Whenever we hear stories about community heroes, disability support workers are often at the top of the list.

They dedicate their lives to helping some of the most vulnerable people, providing care, comfort, and dignity.

What happens when the system lets down the people who care for others?


That's the heartbreaking reality for one former disability support worker.

Formerly a healthy mum of two, her life turned upside down after being exposed to appalling work conditions.

The mum, who refused to be identified, worked for Woodbine, a not-for-profit organisation supporting people with intellectual disabilities in Warracknabeal.

She was known for her dedication and has often gone the extra mile for her clients.


In late 2019, her commitment led her into a situation that would change her life forever.

While accompanying a client to the local hospital for several days, she was exposed to other patients with respiratory illnesses.

Soon after, she fell ill. After three weeks off sick, she returned to work—only to be sent into homes described as 'filthy', with urine and faeces on the floors.

'Mum didn't want to be rude,' the woman's daughter lamented.

'Woodbine was aware of the circumstances but there was nothing put in place to protect mum at all.'


The unsanitary conditions took a toll on the woman.

The worker developed a chest infection and pleurisy, or inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity.

Her health continued to deteriorate, and by March 2020, she was hospitalised and lost her voice completely.

Doctors diagnosed her with vocal cord dysfunction caused by recurrent infections.

The infections included a particularly stubborn form of pneumonia.

Six years on, she still could not speak for more than a few minutes at a time.

The woman has been living in constant pain and has relied on heavy medication throughout the day.


The woman's daughter stated that her mum's condition had a 'devastating' impact on their family.

She has been unable to work since her injury, and the financial strain has been significant.

'Day-to-day is pretty up and down,' her daughter shared.

'Mum was so passionate and caring for her clients. They were always treated as so much more than a job.'

'They were mum's world; she loved her job. It's just been really tough,' she added.

With the help of Shine Lawyers, the former support worker started seeking justice for her condition.

'There was no risk assessment when they sent her to the hospital,' Shine Lawyers' senior associate Nehad Elmassry stated.

'She complained about the environment the patients were in, and they still sent her.'

'She complained the patients were unwell, they told her, "Go do your job". Her condition continued to get worse. No one expects to go to work and lose your voice for the rest of your life.'


She has been receiving WorkCover payments at 80 per cent of her previous salary for over five years.

Yet, she has applied for a serious injury certificate to seek further compensation for her pain and economic loss.

The claim could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if she is unable to work again.

'The goal of the claim is more to be recognised, to be shown that what happened wasn't fair,' her daughter concluded.

'This has been a really lengthy process, and ultimately, she just really wants it to come to an end.'

The woman's case highlighted the need for robust workplace safety standards, especially in the care sector.

Her story should be a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who care for others—and the urgent need to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Have you or someone you know experienced unsafe work conditions in the care sector? What should be done to protect frontline workers more? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.