the foam 💕) to the big, steady support that helps people build confidence and independence while doing life, Keith has been there every step of the way.

✨ Today we not only celebrate Keith’s 5-year anniversary with LIWL, but also Julia’s birthday — a beautiful reminder of the journey that started with them both together on that very first shift.

We are so proud of the way Keith has become an integral part of our service, supporting participants to build confidence, create memories, and feel safe and connected in our community.

Happy Anniversary, Keith! 🎉
Happy Birthday, Julia! 🎂
And thank you both for being such an important part of our story. 💙

15/09/2025

A Full Circle Moment at The Nest
🦢 🦢 almost 7 years later,
I had surprise visitors today!

Bianca was our very first respite booking back in 2019, and sustrr Georgina proudly holds the record for the most bookings at The Nest and we know how she loves numbers!
Each of them had their own unique journey here, and then transitioning into alternative living all while being individually supported by our team with our unique level of care, respect and encouragement.

Although they stayed at different times, both sisters have a special connection to The Nest and to us. It was so fulfilling and rewarding to welcome them back today, sit together at the same kitchen table, and share laughter as we remembered funny moments and reflected on the many achievements they’ve made since their time here.

At Life Is Worth Living, we know respite isn’t just about short stays it’s about creating safe spaces for growth, confidence, and independence. Bianca and Georgina’s stories are a reminder of the lasting impact that comes from nurturing people to grow their wings in their own way. 💛

Here’s to celebrating memories🤩

19/08/2025

Celebrating 12 Years with Rod 😀😆😇🤪😎🤓
Being alongside individuals on their life journey is a distinct privilege, and today we commemorate 12 remarkable years of supporting Rod. 💙
Over this period, we have witnessed Rod’s remarkable progress, from developing confidence in everyday routines to actively contributing to the organisation of outings and identifying exciting community events and festivals.
This year, a notable highlight was Rod’s discovery of the Harry Potter Exhibition, which sparked unbridled enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment. His unwavering curiosity, determination, and enthusiasm continue to inspire those around him.
Rod, it has been an honour to accompany you on this journey and bear witness to your growth.
Keep up your gardening and cooking!
Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, achievements, and celebrations!

02/08/2025

There’s something truly soul-stirring about seeing my daughter Sharee featured in Dogs Australia’s “Dogs With Jobs” 🐾
She shares what Beatrix the Dobermann means to her, not just as an assistance dog, but as a true partner and anchor in her life.

“Beatrix isn’t just an assistance dog, she’s a partner, a companion, and an anchor in my life.”

These kinds of stories help others understand the profound impact of assistance animals. Thank you for using your voice, Sharee 💛



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Pfk61u5r/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Beatrix, the four-year-old Dobermann is a multi-purpose assistance dog for her owner, Sharee Hocking who is a dog trainer in Victoria.

31/07/2025

So proud to be part of this important project alongside my daughter Sharee, helping shape the future of inclusive education through co-design and lived experience. 💃

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, we’re highlighting The Gordon’s Co-Creation Team who are working to develop a TAFE Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion.

The team provides guidance, support and honest feedback on what we need to do, to make TAFE accessible and inclusive for all.

The new centre sets a new benchmark for accessible and inclusive learning for people with disability.

It is set to open in 2027. It has been co-designed with people who have lived experience with disabilities, including past and current students and their parents.

The Victorian Government is supporting the centre with a $36 million investment, providing inclusive spaces and environments for social and learning experiences.

Read our blog for more information ➡️ https://loom.ly/SvXaWKI

Pictured: Britta Helen Kumashev, Polly Bennett, Josh Price, Sascha Marchionna, Alicia Martin, Raegan Cavagnino, Sharee Hocking and Trixie.

25/07/2025

Great people and friendly space - thank you for making me welcome today at the morning tea.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19knbfsRiN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Thanks to everyone who came along to Pear Tree Connect 🍐 🌳 🔗 at Rosewall Community Centre today, where we connected over a cuppa and some morning tea.

We didn’t even have time for Jenga or Scrabble!

The biggest challenge was trying to get it back into the box.

See you on Friday August 22nd for our next one at 9:30am - 10:30am.

Cheers,

Dr Rob 😎

25/07/2025

Community, Connection & Feeling at Home💕

At Life Is Worth Living, we’re proud to support people in discovering places where they feel welcome and connected 🤝

These moments capture the warmth of community engagement, from sharing a song and jam session and pizza at SIMMA, our local inclusive music group, to enjoying a friendly chat by the waterfront or lunch at a local venue.

And for one of our participants, connection comes alive each week at The Valley Inn, a local Geelong business that continues to go above and beyond to create an inclusive, welcoming space. Its’s great catching up with familiar faces or meeting someone new and become a favourite spot for lunch, socialising and feeling right at home.

Whether through music, coffee, or community conversation, we see the impact these small moments have in helping people grow in confidence, build friendships, and feel part of something bigger.

Because Life Is Worth Living
especially when lived in connection with others.

09/07/2025

We love The Aviary Cafe and support all they do. 🙏🏠

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CCafDBkc4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

There’s something powerful about coming together over food.

Whether it’s a Monday night dinner, a quiet chat at The Aviary Café, or a BBQ — meals create space for connection, friendship and laughter.

In our latest blog, we reflect on how food is helping build a stronger, more connected Norlane — and why food justice and belonging go hand-in-hand.

👉 Read the full story: https://shorturl.at/cq6aJ

29/06/2025

🌟 Thank You, Sharee 🌟 This week we say farewell (for now) to our much-loved team member, Sharee, who has been with Life Is Worth Living for six incredible years. Sharee has made a lasting impact through her unique work supporting people to train their dogs as assistance animals, sharing not just her knowledge, but her lived experience with genuine dedication.

Her encouragement, empathy, and practical wisdom have supported many individuals to build independence and connection. Her approach has always been grounded, compassionate, and quietly powerful.

As Sharee steps into a new chapter focusing on her TAE studies to be a trainer and extending her contributions through a local puppy school, we know this isn’t goodbye, just a pause. She’ll always be part of the Life Is Worth Living family.

Thank you, Sharee, for everything you’ve brought to our community 🐾💛
A little memory below as you celebrate your retired assistance dog, Echo”s 14 birthday

In this segment, Pooches at Play co-host Gyton Grantley talks about the many reasons that people decide to become dog trainers. Gyton meets with Sharee Hocki...