“We’re acutely aware that once they turn 18, our support ends. They may not have family, they may not have friends, but they’ll always have themselves. So, we strive to build positive connections and independent living skills – that’s 90% of our job.” 

Growing up on the South Coast, Temika always had a strong desire to help others. At 20, she joined the Army and found herself travelling the country as part of the Intelligence Corps.
“I did all the coordination getting troops in and out of the country, doing their pre-employment. It was a lot of fun,” she recalls. “It’s actually where I met my husband.” 

But even while enjoying her career in the military, Temika felt something was missing.
“I still had this deep desire to help disadvantaged people. I didn’t really get that with the military. So when I left and became a stay-at-home parent, I thought, now is my time to incorporate raising my own children and helping disadvantaged children as well.” 

For 13 years, Temika and her husband fostered children alongside raising their own family. The experience deepened her passion for making a difference.
“In high school, I loved my HSC subject, Community and Family Studies. I scored really well in it because I had such a passion for wanting to help young children and disadvantaged people,” she says. 

When the time came to return to full-time work, Temika wanted to combine her Army skills with her love for children. Through her fostering experience, she had built relationships with case workers and realised residential care was the right path forward. 

She began as a Support Worker in CareSouth’s Interim Care Model, where children with lower needs stay temporarily while foster placements are arranged.
“They live together in a family home on a street like any other. The team comes in and out over the day and night on shifts. You’re essentially their parent while you’re on shift, managing meals, school runs, and after-school activities.” 

It wasn’t long before Temika stepped up as a Team Leader.
“I wanted to work with external organisations like the Department of Communities and Justice. When I stepped into the role, I was like, this is for me. I love engaging with different providers and seeing how we can all come together to help these children.” 

Her journey is a great example of how CareSouth nurtures talent and provides opportunities to grow. What started as a Support Worker role soon became a leadership pathway, and now Temika permanently manages an Intensive Therapeutic Care Home in Batemans Bay, for children with complex needs. 

For Temika, building bonds is at the heart of the work.
“I’m always open and honest, always transparent with them. I say, if you’re open and honest with me, I’ll be open and honest with you.” 

Often, progress starts small – getting into daily routines like waking up at 7.30am, having breakfast, or attending school for just an hour.
“This week we celebrated that they went to school Monday and Tuesday. We were like, this is amazing, boys, look how far you’ve come. Some of these kids may not have a background of being celebrated, so that’s new for them.” 

As a leader, Temika also puts great emphasis on supporting her staff.
“I’m not going to lie, it can be really awesome helping these children, but it can also be really draining as there are a lot of emotions involved. I check in and debrief with my team constantly. Being part of an organisation like CareSouth means we’ve got that support structure around us too.” 

She’s passionate about welcoming people from all walks of life into Support Work.
“To work in our Interim Care Model team, all we require is that you’re working towards finishing a tertiary qualification in the next 6 months in something like community services, counselling, or youth work. If you’re willing to learn, show up every day, and give these young people the respect they deserve, that’s all I ask.” 

She proudly shares stories of her diverse team:
“I’ve got a lady in her 60s who brings the ‘Nana vibe’ to the house, which the kids love. I’ve just employed a chippy by trade, and for the boys he works with, he’s the first positive male role model they’ve had. He’ll fix bikes with them and it’s just so wholesome.” 

Community connection is also a big focus.
“They’re at the skate park every day, at the BMX track, or out collecting bikes during council clean-up to fix up together.” 

Looking ahead, Temika is focused on preparing young people for independence.
“We’re acutely aware that once they turn 18, our support ends. They may not have family, they may not have friends, but they’ll always have themselves. So, we strive to build positive connections and independent living skills – that’s 90% of our job.” 

If Temika’s story has inspired you, there’s never been a better time to consider a career with CareSouth. As Temika’s journey shows, Support Work can be the start of a rewarding career path, with clear opportunities to step into leadership roles and grow within the organisation. Support Workers come from all different backgrounds, ages, and experiences. It’s a willingness to learn, show up each day, and make a difference in a child’s life that sets you apart. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Support Worker and building your own career with CareSouth, reach out today.