This month we sat down with John Hollingworth, who provided a glimpse into his life and his role at Rural Lifestyle Options Australia as a Lifestyle Support Worker.
What are you responsible for? I'm responsible for supporting the participants in their lives. Whatever they decide to do, and however they want to do it, it is my role to support them to make it happen. My role is to empower participants to experience things they didn't realise they could do. In a respectful manner, my role is to remove any feelings of limitations to what the participant thinks they can do. What do you consider to be your strengths? My strengths are to connect with the participants to listen and to give them space to grow. I don't go in with any pre-conceived notions. I don't try and change who they are. I just support them to be the best versions of themselves. What is an unknown fact about you? I enjoy camping and fishing and I'm currently getting into kayaking. I like getting out into nature. I guess that isn't necessarily an unknown fact about me but it is definitely something I enjoy. What drives you nuts? When people overlook the simplicity of life. You need to enjoy the small things. What are your interests? My interests are around how people tick; how people interact with life; and how they react to circumstances. I'm currently studying a course on Indigenous Studies which is exploring the impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in today's society. It fascinates me how much of the history is lost; and how it has influenced and is continuing to influence today's society. This is what I'm interested in at the moment.
What is your favourite food?
My favourite food is Indian. My favourite restaurant at the moment is a place at High Gate Hill. They do fantastic Indian and it is very cheap. It's beautiful. I enjoy all the hot foods there but if I had to pick a dish, my favourite would be the Chicken Biryani.
What was the last song you listened to?
'The Wall' by Pink Floyd. It is reminiscence of my childhood and I recently bought the CD.
What was the last TV show you binge watched?
The last TV show I binge watched was The Marvellous Mrs Maisel. It is set in the late 1950s and is about a female comedian who is struggling against society's norm about what a comedian should be.
What is your favourite work tip? My favourite work tip is the 'Three M's' - the meals, the meds and the money. Get all three right and the rest of your shift will be fine. How do you like to receive feedback? I like it given straight and direct. Don't try and sugar coat it.